For more information on the Komen National Race for the Cure (R), visit the event Web site or call 703-848-8884. The 2005 Komen National Race will be held June 4th in Washington, D.C.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, recognized as a leader in the fight against breast cancer, today announced the 2005 Washington, D.C. grant recipients from monies raised at the 2004 Komen National Race for the Cure(R).

See the Web site for further information: www.natl-race-for-the-cure.org.

"These organizations are saving lives through critical outreach and education to the underserved populations in and around our nation's capital," said Susan Braun, president, Komen Foundation. "The grant program allows the Komen Foundation to extend its reach in improving quality of care and fighting disparity among key populations across the country."

In total, 23 local organizations received grants from funds raised at the 2004 Komen National Race for the Cure(R) for a total allotment of more than $1.57 million. The remaining funds raised from the event, nearly $1 million, will contribute to the renowned Komen Foundation Award and Research Grant Program, which supports groundbreaking breast cancer research, meritorious awards and educational and scientific programs around the world.

One local grant recipient, Pharia Le of Boat People, S.O.S., said the money will enable her organization to raise awareness in the Vietnamese community. "The Vietnamese population has one of the highest mortality rates for breast cancer because of the social taboos that prevent some women from getting regular screenings," said Le. "The Komen Foundation grant will help us raise awareness and increase screening rates which will ultimately save lives."

Boat People, S.O.S. provides needed breast cancer information and education to Vietnamese immigrants and refugees. Through linguistic assistance, local partnerships and intake for low- income women, the organization raises awareness and provides screening to Vietnamese women in Northern Virginia. Services include mammography screening, culture-conscious education and identification of health centers to serve low-income women.

Other grants awarded include:


Arlington Free Clinic 
Boat People S.O.S 
Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation 
Capital Breast Care Center 
CASA of Maryland, Inc. 
District of Columbia Department of Health 
George Washington University Hospital 
La Clinica del Pueblo 
Mary's Center for Maternal and Child Care, Inc. 
Mautner Project 
Nueva Vida 
Prince George's County Health Department 
Providence Hospital 
Shady Grove Adventist Hospital 
Sibley Memorial Hospital 
Suburban Hospital Cancer Program 
Washington Adventist Hospital 
Washington Hospital Center/Center for Breast Health 
Whitman-Walker Clinic

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Today, the Foundation is an international organization with a network of more than 75,000 volunteers working through local Affiliates and events like the Komen Race for the Cure(R) to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease. A global leader in the fight against breast cancer, the Foundation fulfills its mission through support of innovative breast cancer research grants, meritorious awards and educational, scientific and community outreach programs around the world. Together with its Affiliate Network, corporate partners and generous donors, the Komen Foundation has raised nearly $740 million for the fight against breast cancer.

For more information on breast health or breast cancer, visit the Foundation's Web site at www.komen.org or call the Foundation's National Toll-Free Breast Care Helpline at 1.800. I'M AWARE(R) (1-800-462-9273).