Komen’s community of fundraisers is full of people who go above and beyond in their commitment to help end breast cancer. The Fundraising Legends Club recognizes those individuals who raise at least $2,500 through the 3-Day, MORE THAN PINK Walk or Race for the Cure, honoring their leadership and commitment to making a lasting difference.
Nancy’s Story: Fundraising with Purpose After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Every Fundraising Legend has a reason that drives them to go further in their breast cancer fundraising. For Nancy Dango, that motivation came after she received a diagnosis at 42.
“I had no family history, and I thought, ‘If I can get breast cancer, then anyone can,’” she said. “I wanted to help others who might be afraid after receiving a diagnosis. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and Komen does such wonderful things for the breast cancer community.”
Nancy partnered with Mary Pawlowski, a local hairstylist living with metastatic breast cancer, to form a friends and family team for their local MORE THAN PINK Walk. In 2025, their team, Hope Has No Boundaries, raised more than $24,000 and earned recognition as the top friends and family team. Individually, Nancy raised over $8,000.
“It’s hard to ask people for money, but I think of the power of the ask,” she said. “It has to come from your heart. I’m not asking people to donate to me. I’m asking them to donate to a wonderful charity that is helping the women and men fighting this disease and educating people about breast cancer.”
Arlene’s Story: Personal Experience Inspires Fundraising
Like Nancy, Arlene Atkin finds sharing her personal connection to breast cancer is one of the most powerful ways to inspire others to give.
“When I was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer 28 years ago, I didn’t talk much about it outside my personal circle,” she said. “But I was always looking to connect with other people who had been through a similar diagnosis.”
Fast forward to 2018. While reading Johnson & Johnson’s internal newsletter, Arlene noticed an announcement about forming a company team for the MORE THAN PINK Walk.
“That’s when I realized it was now or never,” she said. “I stepped out of my comfort zone and decided to be more public about what I had been through with my diagnosis.”
Arlene joined the team, and by 2021, she became the team captain. Along the way she learned the impact of sharing her story.
“You get more responses when you make it personal,” she said. “It’s so important to inject your personality into your fundraising and not just stick to the boilerplate message.”
Her strategy has paid off. In 2025, Team J&J raised more than $31,000 for the MORE THAN PINK Walk. Individually, Arlene raised over $16,000. She attributes the team’s success to the support provided by company leadership.
“A lot of companies – especially in corporate America – recognize the fact that we have to give back, but community service is really ingrained in the mission of J&J.”
Recognition that Motivates Fundraising Legends
Fundraisers like Nancy and Arlene exemplify the impact of reaching the $2,500 milestone, an achievement recognized through the Fundraising Legends Club.
Because of their extraordinary fundraising efforts in 2025, Arlene and Nancy were recognized as members of the inaugural class of the Fundraising Legends Club. Each year, fundraisers who reach the $2,500 milestone are honored for their accomplishments with the opportunity to be recognized as a Fundraising Legend.
Membership includes a certificate, lanyard and commemorative lapel pin, as well as opportunities to attend exclusive educational webinars and receive event recognition.
More Than a Milestone: What Inspires Fundraising Legends
Nancy thrives on the challenge of meeting and exceeding fundraising goals. “You need to offer a challenge to people to work toward,” she said. “I loved getting the pin and lanyard. I wore it proudly and people recognized it.”
Arlene finds inspiration in the leaderboard, which highlights the top fundraisers across the country. “Seeing the amount of money being raised is amazing,” she said. “It’s just incredible what some of the fundraisers have achieved.”
Nancy added, “It’s exciting to see all of the big hitters out there across the United States.”
While both women appreciate the recognition membership in the Fundraising Legends Club provides, they both agree it’s more than achieving a goal or being recognized.
“The recognition is great, but it’s the paycheck of the heart that really does it for me,” Nancy said. “It’s so uplifting to go to the Walk and see all the survivors and women in treatment who’ve lost their hair and know that the money you raise is making a real difference.”
Statements and opinions expressed are those 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.
