Senator wants Y-ME’s books inspected
July 16, 2012 10:52PM
Updated: August 18, 2012 6:33AM
A breast cancer support organization that abruptly ceased operations last week should be investigated to see if any financial wrongdoing accompanied that decision, a state senator told the Illinois attorney general’s office in a letter released Monday.
State Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) wants Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office to look into the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization in the wake of a Sun-Times report that quoted the founder of Y-ME’s annual fundraising race as saying Y-ME’s board of directors failed to rein in spending, and new management was unable to get out of certain leases.
“My wife and I, together with our family, have participated in the breast cancer race for many years. ... I am always amazed by the number of individuals who show up on the Sunday morning of Mother’s Day, who are devoted to this cause,” Silverstein wrote. “I am hopeful that the attorney general can look into this to make sure that all funds were properly distributed and that there was no mismanagement.”
This year’s race in May reportedly raised $2 million.
Y-ME, founded by a Southland woman and her friend in 1978, helped breast cancer patients receive support, access information and make informed decisions about their health care, all as free services, mostly through a national hot line. It suddenly shut down Thursday.
Staff reports
