Dallas, TX – February 28, 2024 – For the past four years, Severina Ware, Director of Volunteer Services at the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), has had a front-row seat to a powerful testament to community and compassion. In her role, Ware witnesses firsthand how individuals from diverse backgrounds unite under the NBCF’s guiding principle of "Helping Women Now." This Black History Month, Ware reflects on the profound contributions of Black women volunteers, recognizing that their dedication has blossomed from mere volunteerism into something far more resonant: a powerful sisterhood.
"I am uniquely positioned to witness a community come together firsthand in service of Helping Women Now," Ware stated. "For the last 4 years, I’ve worked with volunteers from all walks of life who have graced NBCF headquarters to be a part of the work we do with our programs and community outreach." Her observations highlight a growing and deeply meaningful engagement from Black women, who are transforming their personal experiences and collective spirit into tangible support for those affected by breast cancer.
The Genesis of Sisterhood: From Volunteerism to Shared Purpose
The journey of these Black women volunteers with the NBCF is more than just a commitment of time; it’s an evolution into a deeply interconnected support system. Ware notes that what began as an act of volunteerism has evolved into something far more profound, characterized by shared experiences, emotional resonance, and an unwavering commitment to collective well-being.
"What started as volunteerism has transformed into something much more meaningful," Ware emphasized. "It’s sisterhood."
These women arrive at NBCF with a shared objective, but they remain and thrive due to the shared experiences they cultivate. Through activities like Community HOPE Kit Packing Parties and various community-building initiatives, Ware has observed the organic formation of robust bonds. Laughter echoes freely, tears are shed openly, and a palpable sense of mutual support permeates the atmosphere, creating an environment that feels both sacred and essential.
A significant thread weaving through this sisterhood is the personal connection many volunteers have to breast cancer. Whether they themselves are survivors, have witnessed their mothers or sisters battle the disease, or have friends who have faced this challenge, they consistently choose to channel their experiences of hurt and uncertainty into proactive hope and tangible assistance for others. This transformation of personal struggle into collective action is a hallmark of their dedication.
A Nurse, a Survivor, a Sister: Karen’s Perspective
Karen, a long-standing NBCF volunteer, embodies this spirit. As a registered nurse and a breast cancer survivor herself, she possesses a unique vantage point from which to appreciate the transformative power of community, connection, and support, particularly within the Black community.
"NBCF’s commitment to empowering women through education, early detection, and community support aligns directly with the values I hold as a nurse, a survivor, and a woman of faith," Karen shared. "When I connected with NBCF, I found more than resources—I found sisterhood, reassurance, and purpose. Being part of this mission allows me to turn my experience into service and to stand alongside other women, encouraging them to prioritize their health and use their voices. When our voices are heard and respected, care improves—and outcomes change."
Karen’s words underscore the dual impact of her involvement: personal fulfillment through service and the amplification of a critical message. Her nursing background provides a clinical understanding of the importance of early detection and access to care, while her survivor status offers a lived experience of the emotional and practical challenges of breast cancer. This combination allows her to connect authentically with others and advocate effectively for improved healthcare outcomes, especially within a community that has historically faced systemic barriers to equitable care.
Addressing Disparities: The Urgent Call to Action
The formation of this sisterhood is not merely about emotional support; it is intrinsically linked to addressing critical disparities in breast cancer outcomes. Douglas Feil, NBCF Chief Program Officer, highlights the urgent need for action, stating, "For decades, Black women have been dying of breast cancer at a higher rate than White women." This stark reality fuels the purpose behind the NBCF’s work and the dedication of its volunteers.
Coretta’s Commitment: Bridging Gaps Through Awareness and Advocacy
Coretta, another dedicated NBCF volunteer, articulates the profound significance of the foundation’s mission within her own community. As an African American woman, she keenly observes the disproportionately high rates of breast cancer diagnoses, often at later stages, within her community. This is frequently exacerbated by limited awareness of proactive health measures and a cultural tendency to prioritize family needs above personal well-being, leading to delayed screenings and overlooked warning signs.
"As an African American woman, NBCF’s mission holds particular significance to me," Coretta explained. "Our community, unfortunately, experiences a disproportionately high rate of breast cancer diagnoses at late stages. This is often coupled with limited visibility or awareness about the critical need for proactive health measures. There’s a pervasive tendency within our community to prioritize the needs of our families above our own health, often ignoring warning signs or delaying screenings until it might be too late."
Together, Coretta and her fellow NBCF volunteers are actively translating this understanding into tangible impact. They are champions of early detection and screening, working diligently to reach Black communities that have historically faced significant barriers to accessing quality care, building trust, and receiving culturally competent support. These women are more than just volunteers; they are educators, advocates, and crucial bridge-builders. They meet women where they are, offering compassion and a deep understanding of cultural nuances. They celebrate each milestone, uplift one another, and encourage visibility in spaces where representation is not just desired but essential for equitable progress.
Diane’s Journey: From Isolation to Empathetic Service
The impact of this sisterhood is amplified by the personal journeys of its members. Diane, a long-time NBCF volunteer and breast cancer survivor, shares how her own experience of facing breast cancer in isolation profoundly shaped her current approach to giving back.
"When I was diagnosed in 2015, I became overwhelmed with everything I learned in the months following my diagnosis," Diane recounted. "I had no one to talk to or cry with, no friends who had experienced it. Support is so very important. I am very proud to help NBCF carry out its mission. Whenever I pack tea bags, count inventory, proofread encouragement cards, or pack HOPE Kits, I know I am helping a woman in the way I needed help all those years ago."
Diane’s story powerfully illustrates the core mission of the NBCF: to provide the support that she herself desperately needed. Her volunteer work, from the seemingly small tasks of packing HOPE Kits to more involved duties, is a direct manifestation of her desire to prevent others from experiencing the same isolation she endured. This is the essence of sisterhood in action – leveraging personal hardship to create a ripple effect of care and connection.
Implications and the Path Forward: A Movement of Resilience
The sisterhood forged through the National Breast Cancer Foundation is far more than a temporary alliance; it represents a sustained movement fueled by love, resilience, and collective strength. The impact generated by these dedicated Black women volunteers extends far beyond the walls of NBCF, reaching countless women who yearn to feel seen, supported, and embraced.
This commitment to service and community building is crucial in addressing the persistent racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes. The NBCF’s strategic focus on early detection, screening, and patient navigation, empowered by volunteers like Karen, Coretta, and Diane, is making a tangible difference. By providing resources, fostering awareness, and building trust within underserved communities, the foundation, with its dedicated volunteers, is actively working to change the narrative and improve the lives of Black women facing breast cancer.
The personal testimonials highlight a shared understanding that while individual journeys may differ, the need for community and support remains universal. The willingness of these women to transform their personal battles into a source of strength for others is a testament to their profound empathy and commitment to making a difference.
As Severina Ware aptly concludes, "In a world that often asks Black women to be strong in isolation, I’ve witnessed them choose strength in togetherness. They remind me daily that community is built through shared care." This sisterhood serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the power of collective action and the enduring strength found in unity.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation continues to offer vital resources for those navigating a breast cancer diagnosis. Their website provides access to breast cancer support groups, free educational resources, and information on finding a patient navigator in your area, ensuring that no woman has to face this challenge alone. This sisterhood, cultivated through shared purpose and mutual support, is a powerful testament to the NBCF’s mission and a vital force in the ongoing fight against breast cancer.
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