Photo courtesy of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
 

Sisters Susan Goodman Komen and Nancy Goodman Brinker

Enduring Devotion

 
In 1978, while serving as First Lady, Betty Ford had breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy. Susan G. Komen, known as “Suzy” to her friends and family, was touched by her bravery. “Nan,” she said to her sister, Nancy Brinker, “if Mrs. Ford can admit she has breast cancer and tell the whole world she intends to fight it, well, then, so can I.” While fighting for her life, Suzy thought of others who were going through the same struggle. The waiting rooms were sterile and uncomfortable, and Suzy deeply desired to see change. She told Nancy, “As soon as I get better, let’s do something about this. You can find a way to speed up the research. I know you can. And I want to fix up this waiting room and make it pretty for the women who have to be here. This isn’t right.” Due to a sisters’ bond that remains strong even beyond death, Nancy has made sure that Suzy’s dream came true.