From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Nancy G. Brinker, founder of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and one of the world’s best-known breast cancer advocates, addressed the MSU graduates at the commencement ceremony on December 12.

“As one of the nation’s premier institutions of higher learning, MSU is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its curriculum and for the noteworthy contributions Spartan alumni have made in so many important fields of endeavor,” Brinker said.

Brinker founded the nonprofit group in 1982 after her sister, Susan G. Komen, died from breast cancer. It is now the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, operating in 125 American cities and several foreign countries.

The organization’s trademark fundraising event is the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, a series of 5K runs and walks around the world. Each year, more than 1.5 million people participate in 130 races around the world. Thanks to such races, Susan G. Komen for the Cure has generated more than $1.3 billion, the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer.

“Whatever you do, follow your own path,” Brinker advised the graduates. “And you must live your passion. If you are not passionate about what you do, don’t do it. Life is too short to waste on pursuits that don’t inspire you.

“When you wake up every morning, have a reason to swing your legs over the side of the bed and be excited to get to work. Listen to your heart, find your passion, and then pursue it with reckless abandon.”

Hear the Address 11:54 – 6.8 mb mp3