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. We created the 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 raised over $3 billion for research, advocacy, and patient care. We also helped establish October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a time now recognized globally as a call to action.

In the earliest days of our events, back in 1983, we used small 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.