Shayla Akande on Breast Cancer Awareness and Community Impact
#TheDayWithTrae - Shayla Akande, CEO of Cierra Sisters, recently stopped by "The Day with Trae" to discuss her organization's vital work during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and their upcoming Vibe Bingo event tomorrow, October 9.
Akande highlighted the origins of Cierra Sisters, founded by her mother after facing medical dismissal about her own breast cancer. This personal experience revealed a critical disparity: Black women are dying from breast cancer at a 40% higher rate than white women, not due to higher incidence, but lack of proper screening and advocacy.
Actively striving to close that gap, Cierra Sisters raises awareness through community initiatives, support groups, and education opportunities around breast cancer and self-advocacy in healthcare. A significant partnership with the University of Washington is training five Cierra Sisters as community-based researchers, ensuring that the Black community's perspectives are integral to cancer research.
Akande stressed the importance of community partnerships with organizations that genuinely value Black lives and are committed to driving impact. Cierra Sisters stands as a testament to creating solutions from within the community, fostering a supportive environment where individuals are not isolated in their fight against breast cancer.
Visit cierrasisters.org to learn more about their programs, the upcoming event TOMORROW, October 9, and how to get involved.
#TDWT #WWConverge #BlackMediaMatters #CierraSisters #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #VibeBingo