Peoria in Peoria County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Susan G. Komen
Born October 31, 1943, Susan (Suzy) was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1977, a time when little was known or understood about the disease. People didn't say the words breast cancer aloud, and many thought it was contagious. On her deathbed, Suzy asked her sister to promise to do everything she could to end breast cancer so that others would not suffer as she did. After nine operations, three courses of chemotherapy and radiation, Suzy lost her three-year battle on August 4, 1980 at the age of 36.
In 1982, to keep her promise, Suzy's sister, Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, established the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The organization was renamed Susan G. Komen for the Cureฎ in 2007.
The promise between two sisters launched the global breast cancer movement, and it has become the promise of millions around the world. Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives and end breast cancer forever, and it is the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.
Erected 2009 by Susan G. Komen for the Cure Parkview Cemetery Illinois State Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Science & Medicine • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is August 4, 1980.
Location. 40° 42.783′ N, 89° 36.874′ W. Marker is in Peoria, Illinois, in Peoria County. It can be reached from North University Street north of West Nebraska Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Marker is by the rear mausoleum in Parkview Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2001 N University Street, Peoria IL 61604, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Illinois River Valley. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Peoria's Historic Brick Boulevard (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Peoria Grain Trade / The Charles H. Feltman House (approx. one mile away); Bradley University Home Plate (approx. 1.1 miles away); Bradley University Football (approx. 1.1 miles away); Armstrong Homestead (approx. 1.1 miles away); Pulsifer's Grove/John C. Wynd Residence (approx. 1.2 miles away); The Gipps Brewing Co. / The Ballance-Herschel House (approx. 1.2 miles away); Moss-High Historic District / Bush House (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Peoria.
Also see . . . Our Mission and History. First-person account and timeline by Nancy Brinker about her sister Susan Komen, her sister's battle with breast cancer and the formation of the eponymous organization. (Submitted on October 11, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 10, 2021
4. Susan G. Komen Grave Marker
This plaque on her mausoleum crypt reads:
Susan G. Komen
Oct. 31, 1943
Aug. 4, 1980
In life, a cherished daughter,
beloved mother and devoted sister.
In death, a Promise and a Race for
the cure so that others might live.
In the hearts of millions, a name of love
and compassion that shall live forever.
Oct. 31, 1943
Aug. 4, 1980
In life, a cherished daughter,
beloved mother and devoted sister.
In death, a Promise and a Race for
the cure so that others might live.
In the hearts of millions, a name of love
and compassion that shall live forever.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 11, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,179 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 11, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.


