In this episode, Shellie speaks with Karen Eubanks Jackson - the Founder and CEO of Sisters Network® Inc., the oldest and largest national Black breast cancer survivorship organization.  Mrs. Jackson has been diagnosed with breast cancer four times, and in this episode she emphasizes the need for individuals to know their own bodies and pay attention to any signs of a problem. This discussion dives into importance of early detection and self-advocacy, highlights the progress made in raising awareness about breast cancer, and breaking the stigma surrounding it. Both Shellie and Mrs. Jackson share their experiences and the changes they have gone through after their diagnoses.

About KAREN EUBANKS JACKSON, FOUNDER/CEO, SISTERS NETWORK INC. 

Karen Eubanks Jackson is an inspirational woman, renowned as the Founder and CEO of Sisters Network® Inc. (SNI), a remarkable 30-year four-time breast cancer survivor, and an accomplished author. Karen is recognized as a pioneer in the Black breast cancer movement, a national leader, advocate, and visionary who was driven by her own personal triumphs over breast cancer to help save the lives of other black women. 

In 1994, Karen founded Sisters Network Inc. after experiencing and recognizing the absence of a supportive "sisterhood" in conventional organizations, coupled with a devastating mortality rate for Black women, she set out to confront the silence, shame and stigma associated with breast cancer in the black community. Her objective was to educate and empower Black women, encourage early detection, and ultimately increase survival rates. Today, Sisters Network Inc. is the oldest and largest national Black breast cancer survivorship organization with nearly 30 survivor-run affiliate chapters in the United States. 

Acknowledging the historical reluctance within the Black community to discuss health concerns, Karen launched the impactful STOP THE SILENCE ® campaign, encouraging criticalconversations about family health and history.

Resources

https://www.sistersnetworkinc.org/

https://www.instagram.com/sistersnetwork/

https://www.facebook.com/sistersnetworkinc/

00:57 Early detection and self-advocacy matter.

12:04 Empowerment through breast cancer advocacy.

15:19 Importance of knowledge in healthcare.

19:59 Importance of seeking multiple opinions.  

24:42. Advocate for your own healthcare.

32:30 Take control of your health.

36:01. Importance of early breast health.

This episode is produced by Rainbow Creative with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Producer Stephen Selnick, and Editors and Mixers Stefano Montali and Rob Johnson. To learn more on how to make a podcast for you or your business visit them at rainbowcreative.co