On August 14, 2020, BAPS Charities presented the Susan G. Komen Foundation with a donation of $25,000. The donation will be used to fund several ongoing initiatives including the Komen Covid-19 Action Fund, focused on supporting victims and survivors of breast cancer who may also be suffering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year marked the first year of an alliance between BAPS Charities and Susan G. Komen, the world’s largest research, resource, and advocacy organization dedicated to fighting breast cancer. Each year, over 270,000 American women and men are diagnosed with breast cancer and over 40,000 people lose their lives to the disease. The financial, emotional, and social impact is priceless.
Both organizations were on hand in Dallas, Texas for a limited, socially-distanced check presentation ceremony. Representatives from BAPS Charities presented the check to Susan G. Komen representatives, Melissa Riehl, Director of Philanthropic Relations and Emma Meyer, Project Lead of Cause Marketing and Corporate Sponsorship. “I want to tell you how grateful we are, how grateful Komen is for your partnership as I know it’s been difficult for you (BAPS Charities) as walks have been canceled, and you’re pulling together for this group and other organizations to donate and make this event happen. Thank you for your trust and for your belief in what Komen does”, said Melissa Riehl.
Initially, the Foundation was to be the national beneficiary of the efforts of about 25,000 walkers in the nearly 80 Walkathons that BAPS Charities convenes each year throughout the US. However, due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, all Walkathons were canceled for 2020. Despite these circumstances, BAPS Charities wished to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation, whose research, resources, and advocacy has continued to pave the way towards a cure for the deadly disease.
Nimisha Patel of Houston, Texas, a volunteer of BAPS Charities and a breast cancer survivor said, “It means a lot to me to know that BAPS Charities is helping other women who are fighting the same battle that I fought. I hope that this donation will help research new treatment plans to help not only those who have cancer but their families as well. I am excited that these two organizations, that I strongly support, are working together to help as many people as they can. They both give 100% of their effort.”
