Sisters Network Inc. convenes breast cancer conference in Detroit

Michigan First Lady Sue Snyder, Detroit-area elected officials and hundreds of African American breast cancer survivors from around the nation are registered to attend Sisters Network Inc. 15th National African American Breast Cancer Conference in Detroit. The three-day event generously underwritten by Title Sponsor, Henry Ford Health System is scheduled from Oct. 21 to 23 at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center. On-site registration is still available for $200.00.
Sisters Network is the only national African American breast cancer survivor-run organization in the United States.
Black women have the highest breast cancer death rate of any racial/ethnic group. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among African American women according to the latest data from the American Cancer Society.
“Sisters Network is honored to be in Detroit and have Michigan First Lady Sue Snyder attend our National African American Breast Cancer Conference. The support from the city of Detroit, elected officials, Sisters’ Detroit affiliate chapter, the community and medical professionals has been wonderful,” said Sisters Network founder and CEO, Karen E. Jackson. “Our conference is about knowledge, empowerment, awareness and most importantly sisterhood, but also serves as a call to action for African American women from around the nation to put their breast health first.”
“Breast cancer affects women all across our state and nation, and as a cancer survivor, I encourage women to receive regular screenings and become even more educated about this disease,” Sue Snyder said. “I sincerely thank the Sisters Network for all of the great work they are doing on behalf of breast cancer survivors and I look forward to joining them for their 15th National African American Breast Cancer Conference in Detroit.”
Conference sponsors include Henry Ford Health System, Title Sponsor, Eisai, Genentech, Brothers Helping Sisters, Delta Airlines, Allergan, Novartis, Comprehensive Cancer Center University of Michigan Health System, Pfizer, Celgene, The Allergan Foundation and Amgen.
“Henry Ford is very proud to support a national conference of this caliber in Detroit that will bring together women in our community with breast cancer experts to learn first-hand about their risk, the importance of earlier detection and vast treatment options available to them.”
Honorary Conference Chairs are Lisa A. Newman, M.D., MPH, Director of the Breast Oncology Program and Medical Director for International Center for the Study of Breast cancer Subtype at Henry Ford Health System and Vernice Davis-Anthony, BSN, MPH, CEO, VDA Health Connect. Conference Chair is Karen E. Jackson, Founder/CEO, Sisters Network Inc. and Co-Chair, Mary Waters, President, Sisters Network Greater Metropolitan Detroit Chapter.
“African American women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at younger ages and with aggressive forms of the disease such as triple negative breast cancer, making this conference an incredibly important step to raising awareness among the women in our city,” says Dr. Newman.
NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN BREAST CANCER CONFERENCE SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS:
Friday, October 21
8:30 a.m-5:00 p.m.– Workshops , Exhibits and Vendors
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.– “Welcome Reception” featuring Ziggy Ansah, Detroit Lions and Detroit elected officials
Saturday, October 22
9:00 a.m- 5:30 p.m– Workshops, Exhibits and Vendors
12:30 p.m- 2:00 p.m. – Public Luncheon: Breast Health Matters featuring
special guest Michigan First Lady Sue Snyder
Mistress of Ceremonies- Carolyn Clifford, Anchor, WXYZ-TV, Detroit
Sunday, October 23
10:30 a.m- 12:30 p.m. – Jazz Brunch and Remberance Ceremony
Special guest speaker: Al Green, U.S. House of Representative- Texas
9th Congressional District
Brother’s Helping Sisters presentation
Cancer Care at Henry Ford Health System
Henry Ford Health System cares for more than 14,000 cancer patients every year from every state and continent. Our cancer doctors specialize in all types of cancer, including rare and complex cases. The breadth and depth of technologies and treatments pioneered and used routinely by our cancer specialists ensures patients access to the best care. We offer 24-hour-a-day nurse coordinators and patient concierge services. Learn more: www.HenryFord.com/Cancer
Sisters Network® Inc. founded in 1994 by two-time breast cancer survivor Karen E. Jackson, is a leading voice and only national African American breast cancer survivorship organization in the United States. Sisters Network is governed by an elected Board of Directors and assisted by an appointed medical advisory committee. Membership includes over 40 survivor- run affiliate chapters in 22 states nationwide. 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. For more information, visit www.sistersnetworkinc.org.