Komen Race Faces Fundraising Speed Bump

The Greater New York City Chapter of Susan G. Komen for the Cure says participation and donations for its biggest fundraising event are "significantly down" this year, with just two days to go before the group's annual Race for the Cure on Sunday.

Spokesman Vern Calhoun couldn't provide exact figures. But he says a lack of funding could jeopardize the group's ability to provide grants for breast cancer screenings, treatments and other programs that rely on Komen's financial support.

Komen's national chapter took a big public hit earlier this year, when it decided to stop grants to Planned Parenthood....then quickly reversed course on the issue after a very public outcry.

Acknowledging that backlash, Calhoun pointed out that none of the money raised by the race goes to the national branch. Instead, he says it's used to fund grants in New York, and support nationwide research into cancer treatments.

According to Calhoun, Komen's New York City Chapter raised $6 million during its fundraising period last year. More than 21,000 people signed up for 2011's Race for the Cure.