Sisters Embracing Life

Sisters Embracing LifeSisters Embracing LifeSisters Embracing Life
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    • Home
    • About Us
    • Community Impact
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    • Success Stories
    • Cancer Awareness Month
    • Cancer Care Directory
    • Resources & Support
    • Gallery
    • Contact Us

Sisters Embracing Life

Sisters Embracing LifeSisters Embracing LifeSisters Embracing Life
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Community Impact
  • Cancer Research Spotlight
  • Success Stories
  • Cancer Awareness Month
  • Cancer Care Directory
  • Resources & Support
  • Gallery
  • Contact Us

Welcome

Welcome to Sisters Embracing Life

Welcome to Sisters Embracing LifeWelcome to Sisters Embracing LifeWelcome to Sisters Embracing Life

About Us

Our History

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Sisters Embracing Life (SEL) is a minority cancer awareness support organization founded in 2001 with a mission to provide encouragement, education, and support to individuals and families affected by cancer. What began as a vision to uplift and connect women navigating their cancer journeys has grown into a community rooted in strength, resilience, and hope.

For over two decades, Sisters Embracing Life has served as a source of inspiration by sharing stories of survival, promoting awareness, and encouraging open conversations about health and wellness. Through outreach, education, and community engagement, SEL continues to empower individuals to take an active role in their health while reminding them that they are never alone on their journey.

Our Mission

Our Goal is to help minority women and men through the process of preventive treatment, because we know being diagnosed with any form of cancer can be a stressful life changing experience.  Our Focus is to educate the minority community about cancer, to motivate through dedication, advocacy, healing and growth and a commitment to the community.  

community impact

Our Journey of Care & Compassion - Serenity Spa Video

   

At one time, Sisters Embracing Life was blessed with the opportunity to serve cancer patients within a dedicated space at West Suburban Medical Center.

This space—known as Serenity Spa—was more than just a room. It was a place of peace, restoration, and hope. Here, individuals navigating their cancer journey could receive supportive services designed to nurture both body and spirit, including moments of relaxation and care such as massage therapy.

Through this partnership, we were able to extend compassion beyond words—creating an environment where patients could pause, breathe, and feel supported during some of life’s most challenging moments.

Due to a change in ownership at the medical center, we were no longer able to maintain this space. However, while the location changed, our mission did not.

Today, Sisters Embracing Life remains committed to restoring and expanding these supportive services for cancer patients and survivors in our community.

 This is not the end of our story—it is the foundation for what comes next.

Healing Moments: Movie Day Experience

   Sisters Embracing Life created opportunities for individuals impacted by cancer to come together, relax, and find moments of peace through shared experiences like Movie Day. As noted by Roswell Park Cancer Center, film has the power to transport us, offering a brief but meaningful escape. During the cancer journey, even a moment of respite can bring comfort, connection, and renewed strength. 

Community Outreach & Health Fairs

  Sisters Embracing Life participating in a Health Fair at West Suburban Medical Center, connecting with the community through education, outreach, and support. This engagement reflects our ongoing commitment to raising awareness, sharing resources, and encouraging individuals and families impacted by cancer.  

Serving With Love: Supporting Our Community

Serving With Love: Supporting Our Community

  Sisters Embracing Life showing love to the community through donations of children’s clothing. Pictured: Lula Gordon, CEO, with Rev. Mahalia Jones – December 17, 2017.  

Volunteerism & Community Partnerships

Serving With Love: Supporting Our Community

Volunteerism & Community Partnerships

  Members of Sisters Embracing Life volunteering at a community Turkey Give-A-Way at Turkey Chop Restaurant. Through service and partnership, we continue to support and uplift our community in meaningful and practical ways.  

In The News

Serving With Love: Supporting Our Community

Volunteerism & Community Partnerships

 https://www.austinweeklynews.com/2008/10/29/sisters-embracing-life-changing-lives-one-day-at-a-time/ 

Cancer Research Spotlight

 Cancer Research Spotlight highlights women and men who are making significant contributions to the advancement of cancer research, prevention, and treatment. Through their work, these leaders are helping to improve early detection, expand access to care, and bring hope to individuals and families affected by cancer. 

September Cancer Research Spotlight

Dr. Susan M. Domchek

Dr. Susan M. Domchek

Dr. Susan M. Domchek

 Dr. Domchek is a medical oncologist and internationally recognized expert in breast cancer genetics, inherited cancer risk, prevention, screening, and treatment. She is Executive Director of the Basser Center for BRCA and directs Penn's Cancer Risk Evaluation Program. 

Dr. Lisa A. Carey

Dr. Susan M. Domchek

Dr. Susan M. Domchek

 Dr. Carey is an internationally recognized breast cancer physician-researcher and Distinguished Professor for Breast Cancer Research at UNC. She directs UNC Lineberger's Center for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, and her research includes breast cancer subtypes, metastatic breast cancer and developing more effective treatments.  

Dr. Ghassan Abou-Alfa

  Dr. Abou-Alfa is a medical oncologist specializing in primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and other hepatobiliary cancers. His research has focused on improving cancer therapies, including treatments for difficult-to-treat gastrointestinal cancers. 

Dr. Amit Singal

 Dr. Singal is Chief of Hepatology and Director of the Liver Tumor Program at UT Southwestern. A major focus of his research is finding and treating liver cancer while curative treatment may still be possible. He has also been a lead author of U.S. liver cancer guidelines. In August 2026, UT Southwestern reported that he co-led development of new consensus-based liver cancer treatment recommendations incorporating recent advances in care.  

Welcome to Sisters Embracing Life's Success Stories

 Disclaimer
These testimonies reflect individual experiences. Outcomes may vary. Sisters Embracing Life provides support and encouragement and does not offer medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance. 

Jayden surrounded by the love and support of his family.

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Success videos- Stories of strength, resilience, and hope

Jayden Young - This is My Journey

  Jayden’s story is a powerful reminder of strength, resilience, and the importance of family support during the cancer journey. Through every challenge, he has been uplifted by those who love him, showing that no one has to walk this path alone.

His experience encourages us to remain hopeful, stay informed, and lean on our support systems in times of uncertainty. Stories like Jayden’s remind us that even in difficult moments, there is strength, courage, and the possibility of healing. 

 Sister Arlene Sharp, Lay Speaker gives a presentation at Saint John Church-Baptist for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 


In this personal testimony, I share my journey of facing cancer not once, but four times. Each diagnosis brought its own challenges, but through faith, perseverance, and the support of others, I found the strength to keep moving forward.

This story is not just about survival—it is about resilience, hope, and the importance of trusting God and leaning on a strong support system during life’s most difficult moments. My prayer is that by sharing my experience, someone else will find encouragement, renewed strength, and the courage to keep going.


 

No matter what you are facing, remember—you are stronger than you think, and you are not alone.
 


cancer awareness month

October Cancer Awareness Month

   

    

October Cancer Awareness Month 

October is widely recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but it is also a time to bring greater awareness to Liver Cancer.

Behind every ribbon is a person—a patient, survivor, caregiver, family member, friend, or someone remembering a loved one. Awareness gives us an opportunity to learn, to encourage early detection, to support those going through treatment, and to remind survivors that they are not walking alone.

This October, Sisters Embracing Life proudly recognizes:

💗 Breast Cancer Awareness
💚 Liver Cancer Awareness

Whether the ribbon is pink or emerald green, our message remains the same: knowledge matters, support matters, and hope matters.

Let us continue raising awareness, supporting lives, and inspiring hope—together.

Honoring Survivors. Supporting Journeys. Embracing Life. Together.

Cancer Spotlight For September

Breast Cancer

Liver and Bile Duct Cancer

Liver and Bile Duct Cancer

 

Breast cancer begins when cells in the breast start growing out of control. These abnormal cells can form a lump or tumor and, in some cases, spread to other parts of the body. Breast cancer most often affects women, especially as they get older, but men can develop breast cancer too. Finding breast cancer early can make a significant difference because there are many effective treatment options available today.

There are several types of breast cancer. Invasive ductal carcinoma, the most common type, begins in a milk duct and spreads into nearby breast tissue. Invasive lobular carcinoma begins in the milk-producing glands. Less common types include inflammatory breast cancer, which can cause swelling, redness, or other changes in the breast, and triple-negative breast cancer, which does not have certain receptors commonly used to guide treatment. DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) is an early condition in which abnormal cells remain inside the milk ducts, while metastatic, or stage 4, breast cancer means the cancer has spread to another part of the body. Other uncommon breast conditions include Paget disease, phyllodes tumors, and LCIS. Because breast cancers are not all the same, knowing the specific type helps doctors determine the most appropriate treatment.

Liver and Bile Duct Cancer

Liver and Bile Duct Cancer

Liver and Bile Duct Cancer

 

Liver cancer begins when abnormal cells grow out of control in the liver. When cancer starts in the liver itself, it is called primary liver cancer. The most common type in adults is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Liver cancer can occur in both adults and children, although the types of treatment used for children can be different from those used for adults.

Bile duct cancer, also called cholangiocarcinoma, begins in the small tubes called bile ducts. These tubes carry bile—a fluid made by the liver that helps the body digest fats—from the liver and gallbladder toward the small intestine. Bile duct cancer can develop inside the liver (intrahepatic bile duct cancer) or outside the liver (extrahepatic bile duct cancer). Although liver cancer and bile duct cancer are related because they affect the same general area of the body, they are different cancers and may require different treatments. 

cancer CARE DIRECTORY

How Support Groups Help Cancer Patients


 

 

How Support Groups Help Cancer Patients

A cancer diagnosis can bring many emotions—fear, uncertainty, stress, and even feelings of isolation. One of the most powerful reminders during the cancer journey is knowing that you do not have to face it alone.

In this informative video, Lee Health explores how cancer support groups provide encouragement, understanding, and connection for patients, survivors, caregivers, and family members. Through shared experiences, support groups create a safe space where individuals can find hope, ask questions, learn from others, and receive emotional support from people who truly understand the challenges of cancer. Lee Health emphasizes that community, education, and connection can play an important role in helping individuals navigate their cancer journey.

At Sisters Embracing Life, we believe that healing involves more than medical treatment. Emotional support, faith, friendship, and community can make a meaningful difference along the way. Whether you are newly diagnosed, currently in treatment, a survivor, or a caregiver, support is available—and you are never alone.

Watch the Video

🎥 How Support Groups Help Cancer Patients – Lee Health

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRRs-xfcOwA   


 Support groups can provide emotional encouragement, practical information, and a sense of community for patients, survivors, caregivers, and loved ones. If you are interested in joining a support group, speak with your healthcare provider or contact a trusted cancer support organization for available resources.  

Hope4Cancer Treatment Centers - How We Approach Cancer and Disease

  

Hope4Cancer Treatment Centers – How We Approach Cancer and Disease

Cancer affects every person differently, and many individuals seek to learn about a variety of approaches to treatment, healing, and overall wellness. As part of our commitment to providing educational resources during National Cancer Survivors Month, we invite you to view this informative video from Hope4Cancer Treatment Centers.

In this presentation, Hope4Cancer explains its integrative approach to cancer care, emphasizing nutrition, immune system support, emotional well-being, detoxification, and whole-person healing. The video explores how physical, emotional, and spiritual health can work together to support individuals throughout their cancer journey.

At Sisters Embracing Life, we believe that knowledge empowers patients and families to have meaningful conversations with their healthcare providers. We encourage everyone to gather information, ask questions, and work closely with their medical team when making healthcare decisions.

Watch the Video

🎥 Hope4Cancer Treatment Centers – How We Approach Cancer and Disease

Click Here to Watch the Video   


 The information presented in this video is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your physician, oncologist, or qualified healthcare provider regarding diagnosis, treatment options, and medical decisions. 

 


Cancer Survivorship | Did YouKnow?

Cancer Survivorship | Did You Know?

Every cancer survivor has a story of courage, perseverance, and hope. We celebrate the millions of individuals who have faced cancer and continue to inspire others through their strength and resilience.

Did you know that the number of cancer survivors in the United States has grown dramatically over the past several decades? Advances in research, treatment, early detection, and survivorship care have helped more people live longer and healthier lives after a cancer diagnosis. The National Cancer Institute estimates that there could be more than 26 million cancer survivors in the United States by 2040. 

This brief educational video from the National Cancer Institute highlights important facts about cancer survivorship and provides valuable resources for survivors, caregivers, families, and communities.

Watch the video here:

Cancer Survivorship | Did You Know? (National Cancer Institute)  


  "The information presented in this video is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding diagnosis, treatment, and medical decisions." 


Books You Might Like To Read

  The Cancer Survivors Club is an inspiring book that celebrates the strength, resilience, and determination of individuals who have faced cancer and emerged with renewed purpose and hope. Through personal stories, practical insights, and words of encouragement, the book highlights the many ways survivors navigate life during and after treatment. It reminds readers that survivorship is not just about overcoming cancer—it's about embracing life, finding support, and moving forward with courage. The book has become a source of inspiration for survivors, caregivers, and families seeking hope and encouragement on the cancer journey.    


Please Note: The books featured in our "Books You Might Like to Read" section are intended to encourage, educate, and inspire cancer survivors, caregivers, and families. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare team regarding questions about your health or treatment plan. 

Resources & Support

  The Resources & Support section provides helpful information, guidance, and encouragement for individuals and families affected by cancer. From educational materials to practical support, our goal is to empower you with knowledge and remind you that you are not alone on this journey.  

Learn More

Images of Impact: The Work of Sisters Embracing Life in Photos

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