Goliath

We're all familiar with the David and Goliath story.  Goliath was a big cocky dude and David was a kid who defeated him in battle.  The story has come to symbolize the triumph of Israel, of good over evil, of monotheism over paganism.  I think its populist message brings a special message to our culture. 

From a size point of view, Susan G Komen for the Cure is certainly the Goliath compared to everyone else involved in breast cancer.  According to Charity Navigator, their gross revenues for FYE 2010 were $311,855,544.  


No doubt, being the king of the mountain makes you a target.  But Komen's recent release of a perfume (read here about the ingredients) has attracted a whole lot of attention.  I think lots of people thought it couldn't get any worse, but just when you think that... here it comes... a pink ribbon roller coaster. 

On June 7th, Advancing Impact, a website dedicated to issues of philanthropy asked its readers how a non-profit should respond to criticism.  Using Komen as an example, the author, Jen Price noted that their lack of response has caused a backlash to become an organized movement.  

A critical mass of concerned citizens, many of whom had supported Komen over the years, are now asking whether the ends justify the means.

Alicia C Staley

Then on Friday, June 10, Alicia Staley of Wego Health spoke out.  Her article, Komen's Wild Ride, is formatted as an open letter to the organization.  She details some of their most egregious steps in the past year or so.  From her piece:

I'm asking you to take a leadership role in addressing the lack of progress made for those facing the metastatic aspects of this disease.  The once mighty Pink Ribbon, used all these years to herald the importance of breast cancer awareness, is quickly becoming the poster child for cause marketing overload.  Don't make this your legacy and drag the rest of the breast cancer community down with you.

I have spoken out about Komen here and elsewhere, but do not wish for them to go away.  I believe they are still the leaders and if they retool their efforts, they can still have a huge impact.  The potential is undeniable.

To that end, I posted link to Alicia's piece, with a note that said :

"Please take notice of this: Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Cincinnati Affiliate and Nancy G. Brinker. This is a growing sentiment and we need your help."

$2 from each ride ($25-$45) goes to SGK

to my facebook wall.  I tagged the main Komen organization, my local affiliate and CEO Nancy Brinker in the post.

In less than a minute, Brinker removed the tag, "unfriended" me and blocked me from even seeing her page. 

I don't know how long they will go on making decisions that anger people, then completely ignoring criticism, but Goliath won't remain standing very long that way.  And we need Komen's help.