Komen in turmoil, donations down sharply

>>> now to the pollaauolitics of women's health. the largest women's breast cancer charity remains in kroenchs after a controversial decision to cut off funding to planned parenthood . donations to the susan g. komen charity are down.

>> the organization known for its iconic pink ribbon is taking a hit where it hurts. as raszs for the cure around the country. in southwest florida , donations down almost 30%. lafayette, louisiana, down 27%. ft. worth, texas, race registration down 40%.

>> we do recognize that people are upset with komen right now. even on a local level.

>> the biggest affiliate, new york city , just canceled its annual gala. the cause, a spokesman says, we're not certain about our ability to fundraise in the near future. eve ellis, a former new york board member whose family has raised or donated about $250,000, says she's closed her check book.

>> i stopped giving to komen because it no longer represents who i thought komen was. and that to me is extremely sad.

>> komen 's hierarchy is in turmoil. today, the chairman of the board stepped down and was replaszed by a previous chairman who is close to the founder and ceo nancy brinkman. three ceos have stepped down. they oppose to the withdrawaling funding to planned parenthood .

>> we let you down. for that, i'm profoundly sorry.

>> there are growing demands for komen to clean house .

>> brinker needs to resign and the board needs to be replaced.

>> they ocknowledges these are difficult times but the board said they have complete confidence in brinker and fewer donations will mean less money to help women who can't afford mammograms or cancer treatment. today, this maryland hospital provided mammograms for low income women thanks to money from komen .

>> this year, we'll do an additional 600 mammograms.

>> because of the komen money?

>> because of the komen money.

>> ultimately, they saved my life.

>> rox an mar detinez was pregnant and then lost her job. she said money from komen helped pay for chemotherapy, medicine, and insurance premiums.

>> knowing what i have been through, i know that the women's lines are on the line here.

>> martinez says she'll run at least three rashs this year and urged friends to forgive komen 's mistakes. lisa myers , nbc news, washington.