About Me
I’m Nancy G. Brinker — a daughter, sister, mother, diplomat, and advocate. I grew up in Peoria, Illinois, in a home filled with love, purpose, and a deep belief in service. When my beloved sister Suzy died of breast cancer at 36, I made her a promise: to do everything I could to end the disease that took her too soon. That promise became my life’s mission.
I founded Susan G. Komen and helped launch the global breast cancer movement, turning personal loss into a worldwide force for awareness, research, and hope. In 1983, we introduced the Race for the Cure, which grew to become the world’s largest 5K run/walk series — a groundbreaking model for fundraising events that united millions of people across the globe. With the support of dedicated communities and generous corporate partners, we raised more than $3 billion to support lifesaving research, education, and care. We also helped establish October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, now recognized around the world as a time to take action and honor those impacted by the disease. In the earliest days of our events, we used small pink ribbons as a sign of solidarity. I never imagined they would become a universal symbol — but I’m humbled that through this work, the world came to know the pink ribbon as a sign of strength, remembrance, and action.
Along the way, I served as U.S. Ambassador to Hungary and as White House Chief of Protocol, walking the halls of the West Wing and representing our nation with pride. I was honored to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 — a moment I shared with my mother Ellie, my son Eric, and the memory of my sister in my heart.
Today, I’m focused on the Promise Fund, a nonprofit working to eliminate barriers to breast and cervical cancer care for women in need. It’s the next chapter of my promise to Suzy — and I’m just getting started.
Contact
I always appreciate hearing from people who’ve connected with my story or shared in this journey. While I may not be able to respond to every message personally, please do write — your words mean more than you know. Thank you for reaching out.