Heart of the Triangle
Sharing the vision, supporting the mission of the triangle area non-profit community
More than Surviving – They’re Thriving T
by sarah Evert
he non-profit survivorship or- ganization, Sisters Network Tri- angle (SNTNC), recently reached
out to women in need with their “Gift for Life Block Walk.” Cancer survivor and SNTNC co-founder Valarie C. Worthy explains that for this pro- gram SNTNC selects an underserved neighborhood whose residents may not have access to vital information
and resources. Going door-to-door, they provide informa- tion on medical and other resources, encourage women to have mammograms, and explain how to do a
self-exam.roots organization is working to change this dynamic. “In a recent walk, this lady opened the door, and we told
her who we were, and she started crying. We were like, ‘Oh my God, what’s wrong?’ And she said, ‘I just got diagnosed yesterday with breast cancer. I was just praying to God for him to send me somebody to help.’ And there we were.” Founded in 2003, SNTNC works to empower African
American Women to fight breast cancer. It is one of forty-five chapters affiliated with Sisters Network® Inc, the only na- tional African American breast cancer survivorship organiza- tion in the United States. SNTNC’s mission follows that of the national chapter: “To increase local and national attention to the devastating impact that breast cancer has in the African American community.” In much of African American culture, breast cancer is equated with hardship and death. As a result, many who are diagnosed suffer in silence. The five-year survival rate among African American women is 77%, compared to 90% for white women. The difference has been attributed to such factors such as late diagnosis, lack of access to resources, inadequate care, and misconceptions. With about sixty members, SNTNC runs a variety of
programs. One is support for women diagnosed with breast cancer. At monthly meetings, the women welcome new members, aid current members, engage in wellness activi-
20 NA Triangle
www.natriangle.com
ties such as meditation, and share stories of affirmation. SNTNC members offer financial assistance, cook meals, and accompany women to medical appointments. If it is within the group’s means, they will help. Once women complete treatment, the organization continues to help them heal and overcome their hardships, and live beautiful lives. “I think that’s the key, to thrive. A lot of people are
surviving it, but you want to thrive after that,” says Worthy. “I am so living my best life now. Oprah would be jealous.” For Worthy, part of her joy comes from giving back through SNTNC.
SNTNC pairs each newcomer with another woman
who has undergone similar experiences, and who can better understand the newcomer’s emotional and physical needs. Worthy says it is inspiring to look around and see so many survivors. “They went through chemotherapy, and they were really sick,” she says. “But look at them now. Their hair is growing back, they’re smiling, and they’re giving of them- selves. You wish that other women could see this to know not to be so afraid.”
In order to best reach out to those in need, SNTNC members must be creative in terms of getting resources. Vol- unteers supply valuable assistance in outreach programs, and donations and funding are vital. So far, the organization has brought together African American women in the Triangle area with a strong sense of purpose and empowerment. Members strive to keep spreading their message of hope so that women know they can survive breast cancer and go on to live incredible lives. “At the end,” says Worthy, “the cancer journey is made
clear when you see these groups of women who now have become your sisters, advocating with you to help fight breast cancer.”
To learn more about the Sisters Network Triangle, call or email Valerie Worthy at 919-490-1571 or sisterstriangle@
aol.com.
The
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