SOUTHFIELD, Mich., April 5, 2011 — Rodger D. Young, a successful complex commercial litigator and local Bloomfield Hills resident announced today that he has accepted an invitation from Nancy Brinker, founder and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cureâ, to serve as one of the organization’s Global Ambassadors.
Brinker founded the organization that bears her sister Susan’s name in 1982, shortly after she died of breast cancer at the age of 36. Fulfilling the promise she made to her sister to end the pain, fear and hopelessness caused by the disease, Brinker broke the silence around breast cancer and Komen for the Cure is now the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures.
Global Ambassadors assist Susan G. Komen for the Cure in its mission to end breast cancer by supporting the organization’s growth and programs at all levels; expanding its network of global health leaders; fundraising; and representing Komen at speaking engagements, conferences and other public appearances.
As an Ambassador, Young joins a group of fellow community and business leaders that includes Oracle Corporation President Safra Carz and The Carlyle Group Co-Founder and Chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts David M. Rubenstein, among others.
“I am honored to have been asked to serve in this important role for Susan G. Komen for the Cure,” said Young. “Breast cancer is something that has touched many of us in one way or another and it is humbling and inspiring to be a part of a global movement that has invested nearly $2 billion since its inception to build awareness, drive research and, most importantly, change lives.”
Young is managing partner and lead litigator for his Southfield, Mich.-based law firm Young & Susser, P.C. In 2007 he was appointed by President George W. Bush as one of five United States Delegates to the United Nations General Assembly. He has received numerous professional recognitions, including being listed in the Best Lawyers in America (2006); Michigan Super Lawyers (2006); The Detroit News, “Top 100 Litigators in Michigan” (2006); and Chambers USA, “Best Commercial Litigators in America” (2006). He is also the co-author of West Group’s book Michigan Civil Trials and Evidence.
Young, a resident of Bloomfield Hills, is a graduate of the University of Montana and the University of Minnesota Law School.
More information about Susan G. Komen for the Cureâ can be found on the organization’s website at www.komen.org.
More information about Young & Susser, P.C. can be found on the Firm’s website, http://www.youngpc.com.
Rodger D. Young
Global Ambassador for Susan G. Komen for the Cure
What prompted you to accept the position as Global Ambassador for Susan G Komen for the Cure?
I am honored to have been asked by Nancy Brinker to serve as Global Ambassador. Susan G Komen for the Cure has raised an astounding $1.5 billion for the fight against breast cancer since its inception in 1982. I am humbled and inspired to be apart of a global movement that raises awareness, drives research and changes lives. In Nancy’s new book, Promise Me, she sets forth the moving account of how her late sisters death inspired her to start the Foundation. The rest is history!
What will you do as Global Ambassador to make a difference? (What is a Global Ambassador?)
The key roles of a Global Ambassador are to expand international breast health awareness and support global expansion programs locally, regionally, nationally and globally. I will be supporting many groups and organizations in addition to helping to guide major fundraising efforts around the world.
Who are some of your fellow Global Ambassadors?
There are about 15 Ambassadors. I am privileged to be among an esteemed group of community and business leaders. They include the President of Oracle Corporation Safra Carz; jewelry designer Kara Ross; philanthropist and respected Business woman Stephanie Siegel and David M. Rubenstein, Co-Founder of The Carlyle Group and Chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Why is the fight against Breast Cancer so important to you?
Breast Cancer is something that has touched us all in one-way or another. Whether it be a family member, friend, coworker or neighbor, we all know someone who has faced breast cancer. One in eight women will hear the words – “You have breast cancer.”
With so many different organizations out their fighting breast cancer, why Susan G Komen for the Cure?
Susan G Komen is not only the global leader in this fight, it is an amazing and inspiration “story.” Susan G Komen, during her fight against breast cancer, chose to spend her final days finding ways to make life easier for others fighting the same battle. Though Susan lost her battle, her sister Nancy Brinker was so inspired by her sister’s commitment and compassion that she vowed to use all of her efforts to stop breast cancer. That story is reflected in the hearts and efforts of each person involved with this organization.
What would you say to those who want to get involved in the fight?
I would tell them that the first step is education. It is important that everyone understand what breast cancer is, the risk factors, and the importance of early detection. After that, there are many great opportunities to get involved as a fundraiser, a volunteer or both. We have the 20th Annual Susan G Komen Detroit Race for the Cure coming up on May 21, 2011 and the 2011 Michigan 3-Day for the Cure on August 12-14, 2011. These are great opportunities for get involved, increase awareness and raise funds to support the fight against breast cancer.
