The Arkansas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure was incorporated in 1992 by Terri DeSio, Esquire. Since its founding, the Arkansas Affiliate has held 15 Komen Races for the Cure in downtown Little Rock, welcoming women, men and children from throughout the state.

The Komen Arkansas Race from its 15 races has raised almost $13.5 million that has been used to fund grants and educational programs which have provided support and information (focused on early detection) to thousands of Arkansas women and their families, and support national research.

The Race provides an opportunity to honor breast cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost the battle. Of the money raised through the Race, up to 75 percent stays in Arkansas to fund educational programs, while the remaining 25 percent goes directly to national research grants.

The Arkansas Affiliate has become a powerful voice for change through the passage of the Breast Cancer Act of 1997 which provides funding for the promotion of breast cancer awareness, mammograms, and treatment. A member of the Arkansas Affiliate Foundation board of directors serves as a member of the state Breast Cancer Advisory Board which oversees the funding provided by the legislation.