Darlene, a 53-year-old Massachusetts resident, knows all too well the dual weight of breast cancer—both as a patient and as a caregiver. After being diagnosed herself, she also became the primary advocate and caregiver for her mother, who is living with metastatic breast cancer (mBC).

“For the past two and a half years, I have become an advocate and caregiver for my mom, initially helping with her diagnosis and maneuvering the medical system. As time went on, I attend doctors’ appointments, make sure she has her medication, and make treatment choices. The process of caretaking has been exhausting, tiresome, and long.”

Her experience illustrates the often-overlooked reality for many families affected by mBC: caregivers frequently shoulder the responsibility of navigating complex healthcare systems while managing their own well-being.

Bridging Gaps for Patients and Caregivers

Stories like Darlene’s are at the heart of Support Our Sisters, an NMQF initiative that uplifts the lived experiences of Black and Hispanic women with mBC and the loved ones who care for them. The program focuses on sharing stories to drive change—spotlighting the challenges patients and caregivers face, from navigating treatment plans and managing multiple long term illnesses to advocating for culturally sensitive care.

Through Support Our Sisters, families gain access to resources designed to help them communicate with healthcare teams, manage side effects, and find community with others who understand their journey. The initiative’s storytelling approach reminds women and their caregivers that they are not alone and that their voices have the power to shape better, more compassionate cancer care.

Join Our Network

Caregiving is an act of love that deserves recognition and support. Join NMQF in honoring the resilience of women like Darlene by visiting SupportOurSisterswithmBC.org.

There, you can explore more patient and caregiver stories, connect with our growing network, and access free resources tailored to the needs of Black and Hispanic women with metastatic breast cancer. Together, we can make sure no one faces this journey alone.