The National Headquarters of Susan G. Komen restructured the organization into "One Komen" earlier this year. All affiliates across the United States, including the Arkansas Affiliate and the Texarkana office, have closed, becoming part of a united entity.
"The National Headquarters of Susan G. Komen has decided to restructure the organization to "One Komen" to ensure that the needs of those served will continue," said Amy Treadway, executive director of Susan G. Komen Arkansas.
Those in need of assistance from Komen now call 1-877-GO-KOMEN. The hotline will help set people up with the appropriate doctors, clinics, hospitals and anything else they may need. Educational materials will continue to be available on Komen's website.
"We want women to know that they don't need to be scared, that Komen national will still be available," Treadway said.
Texarkana's annual Race for the Cure, scheduled for October, was canceled this year because of COVID-19.
Komen officials hope the race and walk can be held again in 2021.
"Komen Arkansas has made the difficult decision to cancel the events scheduled for fall 2020," Treadway said in a June interview. "The well-being of all participants, especially survivors and those living with the disease was the number one priority."
The first Race for the Cure in Texarkana was held in the late 90s.
Local community-based fundraising and engagement will be critical to One Komen's ability to fund and support mission efforts. One Komen envisions having local walks and races with local Arkansas volunteer support.
Breast cancer survivors in Texarkana would like to see live events in 2021, but have not organized anything for this year.
The re-organization of Komen will also include changes in mission delivery and operations.
Over the last 26 years, the Arkansas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen has contributed $18.5 million to help men and women in the service area (68 Arkansas counties and two Texas counties) who are uninsured, underinsured and without access to quality of care for breast cancer. Komen Arkansas also has invested more than $5.3 million in international research programs to find more effective treatments and ultimately a cure for the disease.
Komen officials say that in this increasingly interconnected world, it is less important to have a physical location than the ability to meet people where they live and where they access care.
Komen will continue to provide resources through community funds, patient assistance funds, Breast Cancer Helpline (1-877-GO KOMEN or [email protected]), online resources at komen.org, a patient navigation program and a treatment assistance program. n