By Severina Ware, Director of Volunteer Services, National Breast Cancer Foundation
In the heart of the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s (NBCF) mission to "Help Women Now," a powerful and transformative force is at play: the unwavering dedication and profound sisterhood of Black women. For the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how individuals from all walks of life converge at NBCF headquarters, contributing their time and energy to our vital programs and community outreach. This Black History Month, my reflections have been deeply focused on the invaluable presence of Black women who champion our cause. What began as simple volunteerism has blossomed into something far more profound – a vibrant tapestry of sisterhood, resilience, and impactful action.
The journey of volunteerism within NBCF has consistently revealed a core truth: individuals are drawn to our mission by a shared purpose, but they remain and thrive due to the shared experiences that forge unbreakable bonds. Within the collaborative environment of our volunteer spaces, from the hands-on creation of Community HOPE Kits to broader community-building initiatives, I’ve observed the organic formation of deep connections. Laughter echoes freely, tears of shared empathy are shed without reservation, and women hold sacred space for one another, offering a level of support that is both essential and deeply moving. Many arrive carrying the weight of personal connections to breast cancer – whether their own diagnoses, or those of their mothers, sisters, or cherished friends. Yet, they possess the extraordinary strength to transmute that hurt and uncertainty into a powerful force for action and hope for others.
The Genesis of Sisterhood: Shared Purpose, Deeper Bonds
The volunteer experience at NBCF is designed to be more than just a transactional exchange of time for tasks. It is an invitation to join a community united by a common adversary: breast cancer. For Black women, this fight often carries unique historical and societal weight. As Severina Ware, Director of Volunteer Services at NBCF, eloquently states, "What started as volunteerism has transformed into something much more meaningful. It’s sisterhood." This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the relationships being built. These are not merely colleagues working on a project; they are women finding solace, strength, and a shared sense of belonging.
The genesis of this sisterhood lies in the shared purpose that initially draws these women to NBCF. They arrive with a collective understanding of the urgent need to support women affected by breast cancer, especially within communities that have historically faced disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. However, it is the shared experiences within the NBCF environment that cultivate the deeper bonds. During Community HOPE Kit Packing Parties, for instance, the act of assembling tangible resources – items that will bring comfort and practical assistance to women undergoing treatment – becomes a focal point for connection. As volunteers meticulously pack each item, they share stories, offer encouragement, and forge connections that transcend the immediate task. This collaborative effort creates an environment where vulnerability is embraced, and empathy flows freely.
Ware elaborates on this crucial aspect: "In volunteer spaces, Community HOPE Kit Packing Parties, and community building, I’ve watched bonds form organically. They laugh loudly, cry freely, and hold space for one another in ways that feel both sacred and necessary." This description highlights the emotional depth of the connections being formed. It’s not just about the logistical act of packing; it’s about the human connection that arises from shared purpose and the willingness to be present for one another. This creates a nurturing environment where healing can begin, not just for the recipients of the HOPE Kits, but for the volunteers themselves.
Transforming Personal Pain into Collective Empowerment
A particularly poignant aspect of this developing sisterhood is how it empowers women to channel their personal experiences with breast cancer into a force for positive change. Many volunteers have direct, often painful, links to the disease. "Many come carrying personal connections to breast cancer, whether it’s their own diagnoses, or their mothers, sisters, or friends—and yet, they choose to transform that hurt or uncertainty into action and hope for others," Ware observes. This is a testament to the profound resilience and altruism that define these women. They are not defined by their struggles, but by their determination to ensure that others do not face similar challenges alone.
This transformative power is exemplified by Karen, a long-time NBCF volunteer, a registered nurse, and a breast cancer survivor. Her perspective offers a powerful insight into the synergy between her professional calling, her personal journey, and her commitment to NBCF. "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 shares. Her words underscore the profound resonance between her personal values and the mission of the organization. For her, the connection is not merely about contributing time; it’s about finding a platform to live out her deepest convictions.
Karen’s testimony further illuminates the essence of the sisterhood she has found: "When I connected with NBCF, I found more than resources—I found sisterhood, reassurance, and purpose." This statement is particularly powerful. It suggests that beyond the tangible support NBCF provides, the organization offers something equally vital: a sense of belonging, validation, and a clear direction for her energy. Her experience highlights how breast cancer advocacy can become a source of personal healing and fulfillment. "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," she adds. This emphasizes the active role she plays, not just as a volunteer, but as an advocate and an inspirer. Her belief that "When our voices are heard and respected, care improves—and outcomes change" is a critical message, especially within the context of addressing health disparities.
Addressing Disparities: Action Driven by Lived Experience
The impact of this sisterhood extends far beyond the walls of NBCF headquarters; it ignites tangible change in the communities most affected by breast cancer disparities. Douglas Feil, Chief Program Officer at NBCF, underscores the urgency of action by highlighting a stark reality: "for decades, Black women have been dying of breast cancer at a higher rate than White women." This statistic is not merely a number; it represents a systemic challenge that requires dedicated and culturally sensitive intervention.
Coretta, a devoted NBCF volunteer, speaks with profound conviction about the personal significance of NBCF’s mission within the Black community. Her insights shed light on the complex factors contributing to these disparities. "As an African American woman, NBCF’s mission holds particular significance to me. 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," she explains. Her observation about the "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" speaks to deeply ingrained cultural norms and systemic barriers.
This is where the proactive engagement of volunteers like Coretta becomes invaluable. Together with their fellow NBCF volunteers, they are actively transforming this understanding into purposeful action. They champion early detection and screening initiatives within Black communities that have historically faced significant barriers to access, trust, and equitable care. These women are not just volunteers; they are educators, advocates, and crucial bridge builders. They meet women where they are, offering compassion and demonstrating cultural understanding that fosters trust and encourages engagement with vital health services.
The impact of their work is multifaceted. They celebrate milestones, providing much-needed encouragement and a sense of shared accomplishment. They pour into each other, offering mutual support and reinforcing their collective commitment. Critically, they push one another to be visible in spaces where representation truly matters, ensuring that the voices and experiences of Black women are heard and valued in the fight against breast cancer. This is a powerful act of resistance against a system that has historically marginalized their health needs.
Overcoming Isolation Through Shared Strength
In a society that often expects Black women to exhibit strength in isolation, the NBCF volunteer community offers a profound counter-narrative: the power of strength found in togetherness. Severina Ware observes this phenomenon daily: "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 is a fundamental shift in perspective, moving from a model of individual endurance to one of collective resilience and mutual support.
Diane, a long-time NBCF volunteer and breast cancer survivor, offers a deeply personal account of how her own experience with breast cancer in isolation has shaped her approach to volunteering. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for support systems. "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," she shares. Her words resonate with the experiences of many who have faced a cancer diagnosis without adequate personal or community support.
Diane’s current commitment to NBCF is a direct response to her past isolation. She finds profound meaning in her volunteer work, knowing that she is providing the support she once desperately needed. "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," she states. This profound connection between her past pain and her present service underscores the deeply personal and impactful nature of her contributions. Each task, no matter how seemingly small, becomes a beacon of hope for another woman.
A Movement of Love, Resilience, and Collective Strength
The sisterhood that flourishes within the National Breast Cancer Foundation is not a fleeting moment; it is a dynamic and evolving movement. It is a testament to the enduring power of love, the remarkable capacity for resilience, and the unyielding strength that emerges when women come together. The impact generated by these dedicated Black women extends far beyond the immediate reach of our organization’s physical walls, resonating deeply within the lives of countless women who yearn to feel seen, to feel supported, and to feel held.
NBCF is profoundly honored to recognize, celebrate, and deeply thank these women for their invaluable contributions. They are the nurturing force behind a sisterhood of hope, a vital component of our ongoing mission.
For those navigating the complex journey of a breast cancer diagnosis, the National Breast Cancer Foundation stands ready to offer support. Our website provides access to comprehensive breast cancer support groups, a wealth of free educational resources, and assistance in finding a patient navigator in your local area. Together, we can ensure that no woman faces breast cancer alone.
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