LOCAL LEGENDS NANCY G. BRINKER
Co-Founder The Promise Fund Brinker began her journey with a promise to her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would do everything possible to end the pain and hopelessness caused by breast cancer. In one generation, the organization that bears Susan’s name has changed the world. In 2010, Brinker released her New York Times best-selling memoir, Promise Me, an inspirational story of transformation from bereaved sister to the leader of the ongoing international movement to end breast cancer. From 2001 to 2003, Brinker served as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Hungary and served as U.S. Chief of Protocol from 2007 to 2009. In 2018, Brinker spearheaded the creation of The Promise Fund of Florida, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the outcomes and reduce deaths from breast and cervical cancers in South Florida. HOMETOWN: Peoria, Illinois EDUCATION: University of Illinois ACCOLADES: For her work on breast cancer research, Time magazine named Brinker to its list of the 100 Most Influential eople in the World. Calling her, “a catalyst to ease suffering in the world,” President Barack Obama honored Brinker with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor in 2009. Nominating Brinker to be U.S. Ambassador to Hungary, President George W. Bush said, “Nancy Brinker is a committed community leader whose efforts in the United States and around the world to raise breast cancer awareness have saved countless lives.” FAVORITE LOCAL SPOTS: Club Colette, The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, The New World Symphony in Miami GUILTY PLEASURE: Chocolate MEMORABLE WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE: We were waiting for the donated mammography machine to be delivered to our Promise Fund Screening Center and we were so excited. When it finally arri ed, I wanted to jump on the truck and unload it myself! Women were smiling and crying with joy in the waiting room. We have now screened, educated, and helped over 10,000 women in South Florida. FAVORITE QUOTE: “I never see what has been done; I only see what remains to be done.” –Marie Curie SOMETHING FEW PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT HER: I had signifi ant learning challenges—dyslexia—that were never clearly diagnosed throughout my education. SECRET TO HER SUCCESS: If I am considered successful, I would say the secret to that is persistence.
The Palm Beach 100
20
100 openers.indd 17
10/19/21 11:09 AM
