Submitted by Leia Brune, Executive Director of Susan G. Komen

Every 12 minutes, a woman in the United States dies of breast cancer. In 2024, over 32,660 women in California alone are expected to be diagnosed. However, breast cancer deaths in the U.S. can be prevented with modern treatments and access to care.

Ever since Susan G. Komen was founded, the world’s leading breast cancer organization has taken a comprehensive approach to fighting breast cancer. It offers a range of services and care such as patient navigation, financial assistance, and emotional support while funding and advancing research towards a cure.

One individual who has personally felt the impact of Susan G. Komen's work is Claudia Bitterlin, the Honorary Survivor for this year’s MORE THAN PINK Walk in San Diego. Claudia, a mother of three from Encinitas, was diagnosed with triple positive breast cancer and stage two metastasis to her lymph nodes just months after giving birth to her youngest child. Her diagnosis was life-altering, and her journey to recovery involved a double mastectomy, four months of chemotherapy, and five weeks of radiation.  

Facing such an overwhelming battle at such a vulnerable time could have been isolating, but thanks to Susan G. Komen, Claudia found not only essential medical information, but also a supportive community to lean on.
 
Paula Schneider, CEO of Susan G. Komen, connected Claudia to a vast network of breast cancer survivors who provided guidance and emotional support throughout her treatment. This sense of solidarity and the wealth of resources that Komen offered helped Claudia and countless others navigate the daunting world of breast cancer treatment. 

In Claudia's own words, the warmth and camaraderie she experienced through Komen made an incredibly difficult journey a little less lonely.
 
As this year’s Honorary Survivor, Claudia has embraced her role as a powerful advocate for breast cancer awareness and support. As the captain of Team “ClaudieB!” in this year’s MORE THAN PINK Walk, she has already raised over $20,000 to fuel Komen’s mission programs. 

The funds raised by Claudia and others will go towards providing crucial services such as the Komen Financial Assistance program, which-in fiscal year 2024 alone-provided $754,000 in aid to 1,332 Californians undergoing treatment. These services make a tangible difference in the lives of patients by easing financial burden and providing the care they need to survive.
 
Claudia's story is a testament to how Susan G. Komen empowers individuals facing breast cancer, not only through treatment and support, but by fostering a community where survivors can thrive. As she continues to advocate for Komen’s mission, Claudia helps to save lives and bring us closer to a world without breast cancer.
 
To learn more about how you can make a difference, whether by participating in future events like the MORE THAN PINK Walk, volunteering, or making a donation, visit komensandiego.org or call 1-877-GO-KOMEN.