By Severina Ware, NBCF Director of Volunteer Services
In the corridors of the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) headquarters, the work of Helping Women Now is not merely a mission statement; it is a living, breathing reality. Over the past four years, as the Director of Volunteer Services, I have had the distinct privilege of witnessing a remarkable convergence of spirits. Our volunteers arrive from every conceivable walk of life, yet they are united by a singular, powerful thread of service.
As we observe Black History Month, it is a poignant time to reflect on the profound influence of the Black women who have graced our foundation with their time, their stories, and their unyielding engagement. What began as a simple commitment to volunteerism has, for these women, blossomed into something far more transformative. It has become a sisterhood—a sanctuary of shared experience that is actively changing the landscape of breast cancer support.
The Pillars of Shared Experience: Why Community Matters
The journey of a volunteer often begins with a desire to give back, but at NBCF, the retention of our volunteers is driven by something deeper: shared experience. Whether they are participating in our HOPE Kit packing parties or engaging in community outreach, the bonds that form are organic and profound.
Within these spaces, one witnesses the raw, beautiful reality of human connection. There is laughter that echoes through our halls, tears that are shed without judgment, and, perhaps most importantly, a collective holding of space that feels both sacred and necessary. Many of these women arrive at our doors carrying the weight of personal histories—some are breast cancer survivors themselves, while others have walked the harrowing path alongside mothers, sisters, or friends who were diagnosed. They choose, with intention and grace, to take that personal hurt and transmute it into tangible hope for others.
A Voice from the Frontlines: The Perspective of a Survivor
Karen, a dedicated NBCF volunteer, is a registered nurse who brings both professional expertise and personal resilience to our mission. As a breast cancer survivor, she understands the nuances of the disease, particularly the disparities that persist 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 explains. "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."
Chronology of Impact: From Awareness to Advocacy
To understand the significance of this volunteer movement, one must look at the historical context of the breast cancer crisis. For decades, the medical community has grappled with a sobering reality: Black women consistently face higher mortality rates from breast cancer compared to their white counterparts.
The Data Behind the Disparity
The urgency behind the work of our volunteers is underscored by clinical reality. Douglas Feil, NBCF’s Chief Program Officer, notes that the disparity is not merely a statistic; it is a systemic challenge that requires immediate, sustained action.
"For decades, Black women have been dying of breast cancer at a higher rate than white women," Feil states. This gap in outcomes is driven by a complex interplay of factors, including systemic barriers to early detection, lower access to high-quality screening, and, at times, a lack of trust between marginalized communities and the healthcare system.
The work of our volunteers acts as a bridge. By facilitating early detection education and providing resources to underserved neighborhoods, these women are not just "volunteering"—they are participating in a public health intervention that saves lives.
The Cultural Imperative: Addressing Barriers from Within
Coretta, a long-time volunteer at NBCF, offers a candid assessment of the cultural dynamics at play. As an African American woman, she recognizes that the fight against breast cancer requires a nuanced understanding of community values.
"As an African American woman, NBCF’s mission holds particular significance to me," Coretta says. "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."
Breaking the Cycle of Isolation
This cultural tendency toward self-sacrifice often leads to isolation. Diane, another veteran NBCF volunteer and survivor, recounts her own diagnosis in 2015 as a moment of profound loneliness.
"When I was diagnosed in 2015, I became overwhelmed with everything I learned in the months following my diagnosis," Diane recalls. "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 highlights a critical realization: the "strength" often attributed to Black women—the expectation that they must weather storms in silence—is a narrative that our volunteers are actively dismantling. By choosing "strength in togetherness," they are creating a new blueprint for how to survive and thrive.
Implications for the Future: A Movement of Love
The implications of this sisterhood reach far beyond the walls of our packing facility. These women are serving as ambassadors, educators, and advocates in their own neighborhoods. They are shifting the culture from one of fear and silence to one of proactive health management.
The Power of Representation
In medicine, as in life, representation matters. When a woman sees someone who looks like her, who speaks her language, and who understands her cultural nuances, the barrier to seeking care is lowered. Our volunteers are successfully:
- Championing Early Detection: Providing the necessary information to help women recognize the signs of breast cancer.
- Navigating the System: Guiding women toward mammography programs and support groups.
- Building Trust: Creating a safe, non-judgmental space where health is prioritized as a communal value rather than an individual burden.
Conclusion: Honoring the Sisterhood
As we look toward the future, the work of these women remains a cornerstone of the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s success. They are a testament to the fact that when we invest in one another, the ripple effects are immeasurable.
This sisterhood is not merely a fleeting moment of engagement; it is a movement of love, resilience, and collective strength. It is a movement that proves that while breast cancer may be a formidable adversary, it is no match for a community that chooses to show up, hold space, and fight together.
To every woman who has packed a kit, shared a story, or offered a hand of comfort, we honor you. We celebrate your courage, and we thank you for nurturing a sisterhood of hope that ensures no woman has to face a breast cancer diagnosis alone.
Need Support?
The National Breast Cancer Foundation is here for you as you navigate a breast cancer diagnosis. Whether you are seeking information, resources, or just a listening ear, we are committed to helping you.
- Support Groups: Find a community of survivors and thrivers here.
- Educational Resources: Access our library of guides to help you understand your health here.
- Patient Navigation: If you need help finding a path forward, connect with a patient navigator in your area here.
About the Author
