PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Known for its many years in the battle against breast cancer in our region, Susan G. Komen Philadelphia will close its offices permanently. The closure comes as part of a national reorganization of Susan G. Komen that is happening across the country.
The local closure had been brewing since April. Komen underwent a legal reorganization from a model with independent affiliates to a model with a strong, centralized headquarters.
Many Komen affiliate offices have already closed, and more are in the process of doing so across the United States.
"I'm sad to say that October 30, it will be our last day at the Philadelphia affiliate," said Elaine Grobman, CEO of Komen Philadelphia. "It's been a tough day."
Grobman was instrumental in the founding of the Philadelphia affiliate. After serving as its executive director, she helped to grow the organization into one of the most successful affiliates nationwide.
"I remember the first year, 1991 and Phyllis Roseman, the chairman at the time, we stood on the (Art Museum of Philadelphia) steps, and thought, 'Will anybody come?'" she recalled.
That year, more than 1,900 people came to the inaugural Race for the Cure on Mother's Day. Over 30 years, Komen Philadelphia grew the event to upwards of 100,000 participants.
It became a Mother's Day staple for many, broadcast live on CBS3 in recent years and reported live on KYW Newsradio.
"To the advocates to the survivors, to the sponsors, the success of Susan G. Komen Philadelphia is really their success," said Grobman. "They helped make us 30 years successful and accomplished for the community."
Susan G. Komen changed the dialogue nationwide, raising money and awareness about breast cancer. Since 1991, the Philadelphia affiliate distributed more than $63.7 million in community grants, contributed approximately $28 million for breast cancer research and funded more than 184,550 free mammograms for women in need within its service area.
In addition, the group distributed $40,000 through a new Patient Assistance program. They even raised $500,000 this summer in the middle of a pandemic.
"The community never let Komen down, they never the survivors down," Grobman said, with gratitude.
But changes came. In 2019, Komen Philadelphia ended its annual Race for the Cure.
In its place, they started their More than Pink Walk. This year, they held the event virtually.
While local offices close, annual events and services will remain.
"So much of the way that you've come to know Susan G. Komen will continue," said Komen spokesman Sean Tuffnell.
He maintained that Philadelphia patients will still be served and that Komen staff will be located in the area.
"Komen will still be around," agreed Grobman.
But she won't be. She has decided to leave the organization.
"What will I do on Mother’s Day? That's what my kids and grandkids keep saying because we've done it so long," she said with a chuckle.
Grobman said she's a community-oriented person. But her mission to help women will never change.
"I will always be in the fight," she pledged.