Seen Heard Held
Survivorship Has More Than One Story
Seen.
As Whole People.
Heard.
In Our Own Words.
Held.
In Ways That Meet Our Needs
WHY THIS MATTERS
of Breast Cancer BaddieCon pre-survey respondents said women of color are not adequately represented in breast cancer advocacy and support resources.
2025-2026 Breast Cancer BaddieCon Pre Survey, by For the Breast of Us, N=169.
Women of color continue to tell us that they don’t always see themselves in breast cancer spaces. Survivorship is more than a diagnosis or a treatment milestone- it is a life still being lived. At For the Breast of Us, we are continuing to change the narrative.
The Impact of Community
When women feel seen, heard, and held, survivorship looks different.
found a community of like-minded survivors providing support and inspiration.
enhanced their understanding of breast cancer survivorship.
had the opportunity to reflect on and reimagine survivorship on their own terms.
felt empowered with tools to advocate for their health and others.
2025-2026 Breast Cancer BaddieCon Pre Survey, by For the Breast of Us, N=169.
What I love most about the woman in the photo is… she chose herself.
What I love most about the woman you see in this photo is that she finally understands that she is worthy of choosing herself. She has spent years being a wife, a mother, a professional, and a giver-but somewhere along the way, she learned that she deserves to be cared for, too. She’s still becoming, still growing, and still learning to give herself the same love she freely gives to everyone else.
–Kimberly
When you see me, I want you to see a woman who is more than her diagnosis and unashamed of her breast cancer history.
–Tova
I wish people saw my tears. I’m pretty sure I have cried a river of tears. Tears of Joy and pain. Tears of gratitude. Tears of happiness and sadness. Tears that didn’t have no explanation at all. Nobody sees them But God …and he has wiped my tears away and strengthened me through it all.
–Monique
I’m tired of women of color having to fight to be understood. We continue to have to prove and re-prove our value, our worth, and our lived experiences.
–Devean
These these days, joy sounds like singing at the top of my lungs, laughing at little things, crying about the the big things, sitting in silence with my books, and having a conversation with my daughter about her day.
Joy sounds like me living my life surrounded by love, beauty and being my true self.
My cancer story is not the end of my story.
–Maria
Cancer doesn’t get to take my future.
Umm the long answer for one question would be cancer doesn’t get to take my future because it’s already been planned by God and no one can choose the path for me except Him.
–Lynley
Today I need…
To be held. I don’t need a conversation. I don’t need another perspective. I just want someone to hold me. Be present with physical touch and no words. Let the tears roll down my face while I lay with my back against your chest and your arms wrapped around me. Just sitting… touching… breathing…. being present. That’s all I want. That’s what I need…. to keep going.
–April
Community saved me by giving me people who understood parts of my journey without requiring me to explain every piece of it. It reminds me that there is power in being surrounded by women who can say, “I see you, I hear you, and I’m here with you.” Sometimes community doesn’t change the circumstance, it changes how alone you feel while walking through it.
–Melishia
I hold other women by showing up, sharing my story, and reminding them they’re not alone. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say to another woman going through breast cancer is, “I see you. I hear you. I get it.” Sometimes just knowing someone truly understands can make the journey feel a little lighter.
–Marquita
SEE.
Look Close.
HEAR.
Listen Fully.
HOLD.
Show Up Differently .
Get Involved
Survivorship is a collective. Here’s how you can be a part of it.
Follow along on @forthebreastofus as we unveil knew stories each week.
