Nearly all of us know someone – wife, mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, aunt, cousin, friend – who has been impacted by breast cancer. That’s why it’s so important to spread awareness and offer support to those whose lives have been changed by this disease.

Breast Cancer Overview
More than 180,000 women in the United States will learn that they have breast cancer this year. Some 41,000 women will lose the fight this year against this dreaded disease.

One of eight American women will face breast cancer during their lifetime. Breast cancer does not discriminate by race, ethnicity, economic status or age.

But there is some good news. Breast cancer death rates have declined in recent years. And there are currently 2.5 million breast cancer survivors across the country – women who have fought this battle and won. Medical experts attribute these successes to earlier detection of the illness and improved treatment. Early detection and access to medical care are key factors in these statistics.

Our Commitment
Knowing the toll this illness takes on the lives of our associates and customers, Kroger is continuing its commitment to finding a cure for this deadly disease and helping women and their families find the treatment and resources they need to face their illness head on.

With the help of key vendor partners who share our commitment to eradicating this cancer – and providing support to those who face it – the Kroger family of stores once again will be Giving Hope A Hand by investing $3 million for breast cancer awareness, treatment and research in the communities we share.

Funds raised by the annual cause-marketing campaign will assist dozens of local organizations fighting breast cancer in our communities across the country – supporting research projects, funding mammograms and educational outreach, and assisting local support groups for women and families. All of the funds are spent in the communities where our customers and associates live and work.

Our People
Thousands of Kroger associates across the country join in the fight – as volunteers and participants at dozens of fundraising events in our operating regions, including the Susan G. Komen For the Cure’s Race for the Cure® events, the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® program, and the Walk to Empower Mother’s Day events of Breast Cancer Network of Strength™ (formerly Y Me).

This year, a special group of our associates and partner’s associates who have faced breast cancer have bravely volunteered to share their stories – to offer encouragement and hope to others dealing with the disease. The stories on these pages will inspire and strengthen us all.