Many of us have heard of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, an organization dedicated to the issue of breast cancer, but have you ever wondered who Susan G. Komen actually was? This book, penned by Susan's sister, Nancy, provides insight to Susan's life, which ended much too soon, and the events that have transpired since.
Nancy and Susan were brought up in a loving, upper middle-class home in what Brinker calls "the land of milk and honey," or as the rest of the world calls it, Peoria, Illinois. Their mother always stressed the importance of charity, and that one person can make a difference, lessons both girls took to heart as they grew up and made their way into the world. When Susan, a young mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, it was not something that was discussed in polite company, treatment options were limited in her hometown, and, ultimately she passed away of the disease at the age of 36.
Watching her sister and best friend go through a slow and agonizing death, Nancy promised her sister that she would do what she could to improve the lot of other women who are diagnosed with breast cancer, in the hopes that they would not have to suffer as much as Susan. Now living in Dallas, Nancy uses her marketing background and wealthy social connections to build a movement that not only brought breast cancer to the forefront of the public conscience, it has raised millions upon millions of dollars to go towards researching a cure.
This book is a powerful testament to the power of the people - particularly in light of the fact that Nancy herself is a breast cancer survivor. There are several tales of other women's battles with the disease that are very poignant and moving. While the end of the book is too much about Nancy and less about her mission, this is still a worthwhile and important read for anyone who has dealt with breast cancer or is just interested in women's issues.
