This year, Bowl for the Cure celebrates 25 years of partnership with Komen. It’s a year-round fundraising initiative sponsored by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) that helps raise awareness for breast cancer through bowling. So far, Bowl for the Cure has raised more than $14.5 million for Komen.
“While we’re proud of the work that we do at the national level, it’s really the efforts and enthusiasm of bowlers across the country that make Bowl for the Cure what it is today,” said Chad Murphy, USBC executive director. “Together, we are working to accomplish a vision that we all share: a world without breast cancer.”
A Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Tammy has bowled in leagues for years and her association is a part of USBC, so she has participated in many Bowl for the Cure fundraising events. Tammy is also a breast cancer survivor. In 2023, she was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
Tammy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023.
“My breast cancer was caught very early,” she said. “I’m grateful for that.” Tammy’s treatment included a lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy. Because her breast cancer was estrogen positive, progesterone negative and HER2-negative, she is now on an estrogen blocker.
Today, Tammy is open to talking about the importance of breast cancer screenings with anyone – including strangers. She sports a bright pink streak in her hair, which is an opening to talk to others about breast cancer.
“It’s a conversation starter, which lets me talk about why screening and early detection are so important,” Tammy said. “I’m proof of that. When breast cancer is caught early, it’s more treatable and treatment is less disruptive.”
A Bowling League Supports Bowl for the Cure
It’s not just breast cancer survivors who are involved with Bowl for the Cure. This year, Teri and her bowling league will host their third Bowl for the Cure fundraiser. “It’s important for us to do this because four of our five board members have had breast cancer,” Teri explained. “I had two aunts who had breast cancer. I lost a friend to breast cancer. That’s why we do this fundraiser.”
Teri at a Bowl for the Cure event.
Bowl for the Cure Events
Bowl for the Cure has four major events with Komen throughout the year and they also offer a line of branded merchandise with 25% of sales benefiting Komen.
Learn more about Bowl for the Cure’s partnership with Komen. You can also host your own Bowl for the Cure event.
Statements and opinions expressed are that of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their health care provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.
