Thousands of women and men from around the nation converged at Houston’s Discovery Green Park to participate in Sisters Network Inc., second annual Stop the Silence National African American Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run.
The Sisters Network is a leading voice and the only national African American breast cancer survivorship organization in the United States. The organization’s purpose is to save lives through breast health awareness and to provide a broader scope of knowledge that addresses the breast cancer survivorship crisis affecting African American women around the country.
The Sisters Network currently has 43 affiliate chapters in 22 cities nationwide. Funds raised from the Stop the Silence 5K Walk/Run benefits Sisters Network Breast Cancer Assistance Program (BCAP), which provides assistance to women facing financial challenges after diagnosis. The national program provides free mammograms and financial assistance for lodging while undergoing medical treatment, co-pay, office visits, prescriptions and transportation. Last year, $50,000 was raised and set aside to provide free mammograms.
A party was held prior to the 5k Walk/Run on the main stage of the Discovery Green Park, which included guest appearances by The Sisters Networks celebrity chairs; Houston Mayor Annise Parker, “The Apprentice” reality star Omarosa, Metamorphosis founder Mia Wright, and Councilmembers Wanda Adams and Jolanda Jones. The pre-event ceremony was officiated by KPRC local news producer Kim Davis.
Participants walked and ran throughout downtown Houston from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. wearing pink Stop the Silence T-shirts and decorative breast cancer survivor paraphernalia. A concert following the walk featuring the JWOF “Super Band,” The El-Shaddai Group and the JWOF Jazz Masters closed out the afternoon.
–alexandria green
