We were distressed to receive an angry e-mail about what organizations Side-Out supports and thought it important to take a moment to clarify who The Side-Out Foundation is and how the funds you entrust to us are dispersed.

The Side-Out Foundation is not affiliated with Susan G. Komen for the Cure. While we respect Komen for its role in igniting a breast cancer movement, we are an independent non-profit organization. Every breast cancer organization operates under its own priorities, and it is very important to us that money donated to participants in our events supports research or education that Side-Out values most. The Board of Directors and Scientific Advisors who make these decisions are an esteemed group of professionals to whom we look for advice and guidance.

Although Planned Parenthood is an important resource for patients seeking breast cancer preventive services, Side-Out does not donate to any of its chapters. We dedicate the majority of donations to translational research for breast cancer, a revolutionary science that aims to achieve bedside treatment as quickly as possible. In addition to research, the foundation also allocates funds to organizations that provide compassionate support for cancer patients and their families. These groups typically offer education and counseling services for cancer patients and their loved ones as well as classes that teach exercise and relaxation techniques.

Currently Side-Out is focused on the Side-Out Protocol, a clinical trial for patients with metastatic breast cancer that uses targeted therapy to develop the best treatment plan for each individual, with hopes to begin the second phase of the clinical trial later this year. In addition, it recently donated $160,000 to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) to support the I-SPY 2 breast cancer clinical trial (a clinical trial for patients with early stage breast cancer).

Schools and clubs nationwide, both public and private, secular and religious, host Dig Pink events to benefit The Side-Out Foundation, and Side-Out is cognizant of its responsibility to consider the values and beliefs of these constituents. We are grateful that the volleyball community welcomed our organization and champions our cause, and we would never violate the trust teams put in us to utilize funds in a useful and respectful manner.

Below are some helpful resources about The Side-Out Foundation:

• Financial Information
• Volleyball Magazine’s “More Than the Pink”
• Side-Out Ambassador Program Awards
• Letter from Our Team

If you have any additional questions, please contact Julie at [email protected]