Komen Advocates in Science
Become a Komen Advocate in Science!
Komen Advocates in Science (AIS) is an exciting opportunity to contribute to finding the cures! Susan G. Komen for the Cure will soon be seeking applications from breast cancer advocates interested in participating in a range of scientific activities, most notably scientific review meetings to evaluate the merits of applications for research funding.
A breast cancer advocate is someone who works, through volunteerism or professionally, to reduce the burden of breast cancer in his or her community. Advocates may be men or women, laypersons or healthcare professionals, a Komen Affiliate volunteer or advocate working with another breast cancer organization. Many advocates are breast cancer survivors or have a family member or close friend affected by the disease. To be eligible to serve as a Komen Advocate in Science, advocates must be actively involved in addressing breast cancer issues in their community and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to improving the lives of those with breast cancer or those at risk for breast cancer.
Individuals interested in becoming a Komen Advocate in Science must complete an online application form, which includes a one-page statement of interest, and arrange to have a letter of support submitted on their behalf. Applications are accepted throughout the year, but are reviewed in three cycles. Applications received by:
- January 31 are reviewed in February and applicants are notified by March 1.
- May 31 are reviewed in June and notified by July 1.
- September 30 are reviewed in October and applicants are notified by November 1.
During the first 6 months of this initial launch, through September 30, 2008 applications will be reviewed more frequently based on the volume of applications received. Applications will be reviewed at least bimonthly and applicants will be notified about selection decisions immediately.
The online application is now available at www.komengrantsaccess.org. To learn more about Komen Advocates in Science, read our complete program description Learn More.
Komen Advocates in Science Spotlight
The AIS program would like to recognize Cheryl Jernigan for her steadfast commitment to breast cancer advocacy. Cheryl completed the Scientist?Survivor Program at AACR's Annual Meeting in 2008 and subsequently wrote an incredible article Whatever happened to the "War on Cancer?"
More about Cheryl Jernigan, CPA, FACHE
Ms. Jernigan is a 12-year breast cancer "thriver", choosing not just to survive but also to thrive post diagnosis. In addition, she has a distinguished background as a professional and civic leader, and health advocate in the greater Kansas City area and nationally.
Among her current community service roles, Ms. Jernigan is a founding board member and a past board president of the Greater Kansas City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure; Board President and founding board member of Turning Point, a non-profit organization which seeks to empower and transform the mind, body, and spirit of individuals, families, and friends living with serious or chronic physical illness by providing innovative education services and tools that inspire people to take charge of their illness and live life to its fullest; Immediate Past Board president and founding board member of Take Charge Challenge, a community-wide, year round corporate challenge designed to stimulate healthy behaviors and create a healthier Kansas City; and Chair of The Advancement Board for The University of Kansas Medical Center and The University of Kansas Hospital.
Nationally, Cheryl is the Affiliate Representative on Susan G. Komen for the Cure's Board of Directors. She also serves as the chair of the Board's Audit Committee, and a member of the Advocates in Science Steering Committee. In 2007, Cheryl was selected to be one of 55 international delegates to the first Global Breast Cancer Advocacy Summit which was convened in Budapest, Hungary.