Susan G. Komen For The Cure®’s Circle of Promise Welcomes Gabrielle Union, Lalah Hathaway, Synthia Saint James as National Ambassadors

(May 29, 2008, Dallas)

Leading Hollywood Actress, Gifted Song Stylist, International Award Winning Artist Describe Why They Support the Fight to End Breast Cancer

Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s Circle of Promise today announced that three of today’s prominent African-American leaders – each with different backgrounds and personal stories – have united behind a cause that is empowering people around the globe to help end breast cancer forever. The strength of a community is built on the incredible resilience of its mothers, wives, and grandmothers. Circle of Promise is nationally represented by several prominent African-American women. Not only are these women accomplished individuals, but they are passionate about empowering their communities to help end breast cancer forever.

“Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s Circle of Promise campaign believes that every strong woman needs to have a strong support system,” said Katrina McGhee vice president of marketing for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “The advocates and ambassadors within Circle of Promise are that support system for the African-American community in the fight against breast cancer.”

Gabrielle Union

One of Hollywood’s leading African-American actresses, Gabrielle Union has secured starring roles, crossed racial lines, and is helping to pave the way for others. Her decision to partner with Circle of Promise comes from a passion that is very close to her heart.

“The fight against breast cancer is very personal for me. I have been touched by this disease as I watched girlfriends deal with their breast health concerns,” said Union. “Being part of their fight inspired me to raise my voice and become an ambassador to help other women. Black women face unique issues when it comes to breast cancer – it’s important to know the facts. We’re our own best health advocates.”

Union has two upcoming movies, “Meet Dave” co-starring Eddie Murphy, and “Cadillac Records” co-starring Beyonce Knowles.

Lalah Hathaway

The daughter of Donny Hathaway, one of the most influential soul artists of the 1970s, Lalah Hathaway is respected in her own right. She has developed a reputation as an artist with a unique and timeless sound, and as a gifted lyricist, who is emotionally in-tune with women from all backgrounds.

“The rate of Black women and girls diagnosed with breast cancer is rising at an alarming rate”, said Hathaway. “We are fighting a common enemy. Knowledge and having a take-charge mindset and attitude are critical weapons in the fight against this deadly disease. I became active because I want to be an ambassador of change. If I tell seven of my friends and they tell seven of their friends and so on, the circle will continue to expand and we’ll create a chorus of voices within the African-American community to eradicate breast cancer. I truly believe that this is a goal we can achieve together.”

Hathaway’s 4th solo album, “Self Portrait,” will be released June 3rd on the Stax Records/Concord Music Group label.

Synthia SAINT JAMES

Synthia SAINT JAMES is a multiple award winning artist, architectural designer, speaker, author and songwriter and now a Circle of Promise ambassador. She has gained international recognition for her work. She travels the world, inspiring people through speaking engagements, exhibitions, and unveilings.

“I am pledging to tell everyone I can to sign up for Circle of Promise and I plan to use the opportunities afforded me to raise awareness and money for this cause. By working with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, I am joining millions of survivors and activists around the globe in raising our voices against this disease.”

SAINT JAMES’ latest achievement is a signature painting for the Circle of Promise campaign. It will be unveiled at a private luncheon hosted by The Links, Incorporated, in Washington, D.C. on June 6. The luncheon will include many Circle of Promise ambassadors, corporate partners and advocates.

Circle of Promise ambassadors help spread the message that more African-American women are likely to die from breast cancer than any other race despite being the least likely to be diagnosed with the disease. These ambassadors work nationally and within their communities to urge others within the African-American community to reclaim their health and register at circleofpromise.org. Everyone can help to rewrite the story on African Americans and breast cancer by making a promise to practice breast self awareness, getting involved through Circle of Promise, and telling friends to join Circle of Promise.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure celebrates its 25th Anniversary of Komen Race for the Cure series, the largest series of 5K runs/fitness in the world, in Washington, D.C on June 7. Local ambassadors, advocates, and breast cancer survivors will come together to help raise funds for research, education, screening and treatment.

Launched in October 2007, the Circle of Promise
(www.circleofpromise.org) campaign was created by Susan G. Komen for the Cure to educate, empower and mobilize the African-American community in the fight against breast cancer. Through this effort, Komen hopes to rewrite the story on African Americans and breast cancer by decreasing the African American mortality rate, which is 18 percent higher than for Caucasian women. Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s Circle of Promise has joined forces with ESSENCE Magazine, Ford Motor Company and The Links, Incorporated to recruit 100,000 African-American women to join Circle of Promise and serve as local ambassadors within their communities.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, we have invested $1 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.