Update at 6 p.m.

So for those who have asked, here’s a list of the ways the American Cancer Society help all women, and men, regardless of incomes:

• They advocate for both federal and state funding for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program which brings lifesaving breast and cervical cancer screening, information and follow up services to women at highest risk – especially poor, low-income, racial and ethnic minority women.
• They advocate for increased government funding for cancer research at the National Institutes of Health, including the National Cancer Institute, and the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities.
• For 10 years, they’ve targeted research funds into studying poor and medically underserved populations.  Specifically, they’ve awarded 133 grants worth more than $113.5 million.
• Their in-house Health Services Research Program analyzes cancer treatment and outcomes focusing on defining the role of health insurance in disparities.
• There is no charge for any of their programs. For example, the volunteer drivers in the Road to Recovery program bring patients to appointments so transportation is not a barrier to treatment.

Update at 1 p.m.

It’s all over the news that the Komen Foundation says it’s reversing its decision. Here’s the statement:

The events of this week have been deeply unsettling for our supporters, partners and friends and all of us at Susan G. Komen. We have been distressed at the presumption that the changes made to our funding criteria were done for political reasons or to specifically penalize Planned Parenthood. They were not.”

The charity did not promise that Planned Parenthood will actually receive additional grant money, but said it would change its policies in a way that would make Planned Parenthood eligible for further funding.

END UPDATE Back to your regularly scheduled blog post

Besides supporting the American Heart Assocation, NYSUT, its locals and members also support the American Cancer Society.

Perhaps you’ve heard about the outcry over the Susan G. Komen Foundation? Here’s another take on why they will not back down and fund mammograms at Planned Parenthood. It’s not the first black eye the group has had over its policies.

So inquiring minds have asked about whether any of NYSUT’s work as a flagship sponsor of the Making Strides walks might somehow end up with the Komen Foundation. The answer is no. It all goes to the American Cancer Society, which by the way has a wonderful website filled with resources nationwide.

And since 2008 NYSUT and the American Cancer Society have partnered on a campaign to make sure those who are uninsured and can’t afford a mammogram to get one.