Komen Texarkana is now part of bigger family.
"We have merged with Komen Arkansas," said Amber Lawrence, Southwest Regional director of Komen Arkansas.
Lawrence's previous title was executive director of Komen Texarkana.
"We are going to have a name change, but it is something that will make us bigger and bolder than we were before. We will still be serving our normal area. We will still have our Race for the Cure in Texarkana," Lawrence said.
Lawrence announced the merger Thursday at the annual "Tickled Pink: A Celebration of Survivors" luncheon at Texarkana Convention Center.
Sherrye McBride, executive director of Komen Arkansas, said the larger organization is excited to be working closely with Komen Texarkana, and the merger should be a smooth one.
"You should not see a lot of changes," she said.
Lawrence said the merger will mean "a few more pairs of arms to reach out to."
"I am excited about getting this journey started," she said.
Susan G. Komen is the world's largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit, while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Since its founding in 1982, Komen has funded more than $800 million in research and provided more than $1.6 billion in funding to screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs serving millions of people in more than 30 countries worldwide.
Komen was founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed her life.
The first Komen Race for the Cure in Texarkana was held in 1999. Since then, Komen Texarkana has raised $4.8 million.
The Arkansas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen was incorporated in 1992. Since its founding, the Arkansas Affiliate has held 21 Komen Races for the Cure in downtown Little Rock and has distributed more than $14 million throughout the state, funding breast cancer screening, treatment and education grants in its 63-county service area.