It’s amazing what can happen in one week’s time. If you’d told me a week ago that the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and 3-Day communities would be so divided, I wouldn’t have believed it. And yet here we are: many supporters confused and torn; several having jumped ship; and some surprising new supporters coming out of the woodwork. I myself was sick this past week, so while I haven’t had much time or energy to respond to the situation, I was able to keep an eye on the pulse of the various media, commentary, and backlash around Komen’s decision to change their grant funding requirements. With the wounds still fresh, I’m here to give my take on the situation, and most importantly, why I will continue to support the Komen organization and participate in the 3-Day for the Cure events.

Regarding the specific edict made by the Komen organization (and its reversal on Friday), I haven’t made my own personal decision on which “side” of the issue I agree with, simply because I don’t feel I have enough of the facts right now. Whenever something like this happens, I like to do thorough research, and better understand all of the data before coming to a final conclusion. Regardless of whether I decide to agree with their choices or not, I do remain firm in my position: this event has not changed my support for the Komen organization, nor will I discontinue my participation in the 3-Day for the Cure event. To me, the impact of this pales in comparison to the overall beneficial work the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization has done in the past 30 years and will continue to do for years to come in the fight against breast cancer, an important piece of this debate that I think many have forgotten. For a history lesson behind Komen and all that they’ve accomplished, visit Komen.org or pick up a copy of the book “Promise Me“.

I’m not here to debate the issue of grant funding, nor do I want to instigate any more of the shocking negativity I’ve witnessed in the past week. For today, I am simply here to say that I am “pro-cure”, and will continue to be a proud member of the “Pink People”.

“Don’t let one cloud obliterate the whole sky.” – Anaïs Nin

You might be thinking, “How can she be proud and part of an organization that did such controversial things?” I can easily for two reasons: 1) Having worked in the corporate world for over 13 years, I understand how businesses sometimes have to make tough decisions that might not be popular to the general public; and 2) because of the dignity and respect shown by the Komen organization to the public and their supporters in the past week. I believe that Komen is still dedicated to the fight against breast cancer, and that they are constantly reassessing how their donor money is spent to ensure that they are making the largest impact in finding a cure. This may mean making some difficult changes that many disagree with, but I believe they are doing it for the overall good of the cause.

As for their response each day last week as the opposition grew, while some may say they may not have been “on top” of things from a PR standpoint, I felt that Komen responded actively, and more importantly positively. While the CEO and founder of Susan G. Komen, Nancy Brinker publicly released the video below, as a member of the 3-Day community of volunteers, I received a separate email from the organization that not only reassured me of the organization’s continued commitment in the the fight against breast cancer but also recognized the great effort we 3-Day volunteers go through in our commitment to the organization.

Here’s a small excerpt from that 3-Day email:

“No group associated with Susan G. Komen for the Cure works harder than all of you who participate in the 3-Day. The energy and passion you demonstrate through involvement with the 3-Day is an inspiration to all of us. Regardless of the ongoing debate, we need to step back and remember why we all got involved in the first place. We are united in our energy and our passion to eradicate breast cancer. What can never be debated is that our fight against breast cancer cannot be sidetracked. On that we know we all stand together and we thank you for your shared commitment.”

A smart tactic in damage control, perhaps, but as a person who’s devoted the past six years to fundraising, walking, and crewing with the 3-Day for the Cure event, I really appreciated being directly addressed, and recognized during this challenging week. While some have chosen to part ways with the 3-Day for the Cure and Komen over the hot issue, for those of us that still remain as supporters and committed, we will have an even harder uphill battle now with fundraising and recruitment given the extra negativity and dissension this situation has brought on, so receiving this simple message means a lot to those of us that haven’t wavered. As someone whose loved ones have been impacted by cancer, I am passionate about being a part of the cure, and believe I can have a greater impact by being a part of such a large force in the fight against cancer as Komen. And being a part of the 3-Day for the Cure event is about the biggest, boldest, and most positive statement you can make in this fight.

“Associate yourself with people of good quality, for it is better to be alone than in bad company.” – Booker T. Washington

I’ve seen a lot of negative comments and actions towards the Komen organization in the past week, some constructive criticism, but most destructive, bordering on bullying. I respect and support anyone’s position and decision in this debate, however I draw the line when the commentary becomes abusive and slanderous. I was particularly saddened this past week to see some of it come from within our own 3-Day community, who are some of the strongest advocates for the organization. Aside from the organization itself, Nancy Brinker, the CEO and founder of Komen who in the memory of her sister has spent the past 32 years of her life dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer (also a BC survivor herself), came under harsh attack, some of the comments being downright disrespectful to her and her sister. Ms. Brinker is a personal hero of mine, so it does pain me to see all of this negativity thrown her way given all that she has sacrificed and done for the world. While being completely unproductive, it also taints and mars the history of an organization and woman who have helped saved so many lives, some I’ve had the honor of walking with in the 3-Day.

Thankfully, I witnessed some people (including local Komen affiliates) address the issue in a productive fashion by posting petitions to Facebook and Twitter, and sending emails to Komen if they felt the decision needed to be reconsidered. My heart hopes that these constructive actions are what ended up influencing the change on Friday to reverse their original decision. However my gut fears that all of the negativity and bashing is what really made it happen.

Unfortunately, even with the original decision reversed, it’s left a dark shadow over the organization and those of us left who continue to support them. Today on Twitter I heard the following story of what a Komen supporter experienced when wearing a pink ribbon shirt to the store:

“I was innocently making a salad when a woman came up to me, said, ‘This is what I think of you,’ and grabbed my salad and dumped it on the ground.”

Grade school bullying antics aside, what people like this don’t realize is that for those of us that are truly dedicated in the fight against cancer, we are strong, passionate, and unwavering. We knew joining the battle that it wouldn’t be an easy road, and we’ve faced adversity in the past. We’ve already experienced the hurt and pain that comes with cancer. So these actions will not stop us. However, we are a group that is based on love and positivity, so if you don’t agree with or support us, then let us be to continue the fight on our own. We respect your beliefs and decisions, so please respect ours. Your negativity is only a distraction and taking away time and energy that could be spent productively elsewhere in making a difference.

To my wonderful donors over the years, I thank you for all of your generosity. You can rest assured that your donations in the past have helped out tremendously in the fight against breast cancer (visit last year’s Report Card for more details). If you choose to no longer support the Komen organization and my 3-Day fundraising efforts, I completely support and respect your decision. If however, you continue your support and contributions in the future, I thank you in advance, and sincerely appreciate your help on this journey in the fight against cancer. You are making a difference!

To my fellow 3-Day participants, I know we’ve had a challenging week. To those who’ve decided to withdraw your participation and support, I also respect your decision, and don’t doubt that it was a tough one to make. To those who choose to continue participating in the 3-Day with me, I am honored to walk and crew beside you, and look forward to the inspiring journey we have ahead.

To those that are still on the fence and undecided, please make your choice carefully. The 3-Day world is one of love, respect, courage, positivity, and inspiration. There is no room or place for negativity. If you cannot leave any differences or negativity you feel behind, then perhaps it’s time to hang up your walking shoes. Because the 3-Day world is such an amazing experience, I can’t imagine anyone wanting to walk away. But we need people that are 100% dedicated. If you no longer feel that way, thank you for your time and past efforts. Please excuse the rest of us as we continue the fight. There is much more work to be done.

And for anyone who’s interested in making a bold statement against breast cancer, consider joining the 3-Day community, and signing up for a 3-Day event this year. We’d love to have you! Learn more about the event in the video below.