Race for the Cure registration down after Komen controversy - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Race for the Cure is the biggest fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Central Indiana Chapter. Last year more than 37,000 people participated, raising $2.6 million for breast cancer research, screenings, and treatment.

"Last year alone there were 289 women in central Indiana whose breast cancer was diagnosed because of Komen funding those are 289 women who are still alive and walking around today because of money we raised at the race," said Central Indiana Executive Director Dana Curish.

This year, numbers are going in the wrong direction. Race registrations are down 30 percent, and fundraising is also down 18 percent.

The reason for the sudden decline likely centers around Komen's announcement on the national level to cut off funding to Planned Parenthood, a decision which was later revoked but not before causing major damage to the not-for-profit's reputation.

"What's happened with the national organization we're working on that they are working internally to try and change things but we can't let the women in central Indiana down," said Curish.

But even long time supporters are backing out because of the ordeal. On Facebook, Amy Lyday posts, "I have participated every year for a decade. I will not be participating anymore. I don't agree with funds raised to find a cure for cancer should go to Planned Parenthood."

Erica Voetsch adds, "Still undecided on participating due to the Planned Parenthood debacle. This has been a family tradition for years, after the loss of a great family friend to breast cancer."

Paul Hamilton says, "Not one cent for Komen ever again."

Organizations who depend on the funding are worried politics may hurt the people who need the most help.

The Little Red Door receives nearly $400,000 from Komen. That money helps low income women with everything from mammogram to wigs when they are going through chemo - none of which would be possible without those dollars.

"We've had a thousand women diagnosed through our program in the past month; eight women diagnosed and in this past week we've had three women diagnosed with breast cancer. Without Komen, none of that would be possible," said Amy Burhart, Little Red Door.

Another hesitation for many potential donors is where the money actually goes.

According to Curish, 25 percent goes to global research and 75 percent stays in Indiana for screening, support and treatment for low income women. Of that, 20 percent covers administrative costs.

For Adrienne Harlow, who was diagnosed at 19, her focus is on helping other women going through breast cancer.

"Anybody's opinion is their opinion. They can have it. But it doesn't change my opinion about Komen," said Harlow.

Komen believes funding could drop by one third, and that could mean some central Indiana women won't get an early diagnosis, ultimately lessening their chance of survival.