Donations aid the battle against breast cancer

There are thousands of breast cancer organizations nationwide asking for donations to help the cause, but where exactly do all those proceeds go?

The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) puts their money toward helping affected women and giving them educational resources.

“Eighty-six percent of our proceeds go towards programs, patient services, mammograms and research,” Diana Trieu, Data Coordinator for NBCF, said.

“The other 14 percent goes towards fundraising and management.”

Trieu explained that the 86 percent includes breast cancer education programs and other awareness materials such as the “Early Detection Plan” and “Beyond the Shock.”

The foundation constantly works with hospitals they have partnerships with in order to assist women in getting mammograms.

They also encourage perspective donors to contribute $100 so women can get their mammograms for free.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is another well-known organization that partners with Zumba for the “Party in Pink” charity event.

This event is held in many locations across the nation, including the Four Seasons in Bloomington,  to raise money for the Zumba Global Research Grant for Breast Cancer Prevention.

“We are asking for a $10 donation for those who participate, but it is not required,” Cassandra Newman, marketing and PR specialist for the Four Seasons, said.

“We will also be selling pink ‘Zumba On’ T-shirts.”

Part of donations will fund a study administered by Komen and be led by a team of distinguished scientists.

The study will look at the effects of a compound in flaxseed called lignin on pre-menopausal women in order to find a safe and low costing solution to breast cancer prevention.

The Young Survival Coalition is another organization that aims to help young women who are affected by breast cancer.

The coalition does a variety of programs and provides free resource kits that give women a rundown of their diagnosis whether they are newly diagnosed or survivors.

Erin Hawkins, manager at the New York office, said a lot of the coalition’s proceeds go towards an annual conference.

The conference gives 500-600 women the opportunity to attend free workshops and seminars.

There are also classes, training and support groups provided.

To donate to any of the listed organizations, visit their websites: nationalbreastcancer.org, komen.org, youngsurvival.org.