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This year marks a significant milestone for Sisters Network® Inc. (SNI), a pioneering, Black-led national organization that has been at the forefront of the Black breast cancer crisis movement for 30 years. To commemorate this landmark anniversary, SNI has announced a series of special programs and events themed “Loving Our Sisters for 30 Years.” These initiatives aim to educate, empower, and celebrate the sisterhood SNI has nurtured among Black women across the United States.

A Landmark Virtual Forum: “Loving Our Sisters”

Kicking off the anniversary celebrations will be a free virtual forum titled “Loving Our Sisters: A Candid Talk About Black Women and Breast Cancer.” Scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 24, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (CST), this event promises to be a profound exploration of the subject. The forum will feature prominent breast cancer survivor guest panelists, including Sara Sidner and Athena Jones from CNN, with the insightful discussion led by Dr. Lisa A. Newman, a renowned expert in breast surgery.

Registration for this empowering event is open at www.sistersnetworkinc.org, exclusively supported by Lilly.

A Year of Celebration and Empowerment

Throughout 2024, SNI has a robust lineup of events to honor its 30th anniversary. These include the launch of a new website in early spring, a “30 for 30” fundraiser, the “Pretty In Pink 30th Anniversary Luncheon” on Oct. 5, and a special surprise during the National Black Breast Cancer Summit from October 4-6 in Houston.

A Vision of Hope and Strength

Karen E. Jackson, Founder/CEO of Sisters Network® Inc., reflects on the organization’s journey: “For 30 years, we’ve provided a lifeline to countless Black women battling breast cancer. Our mission has always been to offer support, educate, and advocate for health equity and access to quality care.”

Jackson emphasizes the importance of the organization’s role in empowering Black women about early detection and continuing to be a catalyst for change.

Addressing a Critical Health Disparity

The need for SNI’s work is underscored by the startling statistics: Black women are 42% more likely to die from breast cancer compared to white women, with younger Black women facing a significantly higher diagnosis and mortality rate.

“Our upcoming virtual forum is more than necessary; it’s a critical step in amplifying the voices and experiences of our sisters,” Jackson asserts.

The Legacy and Impact of Sisters Network® Inc.

Founded in 1994 by Jackson, a four-time breast cancer survivor, SNI was born from a need for a supportive community for Black women facing breast cancer. Today, it stands as the largest and only national Black breast cancer survivorship organization, with over 25 survivor-run affiliate chapters. Its impact includes hosting the only National Black Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run, creating the Teens4Pink program, and launching the Karen E. Jackson Breast Cancer Assistance Program. Nationally and internationally recognized, SNI continues to be a pivotal resource for Black women in their fight against breast cancer.

A Call to Unity and Change

Guided by the powerful creed, “In Unity there is Strength, In Strength there is Power, In Power there is Change,” Sisters Network® Inc. remains committed to driving transformative change in health equity. As it steps into its fourth decade, the organization continues to be a beacon of hope and empowerment, honoring its mission to support, educate, and advocate for Black women nationwide.

Join Sisters Network® Inc. in this year-long celebration of resilience, sisterhood, and empowerment. Together, we can continue to raise awareness and support the vital fight against breast cancer in the Black community.