Susan G. Komen affiliates in Wisconsin merging

Breast cancer organization Susan G. Komen is merging its three Wisconsin affiliates to expand efforts throughout the state.

A total of 22 counties are now served through affiliates in central, south central and southeast Wisconsin. The combined organization will be headquartered in Milwaukee and include current staff, volunteer leadership, fundraising and grant-making relationships. Services and annual events will remain unchanged.

"We know there are a lot of areas around the state that aren't covered. This is allowing us to go beyond the borders of the counties we're in. It's smart and strategic to combine our resources," said Nikki Panico, executive director of Susan G. Komen Wisconsin.

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Susan G. Komen Central Wisconsin includes Taylor, Lincoln, Langlade, Marathon, Shawano, Wood and Portage counties; Southeast includes Walworth, Kenosha, Racine, Waukesha, Milwaukee, Washington and Ozaukee counties; and South Central includes Sauk, Columbia, Dodge, Iowa, Dane, Jefferson, Green and Rock counties.

The organization is putting together a plan to expand services to more counties and raise more money to pay for programs in those areas, said Panico. Since the first Susan G. Komen office opened in Madison 19 years ago, followed by an office in Milwaukee the next year, $6.1 million has been granted for breast cancer research in Wisconsin and $17.9 million has been raised and given out in community breast health programs in the state.

Among them is the Komen Southeast Wisconsin Breast Fund, supported by Kohl's Cares, which provides financial assistance for poor people for mammograms, ultrasounds, biopsies and cancer treatment. For more information, (877) 910-7465.

The Komen Race for the Cure is scheduled for May 20 in Fitchburg, Aug. 13 in Wausau and Sept. 24 in Milwaukee.