At 51, Juanita from Delaware is living proof that strength takes many forms—especially when navigating metastatic breast cancer (mBC) while caring for her children. She remembers the fear and uncertainty that came with her diagnosis:

“People don’t understand what mBC is, and they think it means automatic death. Right from the beginning, I thought I was going to die. I have had many challenges throughout this journey. Arthritis and treatment side effects take away from how I can manage motherhood. My children keep me grounded.”

Despite the challenges of treatment and arthritis, Juanita has learned to advocate for herself in the exam room—making it clear that her voice matters in her care:

“I create a relationship of respect. I felt judged by a provider for questioning a test, so I left them. I suggest schedule changes and choose when I need a treatment break. I make it clear I need to understand what’s going on, and that my life is important.”

For Juanita, support from others who understand her experience could make a world of difference:

“The widespread need for support for women of color with mBC is finally being addressed. I would probably check in with [an online support group] a few times a week. Peer-to-peer support would be amazing…mBC diagnosis is hard to navigate, so hearing experiences would help.”

Amplifying Voices and Building Community

Juanita’s words reflect a common reality for many Black and Hispanic women facing metastatic breast cancer: the need for more inclusive, empathetic support. Support Our Sisters, an initiative of the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF), seeks to meet that need by sharing real stories, fostering connections, and breaking down barriers to culturally responsive care.

The program offers a space where women can see themselves in one another’s journeys—learning about treatment side effects, how to talk with their doctors, and how to find strength in community. By amplifying patient voices, Support Our Sisters works to make sure no one has to navigate this disease in isolation.

Join a Powerful Community

Juanita’s journey shows the power of self-advocacy and the healing potential of community. To explore more stories like hers, join the Support Our Sisters network, or access helpful resources, visit SupportOurSisterswithmBC.org. 

Together, we can create a network where women with metastatic breast cancer feel heard, supported, and empowered every step of the way.