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 the Susan G. Komen organization and helped launch the global breast cancer movement, turning personal loss into a worldwide force for awareness, research, and hope. We created Race for the Cure, the world’s largest 5K run/walk series, which ignited a new model for grassroots fundraising and brought millions together in solidarity. With the help of passionate supporters and visionary sponsors, we invested over $3.6 billion in research, advocacy, and patient care — contributing to the development of 19 new treatments and helping drive down breast cancer mortality by more than 40%. Our work has reached women in over 60 countries and helped establish October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month — now recognized around the world as a call to action.
In the earliest days of our events, back in 1983, we used pink ribbons as a sign of solidarity. I never imagined they’d 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 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.