Need Advice re: Susan G Komen

[Sky King]

Susan,

What a quandary, ugh. I appreciate that you are also concerned for your supplier. I had a great conversation with a friend who said "why celebrate cancer?" that is her perception of SGK. So let's celebrate life, living, biking, each other - why I have always liked the Life is Good logos

Good luck with the decision and I will do my best to purchase a jersey or something from TE to help shoulder the cost of any loss of income from the decision to not bring in the SGK clothing.

[Crankin]

The whole "pink" thing has always pissed me off, as if you were "for" breast cancer if you didn't buy into it. I did a walk one year, on the urging of a friend, and it was way too much pink brainwashing for me. I would much rather give to a local hospital or institution (like the Brigham or MGH) that does real prevention, research, and care.
Just my opinion. I wouldn't have bought the product before and I won't buy it now.

[TsPoet]

Surprising how many "wouldn't have bought it anyway", and I'm another one.
But, I guess I "forgive" SGK, they claim their decision was not based on politics, and I'd like to cut them a break and believe them. They've also fired a sacrificial lamb and apologized.
All of the objections to SGK are valid, but big organizations like that do get attention, we've all heard of them! and that's what's needed.
Sorry you are having to make this decision.

[Susan Otcenas]

I'd like to thank all of you for your thoughtful answers. It was a big help.

I'm inclined to cancel the order based on your feedback. I've sent an email to the vendor and am waiting for a response.

[redrhodie]

I bought a Shebeest pink ribbon Jersey from TE a few years ago, way before knowing anyone with BC, or having it myself (in hindsight, it's kind of freaky). At the time, I ordered it because of the fabric (bamboo), color and cut. It's still one of my favorites. The ribbon wasn't a deciding factor, but I thought,"cool, a great jersey, and some proceeds go to charity." I don't even remember what charity was being supported, but I would have bought it anyway. Now that I have BC, I guess it means more, or at least it looks that way.

So, here's my question... if you really loved one of these jerseys; it's the perfect cut, a color you've been dreaming of (with no elastic in the waistband!), would you still not buy it because of the Komen kerfuffle?

[Blueberry]

So, here's my question... if you really loved one of these jerseys; it's the perfect cut, a color you've been dreaming of (with no elastic in the waistband!), would you still not buy it because of the Komen kerfuffle?

My answer would be absolutely yes - I would not buy it. There are certain things I will not buy for ethical reasons (not getting into those here, as it's OT), and sometimes it can be less than convenient. Suffice it to say, once I've decided I'm not supporting something for moral or ethical reasons, I will not support it. No matter how much I like/want it.

[redrhodie]

I'd cancel, Susan.

[Bike Chick]

My answer would be absolutely yes - I would not buy it. There are certain things I will not buy for ethical reasons (not getting into those here, as it's OT), and sometimes it can be less than convenient. Suffice it to say, once I've decided I'm not supporting something for moral or ethical reasons, I will not support it. No matter how much I like/want it.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

[katluvr]

This has been an interesting thread. I read it this AM before work. I HAVE done the SGK 5k...of course my first time was many years ago when I think it was more grass routes. I have not done it lately as we have done other events (races/rides) that have been on the same weekend. We have contributed thru the "sleep in" option. I have not researched them enough to know where or or much of the $$$ really reaches folks. Sadly I think (IMO) that once a charity starts grass roots...as it grows (if it grows) it becomes more of a corporation and thus less $$$ goes to "charity" as it goes to "run the business". Maybe I should check out more the charity events I do. Mostly I do runs/races/rides based on how "well organized" the event is and if I have fun. (Is that self-centered). As for the current issue---yes it bothered me. And darn it it was politics and big business that caused the decisions. I am glad for the outcome. As for would I buy it...most likely I would not have even before. Most of my charity advertisement and support come for event/race registration or t-shirts. It was also interesting that TODAY I received an email from the SGK corp. regarding the recent events. And it talked about how much $$$ went locally for mammograms or breast cancer treatment. I think for a charity to survive in todays financial environment must be hard. Maybe I am naive.
As for where my "Breast Cancer" support is going this weekend (BTW both mom & sister are survivors)...I am doing the 26.2 with Donna in Jacksonville Beach. I am doing the 1/2 marathon. It has been around for 5 years..this is my 4th year of participating. Why do I do it? It is well organized AND the community support along the race course is PHENOMENAL!! And I THINK the $$$ goes locally to Mayo Clinic, but I really don't research it well.

However, Susan, I think you have your answer. I think you are great for asking. I hope it does not affect you vendor relationship.

K

[amb]

I love me some pink (the color, not the ribbon) and I will NEVER support SGK again. There are plenty of other charities that will do more with the money.

On a side note, whoever mentioned "Life is Good"......I went into the LIG store at Mall of America last year and asked if they carried cycling jerseys. The clerk said no but she'd pass on my suggestion. I doubt it made it to anyone but I'd love a LIG jersey IF it wasn't short and wide like there current ladies tops.

[szsz]

would you still not buy it because of the Komen kerfuffle?

I would not.

I am a breast cancer survivor. I like pink. I would support a different breast cancer charity jersey. Never again Komen. That ship has sailed.

[marni]

another bc survivor here, but I do not like pink, I do not wear it, and I support my own choice of charities. Komen was one of the organizations I contacted when I was first diagnosed looking for information, support groups. They didn't help me with that at all but have been bugging me for donations ever since.

The one charity that was most supportve, at least as far as information, questions, log book for treatments etc . was the live strong foundation.

I never did find a support group but at this point that is irrelevant.

The closest thing I will ever wear to a branded garment is a commemorative t shirt from a local organized ride, and that mostly because they are usually sponsered by local businesses that I support anyway.

marni

[Pedal Wench]

Wow. I'm going to be the only one on the other side of a very, very big fence.

My sister is a BC survivor, and I've personally had many scares, resulting in 8 biopsies of various forms. That's led me to become very, very involved with the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walks. Been captain of the cycling route safety crew in many cities. I see those survivors walking, and I see the families of victims giving everything they can to help find a cure.

When news of the kerfuffle came out, I was angry and frustrated, but I remembered my 3-Day family, and the survivors who received concrete help directly from SGK.

I would definitely buy one, and I know many, many, many other women (and the men on my bike crew) who would too. If SGK was pulling their money from PP and donating it to save the unicorn, then question it. But they're trying to still focus on saving women's lives.

[Artista]

Pedal Wrench, while I was one of the posters who would not buy these items, I want you to know that I respect your opinion and admire you for expressing it. Susan will benefit from hearing all points of view. Hugs to you and your sister.

[carolp]

so much has come out about sgk since the Planned Parenthood debacle. They spend way too much of their money on advertising and first-class plane tickets. I have supported them in the past, but after looking at their finances, I will never support them again. There are so many organizations out there that have a much smaller overhead with more money going to research and treatment. No way I'd wear one of their jerseys and no way do I think you should order them.