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‘Big Wigs’ Raise Critical Funds to Fight Breast Cancer Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, through a partnership with GE HealthCare, is raising tens of thousands of dollars to support its mission to save lives. Here’s how.
IMAGES: COURTESY OF THE SUSAN G. KOMEN FOUNDATION
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his spring, if you walked into a GE HealthCare office, you might have spotted a straight-laced executive wearing … well, an incredibly goofy pink wig. No, leadership had not instituted an interesting new dress code – these folks were raising money for an important cause. Since its founding in 1982, the Susan G. Komen Foundation has invested nearly $3.6 billion in research, advocacy and patient support services to advance the fight against breast cancer. Komen has made critical progress in the fight thanks to the passionate dedication of its donors, volunteers and partners. Over the past 30 years, Komen’s research funding contributed to the development of 31 lifesaving, FDA-approved breast cancer drugs. This work couldn’t be done without the support of many partners, such as GE HealthCare, one of Komen’s biggest supporters. That brings us back to those funny wigs. Through the annual VIPink BigWigs ambassador program, GE HealthCare raises money for Susan G. Komen. The program, which ran from March to April this year, enlists leaders to each raise at least $5,000 by donning their own pink wig – styles vary – and rallying support. GE HealthCare ambassadors have raised more than $240,000 since 2016. Peter Arduini, president and CEO, was crowned the “Biggest Wig” last year after raising nearly $90,000. “Throughout
The Komen Patient Care Center is your trusted source for breast health information, services and resources. Navigators offer free services to patients, caregivers and family members. Call 1-877-465-6636 or email helpline@ komen.org. To learn more about VIPink and this year’s campaigns, visit komen.org/VIPink.
my career, I’ve learned that change requires bold ideas,” Arduini says. “And sometimes that means donning a pink mullet and wigging out.” GE HealthCare and Susan G. Komen are also members of the Early Detection Saves Lives Coalition, advocating for policy change. Recently, the coalition pushed for Gail’s Law, which removes cost barriers to supplemental and diagnostic breast imaging. On March 19, after years of advocacy, Gov. Tony Evers signed it into law. “Participating in this cause allows me to connect with passionate individuals who share a common goal, ending breast cancer for good,” says Jeannette Bankes, CEO of patient care solutions at GE HealthCare. Over 20 years ago, George Vidonish, GE HealthCare’s chief of staff, had a personal brush with breast cancer when his aunt was diagnosed. The experience encouraged him to join the fundraiser. “The odds suggest that cancer could touch another person in my family, and I want to change that equation,” Vidonish says. Nikki Panico, executive director of Komen in Wisconsin, faces breast cancer herself. “I see firsthand the difference leadership and support for Komen’s mission can make,” she says. “The GEHC VIPink BigWigs go beyond fundraising. They raise awareness and inspire action. I am truly grateful for their dedication and the meaningful impact they make in our community.” ◆ MAY 2 0 26 | 7