5 Breast Cancer Support Networks Black Women Should Know

Community for when you or for a friend is among the one out of every 8 women affected by the disease

By

LaKisha Cargill

 
Published September 25, 2024

Have you had or scheduled a mammogram recently? Have you encouraged a friend to do so or accompanied her to the screening? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is upon us. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one out of every eight women is affected by breast cancer. This means that if you are not the one in eight, you likely know someone who is. But do you know where to turn for support for yourself or a loved one? While there is a myriad of supportive organizations out there, there are some that truly see you. For me, Fight Through Flights customized a weekend of pampering and fun that included candle-making, yoga, a massage, and gourmet meals, all provided by Black-owned businesses. Plus, they provided a pink care box filled with healthy snacks. But they are not the only organization dedicated to serving us women of color and working to build health equality for all. Find out more about this organization and five other organizations putting in the work.

Fight Through Flights, Inc.

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fightthroughflights.org

Dealing with cancer and everything else? Dreaming of a quick escape to recenter yourself, either at home or perhaps a night away? If the answer is yes, Fight Through Flights, Inc. is trying to help make this a reality. Founded by sisters Esther and Alicia Tambe after the loss of their sister, Flight through Flights, Inc. empowers and supports Black women with breast cancer and survivors through free wellness retreats, travel experiences, nutrition education, and more. Head to their website and check out their Self-Care Series, which offers a free day at the spa, or the Room to Breathe, which pays for a free night stay at a hotel. But if getting away is not in the cards, look into a wonderful Staycation Serenity. Staycation Serenity is a personalized, relaxing retreat in your home.

For the Breast of Us

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breastofus.com

For a cancer patient, life is divided into before cancer and after cancer, and this is why For the Breast of Us was founded. This organization is on a mission to empower women of color affected by breast cancer to make the rest of their lives the best of their lives through education, advocacy, and community. Co-founded by Marissa Thomas and Jasmine Souers in 2019, For the Breast of Us wants women dealing with this devastating disease to know they are not alone. They have worked hard to build a strong, supportive community of 'Baddies' (breast cancer advocates, survivors, and thrivers) to help others navigate this journey through their words and experiences. One such baddie is Terlisa Sheppard, a 20+ year breast cancer thriver who finds joy in being a part of For the Breast of Us because she 'enjoys being around others who share a likeness and are like-minded.' This sense of community and shared experience can provide a powerful source of support. Check out their site for information on upcoming workshops and social gatherings in your area, join the community, connect with Baddies like Terlisa, or share your story.

Sisters Network Inc

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sistersnetworkinc.org

Sisters Network Inc. is a national Black breast cancer survivorship organization with chapters around the US. Founded in 1994 by Karen Eubanks Jackson, their mission is to bring 'sisterhood' to support groups and help erase the 'silence and shame that immobilizes African American women.' According to the Sisters Network, Inc. site, Sisters mobilizes to bring awareness to the health situation on the federal, state, and local levels. One way they do this is through their signature Stop the Silence Walk. This event, filled with laughter, joy, and music, is a powerful demonstration of the impact of their work. The walk, where survivors, thrivers, and supporters don their pink fashions, from tutus to tub socks, pink wigs, and more, is a celebration of those affected by cancer and a fundraiser for the group's assistance program. This program gives money for mammograms, ultrasounds, rent, and mortgages. Check out footage from this year's walk at stopthesilencewalk.org.

Tigerlily Foundation

tigerlilyfoundation.org

When faced with life-changing news like a cancer diagnosis, everyone, regardless of age, race, sex, or income, should have access to potentially life-saving treatment. Based on this sentiment, cancer survivor Maimah Karmo founded the Tigerlily Foundation in 2006, and it has been advocating for equitable access to healthcare ever since. Besides advocacy, Tigerlily works to educate cancer patients via initiatives like BreatheTv, a video series of crucial cancer conversations. This emphasis on education can provide a sense of empowerment and control in a situation that can often feel overwhelming. Depending on funding, they also offer the Hope Box program, which provides cancer patients with a curated box of goods designed to make the recipient feel special and empowered. Through the RAISE program, Tigerlily allows patients to showcase their needs, like help with groceries, so those who are capable can help. Tigerlily has a plethora of information and resources available to help you navigate before, during, and after cancer treatment. If you check out their site, you will find video testimonies of women who feel they 'found their tribe' when they found Tigerlily and others who finally felt 'seen' because, before Tigerlily, they had not seen anyone who looked like them.

Touch, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance (BBCA)

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touchbbca.org

If you want additional information about Black breast health beyond what your doctor offers, Touch may be the place for you. This organization works to show why Black breast cancer patients need to be involved in clinical trials. It was founded in 2020 by Ricki Fairley and Valerie Worthy to help eradicate Black Breast Cancer. Take it from co-founder Ricki Fairley herself as she shared during an interview with The Associated Press in 2022, "If I could make breast cancer go away, I would make it go away in a heartbeat. But I want mortality rate parity for Black women. We deserve the science. We deserve the drugs that work on our bodies." The alliance offers a host of resources shedding light on why Black Breast Cancer is different, but it also offers info on how to find trials and explains the importance of "WHENWETRIAL" through the organization of the same name, whenwetrial.org. Tune into their show, The Doctor Is In, for a medical talk hosted by the CEO of Touch, Ricki Fairley, and breast surgical oncologist, Dr. Monique Gary, every Wednesday on Facebook.

Have you had or scheduled a mammogram recently? Have you encouraged a friend to do so or accompanied her to the screening? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

LaKisha Cargill is a Birmingham-based freelance writer and award-winning poet who focuses on lifestyle, health and wellness, diversity and inclusion, and pop culture. She has contributed to Reckon South, Honey, and Wildfire Magazine. She is also an experienced insurance professional who has contributed to industry publications. Find LaKisha on Instagram @lakishawrites.