4 Fans Sake pairs with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to end breast cancer, raise awareness

More than 120 breast cancer survivors and supporters attended a Komen for the Cure campaign kick-off reception at the Cubby Bear Lounge on July 31 to honor the work done by advocates and government officials in Chicago and the surrounding state—several of whom were in attendance at the event.
"We want to recognize the survivors and activists who are here tonight," said Komen Chicagoland affiliate Ruth Jacobs during her opening remarks. "These courageous women, by speaking our and telling their stories, have made Illinois a much better, much healthier place for all women."
Each year, more than 7,000 women in Illinois alone are affected by breast cancer; more than 1750 of them will die from the disease.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the world's largest breast cancer research and support network, contributing more than 1 billion dollars to the fight to end breast cancer in its 25-year history.
As one of 25 cities nationwide participating in the Community Challenge, the Chicagoland affiliate has raised more than four million dollars in grants for women in our area.
In an effort to raise awareness bout cancer and the health care disparities among Illinois women, 4 Fans Sake is proud to partner with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to honor and support the heroes in our community who have volunteered time and effort to the fight against breast cancer.
"On behalf of 4 Fans Sake, I want to welcome you to this event to help kick off Chicago's participation in the Komen Community Challenge, a nationwide grassroots campaign to focus attention on the disparities in breast cancer incidence and mortality," said 4fanssake Chairman and CEO, Eric Majeski.
"The 4fans sake organization is a potential Chicago Cubs ownership group working to give Cubs fans and residents an opportunity to have ownership stake in the running of the ream, as has been done with other successful sports franchises. As part of our community outreach efforts, we're supporting the Chicagoland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure."
After a welcoming introduction honoring more than 15 breast cancer survivors—some from as far away as Louisiana—local government officials, including Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn and Alderman Tom Tunney spoke on the on-going efforts within the state and local government agencies working to fight the disease.
"This is a devastating disease, but it is so curable when found early. Detection is the key," said Alderman Tunney. "We need to make sure every woman who needs a screening is able to get it. We need to make sure that no one is left behind because they don't have insurance or don't have much money.
"We're doing out part to improve health care in the City of Chicago, but we're also calling on the governor and the Legislature to fund screening for every low income and uninsured woman in our state."
As an active citizen and public official, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn has served the people of Illinois for more than 25 years, developing creative and innovative means of health care to those who need it.
Speaking about efforts at the state level to increase programs and funding for all Illinois women, he expressed his pride and interest in the work ahead, and offered a challenge to the individuals and officials of the state of Illinois.
"We are committed to increasing breast cancer funding in the state budget," he said. "We have set an ambitious goal, but we have the chance to meet it. Illinois has the chance to be a leader and show the nation how breast cancer can be beat. Let's take it.

4fanssake's participation as host for the Tuesday event is just one of many ways the organization plans on working with the community to support local non-profits and organizations in Chicago. Look for us throughout the summer as we work with other non-profits to support the Cubs, the fans and the community that unites us all.
For more on Susan G. Komen for the Cure, please visit: http://www.komen.org/