4.15.2011

A Response to Requests to Support Susan G. Komen

It amazes me how everywhere I look there is a pink ribbon and some portion of the proceeds of the sale of something I love goes to breast cancer research.  And not just any breast cancer research.  Specifically one company-Susan G. Komen.  It seems they have the monopoly over it all.  Despite this, it was a long time before I was infomred of the breast cancer and abortion link and the fact that Susan G. Komen donates all this money to planned parenthood.  But, thankfully, God surrounded me by the right people and I eventually learned this information.  Since then, I think it is important to share it with others that also may not know.  Especially because I am constantly being asked to donate to them-it seems Susan G. Komen is EVERYWHERE.  Oh, well, just that many more oportunities to spread the word. 

In fact, I got one of those emails today.  I was somewhat surprised to see it came from my church's parents with young children group.  She is doing the walk.  I immediately drafted a response and, in a somewhat bold move, posted my response on the list serve that the original email came from rather than drafting a private response.  My thinking was that it was best to inform all of them, just in case, though I can imagine it may be seeen as confrontational and unnecessarily taking additional potential donors away.  Perhaps I was willing to do this because I haven't been a member long and don't know the girls well, but I would like to think I would have responded regardless in this manner. (update-one girl just emailed the whole group in reply thanking me for my response, saying she felt the same way and it was important we spread the word-yeah!)

Below is my response.  I am including it for a few reasons.  First of all, to inform if you are not already aware of these things.  Second of all, if you like it, save yourself some time and keep it onhand when (you eventually will) you get approached to donate to this organization.  (I imagine the walk is coming up soon).  Finally, I would like feedback.  Is there a better way to say what I said?  My goal is to be information and not off putting.  These women and men usually, at least when they are participating in the walk, have close family members affected and the issue is near and dear to them.  I would love any recommendations on how to make this letter better-whether it be more resources you know of, some quotes or facts or citations to beef it up, or you just notice something that is unnecessarily stated in a way that would alienate rather than bring in others.  I appreciate your feedback!

""...once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act."

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X,


I am sorry to hear that your mom had breast cancer, but I am glad her story had a happy ending. I can't even fathom. I think it is wonderful you are taking some action and literally getting on your feet to make a difference.

Unfortunately, I can't sponsor you because of a conflict of interest you may not be familiar with. The Susan G. Komen foundation pours millions of dollars into donations to Planned Parenthood (who does manual exams, rather than provide mamograms with this money) and embryonic stem cell research. While I obviously support finding a cure for breast cancer and also adult stem cell research, I can't ethically financially or otherwise support embryonic stem cell research or the leading provider of abortions (by the way, there is research now showing a link between abortions and breast cancer).

You may or may not know these things already and if so, may or may not agree with me. I understand. I still appreciate you taking the time and effort to work towards a cure for breast cancer.

If you would like to donate funds to BOTH Research Breast Cancer & Protect Lives in the Womb, here are a few options...

1. Polycarp Research Institute (www.polycarp.org)

2. Breast Cancer Prevention Institute http://www.bcpinstitute.org/home.htm

3. AbortionBreastCancer.com http://abortionbreastcancer.com/

Best of luck to you,
WBR

14 comments:

Leila@LittleCatholicBubble said...

Bless you for this!!!! Well done. I've had to do it, too. Yours is an excellent template for people to use when they are asked. Short and sweet!

Second Chances said...

That's a great response! Can you tell me if the Avon walk is linked to Komen? I've been looking and looking but can't tell. I have a friend doing the avon walk.

Hebrews 11:1 said...

Wonderful! Very tactful and supportive, yet you stick to your guns.

Andrea Starosciak said...

I had no idea! Wow - how disappointing in that organization. Thank you so much for informing us! It is similar to a NY Times article I read about Warren Buffett's family foundation being the largest donor to PP and abortion training at 21 university hospitals across the US. Seems like such a sweet guy from Omaha until you realize that his family has been pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into abortion!

Kaitlin @ More Like Mary said...

Perfect! I'm bookmarking this!

WheelbarrowRider said...

I was thrilled to find out recently that the recipient of the letter had NO idea! I am not sure what her plans are now (if she will still walk, etc after soliciting her entire email address book), but I hope she takes the op to keep spreading this message. There were a large number of supportive posts that came after mine so I am glad to know that I am part of a group that truly upholds the teachings of the Catholic faith on LIFE! Woohoo! What a relief!
Andrea, I remember being sad when I learned that about Warren Buffet as well. I am glad you learned something new from my post and, please, pass it on!
SC, My sister sells AVON so I will find out for you.

JoAnna Wahlund said...

Terrific response! Kind, charitable, but truthful.

Danya @ He Adopted Me First said...

LOVE IT! Perfectly said...

Sew said...

Your about to get your booty handed to you! Great job! Please let us know the responses. :) I like someone elses drama! hahaha

Opps..>It's margarita friday! hahahaha

WheelbarrowRider said...

I am flattered, everyone, but I was looking to educate or get ideas for improving, not grow my own head! I have no need for more of that!:)

WheelbarrowRider said...

I went to an event with this group yesterday and was very thrilled to have the same people that supported my post and responded come up to me and thank me in person. No brownie points from God for this one-it was way too easy! I am sure there are some non supporters out there, but they didn't say anything on the email or otherwise. I am thrilled the group is Catholic more than just in name only!

Nicole C said...

Very glad you did this! God bless you for sending it to everyone. I'm all over this issue. I just wrote an article for our diocesan newspaper about it. I know so many people are not informed about it. The unfortunate thing is that even sometimes prolifers ARE aware of this connection, they try to justify it by using the "greater good" argument. I did my best to debunk that in my article. It's being edited now. I'm anxious to see how the real thing turns out in the paper!

Alive in HOPE! said...

Very well said. : ) I especially love how you began the letter by expressing true appreciation and ended the letter by listing ethical alternatives. Hopefully, this letter will be a beautiful seed...

My hat is off to you for having the courage to WALK your faith and values! Never an easy thing to do, but so very necessary. God bless you, J, for this wonderful witness!

Awaiting a Child of God:) said...

I would have never known!!!

I saw you followed my blog again:) I'm so excited and thank you so much for your support:) You are so special in my heart, as you were the first one to welcome me into this world. It is because of you that I was introduced into this blog world and found peace throughout my struggles with IF. Not to mention all the fabulous ladies I have now become friends with:) HUGS FRIEND:)