I AM IN DISBELIEF

TIMELINE FEBRUARY 4, 2010 8:32 P.M.

Imagine, just 7 days ago.
Here we are - everybody is signing up for the SGK 3-day. Message boards are coming out of the winter hibernation. Chatter is starting to appear. Excitement is starting to build. Talk of new teams and new people joining the 3 day family. That was 7 days ago.
What happened?
The family has all of a sudden became divided. Currently SGk is currently funding over 500 grants totalling almost $270,000,000.00(komen.org). Their was a controversy with the Planned Parenthood grant which last year was nearly $700,000(USA Today). Planned Parenhood had a profit of over $20,000,000.00(20 million.) If Komen stopped the grant, would Planned Parenthood folded up shop and said no more assistance in women needing screenings or medical assistance with breast health? If I understand things, the grant money must be used for breast health related expenses only. For that reason I am not opposed to the grant, but in contrast in 2009, our local hospital received a grant from Komen for over 59,000.00 That is about 1/8 of the PP grant. That is one small local hospital. Komen is worlwide and to say you are through with Komen is unreal!
Komen reversed its decision, but the bitter hatred is still there. We have become divided. Because of one decision, many of you want to cut ties with the SGK, cut ties with your 3-day family, find other organizations to donate, you know the rest.
Why did you become involved in the 3-day or Susan G. Komen for that matter. One important fact hasn't changed.
1 IN 8 WOMEN WILL BE DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER IN THEIR LIFETIME!
So you want to quit the fight. I have raised my shoe at closing for 3 years, going on 4. I made a promise that I would do what I could to end breast cancer forever. How many lives were and are changed by the Komen foundation. How many lives were saved. I am asking before you throw in the towel, remember the unity as like in D.C last year, 2500 people strong, together, hand in hand, fighting to do what we can to end breast cancer forever. Because you don't agree with one item. look at the big picture. We as a 3-day family need you. Don't let one decision break up the unity we all have together.
This is my 4th 3-day. I walk with the love of my life who was diagnosed with DCIS in 2007. This will be her 5th walk.I have met awesome people. People and events that I will remember the rest of my life.
Remember- WE WALK BECAUSE THE JOURNEY DEMANDS IT AND MOST IMPORTANTLY
EVERYONE DESERVES A LIFETIME

See you all in Cleveland,
Michael David Cleveland 2009,2010,2012
WAHINGTON D.C. 2011