I have been a huge fan of Sisters Network® Inc., (SNI) since I first was introduced to the organization in 2011. SNI is the only national African American breast cancer survivorship organization in the country; the organization will host the 4th Annual Stop the Silence® National African American Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, April 13, 2013. The event will be held in downtown Houston at the Discovery Green Park, 1500 McKinney, Houston, TX. 77010. Walk registration and check-in begins at 7:00 a.m. and the 5K walk/run officially starts at 9:00 a.m.
Participants can register for $30.00 per person or $300.00 for team (minimum 10). Walk t-shirts will be provided to registered participants. Online registration is open until April 6th. To register now, log on to www.stopthesilencewalk.org. For more information, call 866-781-1808.
Funds raised benefit Sisters Network® Breast Cancer Assistance Program (BCAP). The program provides services to breast cancer survivors facing financial challenges. Financial assistance is for but not limited to: medical related lodging, medical co-pays, office visits and prosthesis. BCAP also provides free mammograms to those in need.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among African American women. In 2013, an estimated 27,060 new cases of breast cancer and 6,080 deaths are expected to occur among African American women according to the American Cancer Society Facts & Figures 2013-2014. The incidence of breast cancer among women under 45 is higher for African American women compared to white women, however, the risk of breast cancer for all women increases with age. African American women are more likely to be diagnosed with larger tumors and more advanced stages of breast cancer despite a lower incidence rate. The five-year survival rate for African American women is 78%, as compared to 90% for white women.
The 2013 Honorary Walk Chair is the Honorable Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Elected officials from the greater Houston-area are also expected to be in attendance. Over 8,000 participants from Houston and around the nation are expected to walk in honor and in celebration of family and friends who survived breast cancer and those who are no longer among us.National and local sponsors to date include Eisai, AstraZeneca, Genentech, MD Anderson Cancer Center and Fiesta Mart. National Partner includes Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Media partners include Comcast; Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine;Rolling Out Magazine; Clear Channel Outdoor; Majic 102.1, KTSU Clear Choice Radio 90.9 and D-Mars Magazine.
“Four years ago, our National African American Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run was launched to heighten breast cancer awareness in the African American community. Sisters Network is so thankful for the continued support and growth of this initiative. It is truly a powerful vision to see thousands of women and men walking together to help Sisters Network raise funds so we can assist breast survivors nationwide. We know how blessed and fortunate our organization is to be able to continue to thrive for 19 years, especially in today’s economy and also assist women financially and emotionally when they need it most. We couldn’t do it without the loyal support of our sponsors and the community who continue to believe in Sisters Network mission to Stop the Silence so African American women can beat the breast cancer odds,” said Karen E. Jackson, Founder/CEO, Sisters Network Inc. For more information on the SNI or the 4th annual walk click here!
