About Our Organization

Sisters Network Inc. Founder and CEO

Karen Eubanks Jackson, Founder/CEO of Sisters Network® Inc. (SNI), a 30-year four time breast cancer survivor and author who is recognized nationally as a true visionary and national leader in the Black breast cancer movement. Sisters Network Inc. is nation’s largest and only national Black breast cancer survivorship organization. Jackson continues to lead Sisters Network’s nationwide effort to focus the spotlight on increasing breast cancer awareness in the Black community. The organization provides standardized national educational outreach programs; survivor & family support; empowerment; hope and financial assistance to thousands of women annually through its national network of over 25 survivor-run affiliate chapters.

In 1994, Jackson founded Sisters Network Inc., during her personal fight to survive breast cancer Jackson recognized a lack of “sisterhood” in traditional organizations, a staggering breast cancer mortality rate for African American women and limited culturally sensitive material. Often referred to as a breast cancer champion, Jackson’s primary motivation was to break through the silence and shame of breast cancer that immobilizes African American women, restricts their ability to receive support services, interferes with early detection, and ultimately affects their survival rates.

Sisters Network has provided over $1million in conference scholarships to help train African American breast cancer survivors to be advocate leaders in their communities through its national African American Breast Cancer conference.

Understanding the historical difficulty in the African American community to discuss cancer and other health concerns, Jackson created a national slogan and branding campaign: STOP THE SILENCE ® to encourage African Americans to discuss their family health and history.

Our History

Sisters Network® Inc. is a leading voice and the only national African American breast cancer survivorship organization in the United States. Founded in 1994 by Karen E. Jackson, Sisters Network is governed by an elected Board of Directors and assisted by an appointed Medical Advisory Board. The organization's purpose is to save lives and provide a broader scope of knowledge that addresses the breast cancer survivorship crisis affecting African American women around the country. Currently, Sisters Network has over 40 affiliate chapters located in 22 cities.

The Tampa Chapter of The Sisters Network® Inc. was established in 2005 under the guidance of Wanda Shepherd-Miguenes, Chapter President. Sisters Network® Inc. has set out on a quest to inform, promote, and support wellness and knowledge of Breast Cancer.

We are survivors dedicated to helping all in need, whether it be in the form of educating for prevention or supporting survivors. Through all of our experiences, we have come together to try to beat the odds of our African American women's death from Breast Cancer and "STOP THE SILENCE."

Did You Know?

Breast cancer affects Black women at alarming rates, impacting our families and communities in ways that cannot be ignored:

40% Higher Mortality Rate: Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. This is due to delayed diagnoses and limited access to the care we need.
Younger Diagnoses: Breast cancer is more common in Black women under 45 compared to white women. This diagnosis often comes at a time when we are building careers, raising families, and contributing to our communities, making the impact even more devastating.
More Aggressive Cancer: Black women are more likely to face aggressive forms of breast cancer, which can lead to poorer outcomes. This highlights the need for earlier detection and better treatment options.
Second Leading Cause of Cancer Death: Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death among Black women. Losing our sisters, mothers, and daughters to this disease takes a toll on us all.

We are committed to changing these numbers by spreading awareness, offering support, and ensuring every woman in our community has the information and resources she needs to protect her health.

Together, we can fight for a future where no woman has to face breast cancer alone. Consider donating today.

Source: American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures for African Americans 2019-2021

Our Mission

Our mission for the Tampa Bay area is to increase local awareness and attention to the devastating impact that breast cancer has on the African American Community. We accomplish our mission through several outreach activities.

Health Fairs and Community Events:
We are committed to empowering our community through participation in health fairs, seminars, and conferences. Our goal is to spread the word about breast health and the importance of early detection. We provide education on how to perform monthly self-breast exams, the significance of clinical exams, and the necessity of yearly mammograms. Through these events, we strive to equip everyone with the knowledge needed to take charge of their health.

Educational Workshops:
Our chapter offers monthly workshops that go beyond breast health, covering topics such as financial literacy, building a legacy, and planning for the future. These sessions are led by our licensed professionals and are designed to support the community in various aspects of life. We believe that awareness and education are key to fostering a stronger, healthier community.

Pink Sundays and Pink Sabbath Campaigns:
We engage with faith communities through our Pink Ribbon Awareness Initiative, known as “Pink Sunday.” This initiative focuses on educating women in churches about breast health, available resources, and the importance of regular mammograms. Additionally, our "Pink Sabbath" campaign reaches out to other faith-based organizations to extend this vital message. We are available to speak at events, spreading hope and information wherever needed.

"Gift for Life" Block Walk:
Every year, we hit the streets for our "Gift for Life Block Walk," an event where survivors and volunteers go door-to-door in underserved communities, sharing breast health information and community resources. This grassroots effort aims to bring awareness directly to the community, followed by local group discussions to foster a deeper understanding and support network.

Breast Cancer Assistance Program (BCAP):
We are here to help. Through our BCAP, we provide much-needed assistance to those battling breast cancer. From connecting patients to resources to offering support through their journey, our mission is to ensure no one feels alone. We’re dedicated to lifting each other up and providing hope and help to those who need it most.

Think Pink and Black, and Let’s “Stop the Silence!”

Note: Sisters Network Tampa Bay is an education and support organization; we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training.

Become a Member of Sisters Network Tampa Bay!

Join us as a member or volunteer to help make a difference in our community and fight against breast cancer together.

Did You Know?

Breast cancer affects Black women at alarming rates, impacting our families and communities in ways that cannot be ignored:

40% Higher Mortality Rate: Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than any other ethnicity. This is due to delayed diagnoses and limited access to the care we need.
Younger Diagnoses: Breast cancer is becoming more common in Black women under 45 than any other ethnicity. This diagnosis often comes at a time when we are building careers, raising families, and contributing to our communities, making the impact even more devastating.
More Aggressive Cancer: Black women are also more likely to face very aggressive forms of breast cancer, which can lead to poorer outcomes. This highlights the need for earlier detection and better treatment options.
Second Leading Cause of Cancer Death: Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death among Black women. Losing our sisters, mothers, and daughters to this disease takes a toll on us as an entire community.

We are committed to changing these numbers by spreading awareness, offering support, and ensuring every woman in our community has the information and resources she needs to protect her health. Together, we can fight for a future where no woman has to face breast cancer alone.

Source: American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures for African Americans 2019-2021

Become A Member

Supporting Our Mission Together

In the past, we’ve requested annual dues of $25, along with monthly dues of $5, or $60 annually. However, we recognize that the financial impact of a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. That’s why our chapter is shifting its focus towards fundraising, donations, and sponsorships to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.

We are committed to ensuring that all women, regardless of their financial situation, have access to the support and resources they need. While contributions are always appreciated, we want you to know that participation in our community is what truly matters. If you are able and willing to give, your support will help us continue our mission to raise awareness, provide education, and assist those in need.

Membership is not required to receive support from our assistance programs. We are here to uplift and empower every woman in our community, and we believe that financial challenges should never be a barrier to receiving help.

Together, through donations, fundraising, and sponsorships, we can make a lasting impact. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us.

Questions? We’re here for you. Please reach out, and we’ll be happy to assist in any way we can.

About Our Organization

Sisters Network Inc. Founder and CEO

Our History

Our Mission

Become a Member of Sisters Network Tampa Bay!

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