Sisters Network Does Block Walk for Breast Cancer

If you have gone anywhere over the last week, you have seen the annual blossom of pink ribbons and bows fluttering in the fall wind as the nation honors the survivors of breast cancer and looks to raise as much money as possible for future breast cancer support. From its most prominent victims to its most ardent survivor's breast cancer has reached itself into every family around the nation becoming one of the leading killers of women in America today.

That fact is never lost on people like Carolyn Whitney, herself a breast cancer survivor and the president of the local chapter of the Sisters Network. Sisters Network is a national organization that promotes awareness and support for women of color who have been affected by breast cancer. Annually they have a walk in Memphis where they raise money for the local support organization as many chapters have done nationally. And that support has served as a galvanizing force that has brought those affected and those unaware together to combat this heinous disease head on.

While statistically, the number of minority women who are afflicted with breast cancer is lower than others, the number of women under 40 is growing at an alarming rate and has surpassed that of Caucasian women. It is estimated that over 20,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and of that number, 25% will die specifically from breast cancer. The Sisters Network has a national creed that states 'in Unity there is Strength, in Strength there is Power, and in Power there is Change'.

This month along with the Race for the Cure, the Sisters Network will sponsor their Gift for Life Block Walk by chapters around the country. My introduction to the block walk occurred four years ago when Carolyn Whitney asked for administrative help in pulling off the event in Memphis. The Gift for Life Block Walk is different from the Race for the Cure in that the goal of the block walk is less financial and more informative. Volunteers and members of the network canvas predominantly African-American communities and go door-to-door, passing out literature and other materials to anyone who will listen. In addition, for those who take the opportunity to meet with members of the network they are invited to visit the event site and receiver pertinent information about breast cancer and to receive a free mammogram on site.

Breast cancer is undeniably the most prominent disease afflicting women in the US today. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in Texas has done a phenomenal job getting the word out about the perils of breast cancer and the need for an annual mammogram. Singer Cheryl Crow, Actress Suzanne Summers, as well as Good Morning America co-host Robin Roberts are all members of the survivors club of breast cancer. The Sisters Network has an agenda to work in partnership with other national organizations while making sure women and families of color have the information relevant to the risks and options available to those involved with breast cancer.