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The YMCA and American History

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:56:02 -0500

In addition to her work as a sales representative with Genentech, Susan Jankowski supports the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). Founded in 1844 as a way to promote mental, physical, and spiritual health among young men in London, the YMCA currently boasts a membership of more than 45 million people worldwide. Over the years, members of the YMCA have impacted a number of major events in the fields of sports, popular culture, and the military. Here is a brief overview of the myriad roles that the YMCA has played throughout its history in North America.

Wartime assistance – During the 1860s, the YMCA provided essential support, sheltering, and nursing services to those injured or displaced by the American Civil War. The YMCA also supplied more than $150 million in welfare for American troops abroad and contributed some 25,000 of its employees in military bases and units around the world. In addition to assisting Japanese-Americans in internment camps by organizing youth activities and helping young men leave the camps to attend college, the YMCA was instrumental in the founding of the USO during World War II.

The invention of basketball and volleyball – In 1891, a YMCA sports coach named James Naismith invented the sport of basketball to keep children active during the snowy winter months in Massachusetts. Four years later, a YMCA physical education director named William G. Morgan invented the sport of volleyball as a less intensive alternative to basketball for older members of the organization. Although the early rules of both sports were rough, they quickly gained momentum and became staples of American sports.

The Village People – In 1978, an American band known as the Village People released a song titled “Y.M.C.A.” The song, which featured popular dance moves, rapidly climbed the charts, reaching the #2 spot on the U.S. charts in 1979. Although many interpreted the lyrics of the song, which describe the virtues of the YMCA, as a representation of gay culture, lead singer and songwriter Victor Willis insists that the lyrics were meant to reflect the potential for fun among young urban African-Americans.

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 2011 Events, by Susan Jankowski

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:25:00 -0500

By: Susan Jankowski

As an oncology sales representative for Genentech, I regularly interact with physicians and other clinical staff who treat cancer. As a result, I strive to support research efforts that address various types of cancer, including breast cancer. Each year, Susan G. Komen For the Cure hosts Race for the Cure in various cities around the United States. Below I describe some of the events slated for 2011.

Atlanta, Georgia – Saturday, May 7, 2011 – Komen Greater Atlanta Race for the Cure

Register with a team or as an individual for this five kilometer run and one mile walk. Last year, 17,000 people participated; this year the organization hopes to attract 18,000 and raise $2 million! For more information about the Atlanta race, call 404-459-8700.

Minneapolis, Minnesota – Sunday, May 8, 2011 – Komen Twin Cities Race for the Cure

If you live in this area, you can choose from a variety of events, including two five-kilometer races, a 5K walk, and a 1K walk. All of them take place outdoors, except for the 1K walk, which will occur in the Mall of America. In conjunction with the athletic portion of the day’s activities, participants can also visit a Health Expo and a celebration in honor of breast cancer survivors. For more information about this race, call 952-746-1760.

South Bend, Indiana – Saturday, April 30, 2011 – Komen Northern Indiana Race for the Cure

The third such event in the area, participants register at Coveleski Stadium in South Bend. Organizers hope to draw 2,500 participants and raise $200,000. The night before the race, local oncologists have sponsored a concert featuring The Whistle Pigs. You can register for $30 ahead of time and $35 on race day. For more information, call 574-289-9828.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 20:46:49 -0500

by Susan Jankowski Atlanta
I proudly support Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a worldwide network of breast cancer survivors and their supporters. Facilitating breast cancer research, raising awareness, and working to ensure the highest levels of care for those battling the disease, Susan G. Komen for the Cure has invested approximately $1.5 billion in its efforts to date. Named in honor of a woman who faced breast cancer with bravery and strength, Susan G. Komen for the Cure was established in 1982. Since its inception, the organization has contributed a great deal to the fight against breast cancer, playing a critical role in advancing research responsible for saving millions of lives. Due in part to Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s efforts, nearly 75 percent of women age 40 and older choose to undergo a mammogram on a regular basis. As women’s awareness of the importance of early detection increases, the survival rates in America and abroad also rise; available statistics back up this supposition. In 1982, only 30 percent of women visited a physician for a mammogram. At that time, the breast cancer survival rate was 74 percent. Today, with a majority of the female population receiving mammograms, the 5-year survival rate has jumped to 98 percent. Currently, 2.5 million breast cancer survivors live in the United States. The federal government devotes notable resources to assisting Susan G. Komen for the Cure in accomplishing its mission, allotting more than $900 million to breast cancer research, treatment programs, and preventative education on an annual basis. When Susan G. Komen for the Cure came into being 18 years ago, the U.S. government contributed only $30 million to the cause. Research shows that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. Approximately 5 million Americans will develop breast cancer in the next 25 years. Of those diagnosed with the disease, an estimated 1 million will die. On a global scale, 25 million women will likely be forced to confront breast cancer, 10 million potentially falling victim to the ailment in the upcoming 2 1/2 decades. By supporting the work of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, these numbers will hopefully decrease significantly. To learn more about how you can join Susan G. Komen for the Cure in the fight against breast cancer, visit ww5.komen.org.