Komen Founder Apologizes to Congress for "Mistakes"

Nancy Brinker wants lawmakers to forgive and forget—and, while they're at it, take out the federal checkbook.

Politico reports that the Susan G. Komen for the Cure founder sent a letter to Congress on Friday, apologizing for her organization's "mistakes" during the recent controversy over Planned Parenthood grants, and asking lawmakers to help fund a $275 million breast cancer detection program.

"In the past few months, we made mistakes that ultimately raised questions in the community about our commitment to the mission of saving lives," Brinker wrote in her letter. "We take full responsibility for these missteps and we extend our deepest apologies. Our commitment to ending breast cancer for all women remains unwavering and sincere."

Komen came under fire earlier this year when it decided to exclude Planned Parenthood from grants for breast cancer screenings, a move that appeared to be made in response to pressure from anti-abortion groups. Komen eventually reversed its decision, but not before the issue became a topic of national discussion inside the Beltway and out of it.

Despite any hard feelings that may exist on Captiol Hill, Brinker asked lawmakers to help fund the CDC’s National Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

"Though tough economic conditions present challenges to state and federal budgets, we hope that we can continue to look to you as a supporter of this life-saving program—not for Komen’s sake, but for the thousands of women whose only chance at early detection—and early treatment—is through NBCCEDP," Brinker wrote.