Cancer fundraising gone too far?

Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s partnership with KFC to raise funds and spread breast cancer awareness and educational messaging by selling chicken in specially designed pink buckets has generated considerable controversy, with some wondering what message this partnership is sending. KFC has pledged $0.50 to Komen for every pink bucket ordered by its restaurant operators during the promotional period, which will end May 30 or until supplies last, with a goal to raise more than $8 million; as of May1, $2,627,108 was raised. Some feel this is a drop in the bucket compared with the harm that is done by encouraging consumption of fatty, sodium-laden foods, which contribute to obesity and increase the risk of heart disease and cancer. Komen has earmarked 25% of the funds to be distributed to Komen’s 120-plus domestic affiliates in support of breast cancer programs in their communities, with the remainder supporting Komen’s national research and community programs. What do you think of this fundraising endeavor? Does the potential benefit outweigh the harm?