In 1997, a small group of volunteers decided to bring a Komen Race for the Cure® series event to the Wabash Valley. That inaugural Race, held at the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College campus, raised $30,000 with the help of local sponsors and 800 participants.

In 1999, the Wabash Valley Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established to create a year-round presence in the Wabash Valley. The Race for the Cure®, held every October, remains the signature event, but many other activities to promote fundraising, education, and recognition are sponsored by the affiliate and its corporate partners.

Over the last nine years, the affiliate has raised more than $900,000 and granted more than $500,000 to local healthcare providers to support women and men diagnosed with breast cancer. In addition, more than $220,000 has been contributed to the national research grant program of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.