By Severina Ware, NBCF Director of Volunteer Services
As the Director of Volunteer Services at the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), I occupy a unique vantage point. I watch as a disparate group of individuals transforms into a cohesive, powerful force, all united by a singular, urgent mission: Helping Women Now. For the past four years, I have had the privilege of working alongside volunteers from every walk of life who grace our headquarters to lend their hands and hearts to our programs and outreach efforts.
In honor of Black History Month, I have found myself reflecting deeply on the profound presence of the Black women who sustain our mission. What began as traditional volunteerism has blossomed into something far more profound. It has evolved into a movement—a sisterhood defined by shared history, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to change.
The Foundations of Sisterhood: Shared Experiences as a Catalyst
The women who join our volunteer ranks arrive with a shared purpose, but they remain because of the shared experience they find within our walls. Whether they are participating in a Community HOPE Kit Packing Party or engaging in broader community-building initiatives, the bonds that form are organic, visceral, and deeply moving.
These gatherings are not merely about packing boxes; they are spaces where women laugh loudly, cry freely, and hold space for one another. It is a sacred practice. Many of these volunteers arrive carrying the weight of personal connections to breast cancer—some are survivors themselves, while others have walked the harrowing journey alongside mothers, sisters, or best friends. Yet, in the face of that trauma, they choose to transmute their hurt into actionable hope for others.
The Voice of Experience: Karen’s Story
Karen, a long-time NBCF volunteer, registered nurse, and breast cancer survivor, serves as a poignant example of this transition from survivor to advocate. Her perspective is shaped by both her professional medical background and her personal health history.
"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."
The Crisis of Disparity: Confronting the Statistics
While the atmosphere in our volunteer space is one of joy and connection, it is rooted in a sober understanding of the reality facing Black women in America today. Douglas Feil, NBCF Chief Program Officer, underscores the necessity of this work: "For decades, Black women have been dying of breast cancer at a higher rate than White women. Action is not just recommended; it is paramount."
The statistical landscape is stark. Data consistently shows that while breast cancer incidence rates may vary, the mortality gap between Black and White women remains a persistent public health failure. This disparity is influenced by a complex web of factors, including systemic barriers to high-quality healthcare, later-stage diagnoses, and historical mistrust within the medical establishment.
Understanding the "Strong Black Woman" Paradox
Coretta, a dedicated NBCF volunteer, offers a raw assessment of how these systemic issues intersect with cultural nuances.
"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."
This cultural tendency—the "strong Black woman" trope—often leads to a prioritization of the family unit’s stability over the individual’s physical needs, leading to delayed screenings and, ultimately, worse prognoses.
The Chronology of Change: From Isolation to Community
The journey of our volunteers often follows a clear trajectory: the initial diagnosis or experience of a loved one, the period of isolation, and the eventual decision to reach out and connect.
Diane, a breast cancer survivor who has been volunteering for years, remembers the silence that followed her 2015 diagnosis. "When I was diagnosed in 2015, I became overwhelmed with everything I learned in the months following my diagnosis. I had no one to talk to or cry with, no friends who had experienced it. Support is so very important."
Diane’s story highlights the critical importance of early intervention and, perhaps more importantly, the necessity of peer support. Her transition from a patient navigating the system alone to an advocate helping others mirrors the broader history of the movement. By participating in tasks—whether packing tea bags, counting inventory, or proofreading encouragement cards—Diane finds that she is "helping a woman in the way I needed help all those years ago."
Strategic Implications: Building Bridges to Better Outcomes
The work done by these volunteers at the NBCF headquarters is not abstract; it has direct implications for our national outreach strategies. By leveraging the cultural competency of our Black volunteers, we are able to reach communities that have historically been alienated from the healthcare system.
Advocacy as Healthcare Policy
The implications of this volunteer-led movement extend into several key areas:
- Early Detection Campaigns: Our volunteers serve as ambassadors, spreading the message that mammograms are not just medical procedures, but acts of self-preservation.
- Bridging the Trust Gap: Because our volunteers share lived experiences with those they serve, they are uniquely positioned to navigate the skepticism that often prevents women from seeking care.
- Redefining Health Narratives: By actively challenging the idea that Black women must suffer in silence, this sisterhood is effectively shifting the cultural narrative toward one of proactive wellness.
Official Responses and Future Outlook
The NBCF leadership remains committed to fostering this environment. We recognize that the fight against breast cancer is not a monolith; it requires specialized, nuanced approaches that acknowledge the racial and socioeconomic disparities that exist.
As we look to the future, our focus remains on expanding our reach to ensure that no woman—regardless of her zip code or skin color—feels that she is navigating a diagnosis in isolation. Our volunteers are the frontline of this effort. They are educators, advocates, and bridge-builders, meeting women where they are with compassion and cultural understanding.
In a world that frequently asks Black women to be strong in isolation, the women I see at NBCF are choosing strength in togetherness. They are proving daily that community is built through shared care and that by leaning on one another, they can overcome the systemic barriers that have hindered progress for far too long.
Conclusion: A Movement of Love
This sisterhood is more than a moment—it is a movement of love, resilience, and collective strength. The impact they create reaches far beyond our office walls and into the lives of countless women who need to feel seen, supported, and held.
We honor these women, we celebrate them, and we thank them for nurturing a sisterhood of hope at the National Breast Cancer Foundation. They are the heartbeat of our organization, and they are the reason we remain confident that, through connection and advocacy, we can close the gap and secure a healthier future for all women.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation is here for you as you navigate a breast cancer diagnosis. Visit our website to learn about NBCF breast cancer support groups, obtain free educational resources, or find a patient navigator in your area.
About the Author
