When a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis enters a family, it changes everything—routines, relationships, and even the way caregivers see the world. For Kierra, 35, from North Carolina, stepping in to support her aunt during treatment was both overwhelming and transformative.
“It started with us just taking her to appointments here and there,” Kierra shared. “But when she began treatment, she got really, really sick—that’s when we stepped in more. She’s in recovery now, so day-to-day life isn’t as hectic as it was in the beginning. These days, it’s mostly making sure she takes her pills, going to checkups, and managing her medications. I’m so used to it now that it doesn’t feel that difficult anymore. Honestly, the weight of the diagnosis itself has been harder to deal with than the day-to-day care.”
Kierra’s experience reflects the reality faced by many Black and Hispanic families: metastatic breast cancer (mBC) isn’t just a patient’s journey—it’s a family’s journey. The emotional toll often extends beyond the hospital room, with caregivers carrying both the weight of logistical tasks and the emotional burden of uncertainty.
Support Our Sisters: Building Community for Women With mBC
The National Minority Quality Forum’s Support Our Sisters initiative was created to uplift women living with metastatic breast cancer—especially those navigating additional chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. This program aims to provide culturally sensitive support by addressing the unique challenges Black and Hispanic women face in their cancer care.
Through Support Our Sisters, patients and caregivers gain access to:
- A safe online community through our Support Our Sisters Facebook Group where they can share stories and connect with others who understand their journey.
- Tools and guides to help manage taking multiple medications during treatment.
- Educational resources focused on empowering women to make informed decisions about their care.
Join the Movement
Kierra’s story reminds us that there’s power in community. Together, we can break down barriers to care and ensure every woman—no matter her background—feels heard, supported, and empowered.
Visit SupportOurSisterswithmBC.org to:
- Read more stories from patients and caregivers
- Share your own journey or that of a loved one
- Join our Facebook support group
- Access resources that make managing mBC a little easier
Your story matters. Together, we can lift every voice and drive change for women living with metastatic breast cancer.
Trending Topics
Features
- Drive Toolkit
Download and distribute powerful vaccination QI resources for your community.
- Health Champions
Sign up now to support health equity and sustainable health outcomes in your community.
- Cancer Early Detection
MCED tests use a simple blood draw to screen for many kinds of cancer at once.
- PR
FYHN is a bridge connecting health information providers to BIPOC communities in a trusted environment.
- Medicare
Discover an honest look at our Medicare system.
- Alliance for Representative Clinical Trials
ARC was launched to create a network of community clinicians to diversify and bring clinical trials to communities of color and other communities that have been underrepresented.
- Reducing Patient Risk
The single most important purpose of our healthcare system is to reduce patient risk for an acute event.
- Subash Kafle
- Victor Mejia
- Victor Mejia
