symplr Partners with Susan G. Komen to Fundraise

One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, and on average nationwide, a woman is diagnosed with the disease every two minutes. To help in the fight against breast cancer, symplr announced a company-wide fundraising challenge that started on May 27 in support of Susan G. Komen,® the world's leading breast cancer organization.  

How symplr supports the Komen cause

The 2022 philanthropic efforts include a challenge among symplr staff that mirrors a Komen employee fundraising challenge. In addition, symplr is launching internal breast cancer awareness and education initiatives and sponsoring physical activities, including U.S. in-person walks / runs and “walk where you are” opportunities.  

symplr’s customers can also be involved by participating in events such as Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure and MORE THAN PINK Walks, both of which raise money to save the lives of women and men diagnosed with breast cancer. Members of the public can also conduct DIY fundraising using tools and guidance from Komen. 

These partnership and fundraising announcements follow the March 2022 appointment of BJ Schaknowski, CEO of symplr, to the Komen Board of Directors. BJ joins an elite group of 17 executives from across industries who help govern and advise Komen—the world’s leading non-profit breast cancer organization—in its mission to end breast cancer. Paula Schneider is president and CEO of Susan G. Komen®. 

Schaknowski recently conducted a multi-part interview with Schneider announcing the partnership and the fundraising activities. According to Schaknowski, symplr’s 2,000-plus employees will have the opportunity to be “pink-wearing advocates and evangelists” in the fight against breast cancer, should they choose to participate in the events.  

“Our goal at symplr is to always think about and prioritize purpose with profits. This incredible opportunity that we’ve been afforded to align with Komen helps us accomplish exactly that. We’re partnering with Komen because it’s the right thing to do and because it’s a place where we can make a positive impact—just like in our work with The DAISY Foundation,” said Schaknowski.   

About Susan G. Komen

Susan G. Komen is the world’s leading breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide.   

The organization advocates for patients, drives research breakthroughs, improves access to high-quality care, offers direct patient support, and empowers people with trustworthy information. Founder Nancy G. Brinker promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life. Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow’s cures. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with the foundation on social media at komen.org/contact-us/follow-us/. 

Facts and myths about breast cancer

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.: 

  • 3% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a "localized stage" (i.e., there is no sign that the cancer has spread outside of the breast) 
  • In 2021, an estimated 43,600 women died from breast cancer in the U.S. 
  • Men get breast cancer too, although it's rare. Approximately 2,650 men were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 in the U.S., and some 530 died from the disease 

Unfortunately, there is a great deal of misinformation about breast cancer on the internet and elsewhere. Common misconceptions about the disease include the following: 

  • Myth: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer.
    Fact: Most lumps are not breast cancer.
     
  • Myth: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are likely to develop it too.
    Fact: Having a family history of breast cancer does place women (and men) in a higher risk group, but most women who get breast cancer have no family history.  
     
  • Myth: Breast cancer only happens to older women. Fact: While it’s true that being born female and growing older are the main risk factors for developing breast cancer, younger women and men can develop the disease too.

Early detection of breast cancer can save lives 

Regular screening tests (along with follow-up tests and treatment, if diagnosed) reduce the chance of dying from breast cancer. Breast cancer screening tests are used to find breast cancer in people who have no warning signs or symptoms.

Overall, mammography is the most effective screening test used today to find breast cancer in most women. It can find cancers at an early stage, when the chances of survival are highest.

Susan G. Komen® believes all women should have access to regular screening mammograms when they and their healthcare providers decide it is best based on their personal risk of breast cancer.

Related content: 

Press release: BJ Schaknowski, CEO of symplr, named to the SUSAN G. KOMEN® Board of Directors

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