Health
Cierra Sisters: Breaking the Cycle of Fear for Women with Breast Cancer
Bridgette Hempstead, founder and president of Cierra Sisters, a breast cancer awareness and support group for African American women, looks to educate and empower men and women about the realities of breast cancer in the African American community. (Chris B. Bennett/The Seattle Medium)
By Chris Bennett
Special to the NNPA from The Seattle Medium
Three days after being diagnosed with breast cancer on her 35th birthday Bridgette Hempstead, the mother of three daughters and a two-time breast cancer survivor, laid the foundation for a grassroots organization that has played an important role in educating, empowering and supporting African American women who have been diagnosed with cancer and cancer survivors.
Hempstead’s organization, Cierra Sisters, is dedicated to help break the cycle of fear and increase knowledge about breast cancer in the African American and underserved communities locally and nationwide.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that occur in African American women, and ranks 2nd in all cancer-related deaths among African American women – who often receive a diagnosis in the late stages of the disease.
After her first diagnosis with cancer, Hempstead realized that there was a lack of information, education and resources targeting African American women as it relates to breast cancer and overnight she literally became one of the biggest advocates for women of color in the Seattle area.
“Right after my diagnosis I went on a very strong quest to start educating my friends, my family, and people in the community, and that was three days after my diagnosis before I even went in to have my initial surgery,” said Hempstead.
After her initial surgery and getting through that process, Hempstead’s doctors noticed her strength, courage and how she kept her fight with breast cancer into a proper perspective.
“My doctors were saying you’re really powerful, you’re not afraid, and you’re going through this head-on and they were saying that everybody doesn’t react like this and would you please start talking to the women,” recalled Hempstead.
According to Hempstead, the doctors started referring patients to her, and she began organizing the women to support each other through a buddy system.
“By the sixth month it was too many women coming to me, so we started to meet at [a local coffee house],” said Hempstead. “By that time I was so knowledgeable about the treatments, different options and how important it was to have a support it just started to develop into what Cierra Sisters is today.”
According to Hempstead, they choose the name Cierra because it is an African word that means knowing, and it also meant the color of brown – which represents the communities that they serve.
“I interpreted it as, if you have knowledge you have the power to fight against the effects of breast cancer,” said Hempstead.
Today, the organization, which operates on a very limited budget, has created awareness about the disease in underserved communities that, according to some cancer advocates, is unmatched by larger organizations with much larger budgets. The organization holds monthly meetings at the Rainier Beach Community Center, where they share information, help members create wellness plans, listen to guest speakers, and provide general and personal support for one another.
Despite being the public face of the organization as both the founder and president, Hempstead is not alone in her advocacy, and readily admits that the true strength of the organization lies within its members, who are dedicated to sharing their experiences and empowering others with the knowledge, strength and support to battle cancer. In addition to attending monthly meetings, members volunteer to help each other by driving other cancer patients to appointments, provide food, help clean the house of members who aren’t able to do so, and raising emergency funds for members when needed. They also provide information on restoring their finances after cancer, and end of life support for members and their families.
“You’d be surprised what can make a difference in somebody’s life,” said Hempstead. “It’s life-saving because the more support that you get and if you’re in a supportive community that’s going to embrace you your survival rate and your outcome will be so much better than someone who has no support.”
Valerie Dean, a member of Cierra Sisters who has been cancer free for 9 years, is grateful for the support that she received from the organization after she was diagnosed with cancer. According to Dean, the support that she received from the organization and its members played a significant role in helping her deal with her cancer and enjoy life after cancer.
Dean, like most people after initially being diagnosed with cancer, was afraid and “needed a lot of support.” In Cierra Sisters she found an organization that was full of love and support in more ways than she could imagine.
“Cancer affects the entire family, not just the one person,” says Dean. “It’s very expensive to have cancer and insurance does not cover everything.”
“This is a place where you can get genuine love and support,” she continued. “They are up on the latest and greatest cancer initiatives. They teach you how to eat, how to exercise and how to make your life better after cancer.”
According to Dean, the organization brought in a lot of experts to talk about a variety of issues at their monthly meetings. In addition, the members helped her ask the right questions of her doctors and to become mentally strong enough to overcome all aspects that people fighting cancer have to deal with.
“They recommended all the right doctors for me,” says Dean. “They recommended my gynecologist, my surgeon and my naturopath.”
While it may seem that the organization deals mainly with breast cancer patients and survivors, they are also very focused on education, prevention and early detection. Hempstead’s own story of survival is based on early detection and being very proactive with her doctor. She has also seen people die from cancer because they either were not diagnosed properly, early enough or in some cases were discouraged from being tested because they were younger than the age range that doctors general use to perform tests.
“My doctor didn’t even want to give me a mammogram because I was too young,” recalled Hempstead, who says that waiting until she reached the recommended time table for testing would have been a death sentence for her. “Since we know that some of the doctors are not as proactive as they should be, then you have to be proactive for yourself.”
Being diagnosed with cancer is not a death sentence, but Hempstead is quick to point out that people do die. However, she believes that living life is just as important as medication and treatment when it comes to dealing and overcoming cancer.
“I believe that when you’re diagnosed with any type of disease it’s almost an eye-opener that we are not immortal,” says Hempstead. “Some women in the past have been so afraid they don’t even want to go out and socialize anymore.”
“We want to be able to give these women the tools to go out and socialize,” she continued. “Go out and live your life and look at each day as an opportunity to make a difference in your own life and be able to make a difference in someone else’s life.”
Two years ago Hempstead had a recurrence of her disease, but her knowledge and resilience helped her overcome the disease again and served as a reminder that the fight against cancer is not just a process, it is also a lifestyle.
“It’s important to make sure you have the proper minerals in your body. I take more vitamins than I due medication, I only have one medication that I take,” says Hempstead. “Cancer works best in a weak immune system. It’s very important make sure you are eating the right things because you don’t want to eat something that going to help to promote the growth of the cancer.”
The influence of Cierra Sisters stretches far beyond the Puget Sound Area, Hempstead says that she gets calls from people from other states and has even housed some women who have come to Seattle for treatment. They are currently working on establishing chapters/relationships as far away as Africa.
While the name implies that the organization only serves women, anyone, male or female, who has had any type of cancer, is a relative of someone with cancer or just wants to be an advocate/supporter is encouraged to join.
“I’ve lived by faith for a long time and put a lot of my own personal funds into Cierra Sisters,” says Hempstead. “When you have organizations like Cierra Sisters and other organizations that are doing this type of work, it’s not hard work, it’s heart work. Its something you do because you have a love for the people.”
“It’s about building the relationship so that someone is going to trust that you are going to give them the best information, and that you’re going to support them through their medical crisis,” she added. “We’re here to share that information and share it freely.”
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Community
As Part of Your Back-to- School Checklist, Vaccinate
POST NEWS GROUP — Vaccines protect your household and also limit the spread of diseases such as measles and polio. The higher the vaccination rate in a community, the greater the protection for everyone – especially the most vulnerable.
Berkeley Public Health recommends families catch up on immunizations before the new school year begins
Parents, check that your children return to school up to date on vaccinations. If necessary, schedule a visit with your family’s doctor or with the City of Berkeley’s Immunization Clinic to catch up.
Vaccines protect your household and also limit the spread of diseases such as measles and polio. The higher the vaccination rate in a community, the greater the protection for everyone – especially the most vulnerable.
Families are encouraged to:
- Check their child’s vaccination records. Ask their health care provider or check California’s Digital Vaccine Record portal.
- Schedule a check-up with your child’s doctor.
If your child doesn’t have a health care provider, you may be able to access free vaccinations through the City of Berkeley’s Immunization Clinic. Make an appointment by calling (510) 981-5350, emailing phmailbox@berkeleyca.gov, or booking online.
See what shots are required for pre-kindergarten or TK-12th grade, and check that your kids have all their recommended vaccines.
FREE VACCINE CLINICS AUG. 4-13
Children without health insurance or whose insurance doesn’t cover vaccines can get them for free:
City of Berkeley Immunization Clinic
West Berkeley Family Wellness Center
1900 Sixth St.
Hours: Tuesdays–Thursdays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Closed 12 p.m.–1 p.m.
Make an appointment between Aug. 4–6 or Aug. 11–13 for back-to-school vaccine clinics:
- Call: (510) 981-5350
- Email: phmailbox@berkeleyca.gov
- Book online
Children 18 years and under are eligible for free City vaccines if they are:
- Medicaid-eligible
- Uninsured
- Underinsured (insurance does not cover vaccines)
- American Indian or Alaska Native
If you are unsure whether you or your child is up to date, the City of Berkeley Vaccination Clinic can help review records and provide recommended vaccines.
FAMILY WELLNESS RESOURCES
Vaccines are just one of the many public health services you can access at the West Berkeley Family Wellness Center. The center is home to the Women, Infants, and Children program, nutrition support, case management services, and a variety of family support services, plus free classes throughout the year.
Vaccinations aren’t just for kids. Throughout adult life, everyone should keep up with their vaccination needs. See recommended vaccines for adults.
Get a healthy start to the school year. Check your child’s vaccinations. Make an appointment with your doctor or get free vaccines at the City clinic.
VACCINE INFORMATION AND FAMILY RESOURCES
- City of Berkeley Immunization Clinic
- TK–12 school vaccine requirements:
- Family support services:
Get trusted information about the City of Berkeley by bookmarking berkeleyca.gov, subscribing to our newsletter, and following us on Bluesky and Instagram.
Community
As Part of Your Back-to- School Checklist, Vaccinate
POST NEWS GROUP — Vaccines protect your household and also limit the spread of diseases such as measles and polio. The higher the vaccination rate in a community, the greater the protection for everyone – especially the most vulnerable.
Berkeley Public Health recommends families catch up on immunizations before the new school year begins
Parents, check that your children return to school up to date on vaccinations. If necessary, schedule a visit with your family’s doctor or with the City of Berkeley’s Immunization Clinic to catch up.
Vaccines protect your household and also limit the spread of diseases such as measles and polio. The higher the vaccination rate in a community, the greater the protection for everyone – especially the most vulnerable.
Families are encouraged to:
- Check their child’s vaccination records. Ask their health care provider or check California’s Digital Vaccine Record portal.
- Schedule a check-up with your child’s doctor.
If your child doesn’t have a health care provider, you may be able to access free vaccinations through the City of Berkeley’s Immunization Clinic. Make an appointment by calling (510) 981-5350, emailing phmailbox@berkeleyca.gov, or booking online.
See what shots are required for pre-kindergarten or TK-12th grade, and check that your kids have all their recommended vaccines.
FREE VACCINE CLINICS AUG. 4-13
Children without health insurance or whose insurance doesn’t cover vaccines can get them for free:
City of Berkeley Immunization Clinic
West Berkeley Family Wellness Center
1900 Sixth St.
Hours: Tuesdays–Thursdays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Closed 12 p.m.–1 p.m.
Make an appointment between Aug. 4–6 or Aug. 11–13 for back-to-school vaccine clinics:
- Call: (510) 981-5350
- Email: phmailbox@berkeleyca.gov
- Book online
Children 18 years and under are eligible for free City vaccines if they are:
- Medicaid-eligible
- Uninsured
- Underinsured (insurance does not cover vaccines)
- American Indian or Alaska Native
If you are unsure whether you or your child is up to date, the City of Berkeley Vaccination Clinic can help review records and provide recommended vaccines.
FAMILY WELLNESS RESOURCES
Vaccines are just one of the many public health services you can access at the West Berkeley Family Wellness Center. The center is home to the Women, Infants, and Children program, nutrition support, case management services, and a variety of family support services, plus free classes throughout the year.
Vaccinations aren’t just for kids. Throughout adult life, everyone should keep up with their vaccination needs. See recommended vaccines for adults.
Get a healthy start to the school year. Check your child’s vaccinations. Make an appointment with your doctor or get free vaccines at the City clinic.
VACCINE INFORMATION AND FAMILY RESOURCES
- City of Berkeley Immunization Clinic
- TK–12 school vaccine requirements:
- Family support services:
Get trusted information about the City of Berkeley by bookmarking berkeleyca.gov, subscribing to our newsletter, and following us on Bluesky and Instagram.
Black History
Closing the Gap: What the Data and Frontline Experiences Reveal About Cancer in Black California
OAKLAND POST — According to a UC Davis study, “The Burden of Cancer Among Black/African Americans in California,” Black cancer patients were more likely than White patients to be diagnosed at a later stage and to have multiple health conditions, making treatment more difficult. They were also far more likely to live in low-income communities and rely on public insurance—evidence that economic inequality and barriers to care are helping drive disparities in the state’s cancer crisis.
Photo
Kris Benz, a disabled Black veteran, is no stranger to cancer. In 2012, he was diagnosed with salivary duct carcinoma, a cancer so rare it strikes only about 1 in a million people each year.” But he beat it after six weeks of radiation and removal of his right salivary gland.
“I was cancer-free after six months,” he said.
Now, a new concerning mass has appeared in his neck despite months of scans. His doctor suspects it is cancerous, but Benz, who lives near Palm Springs, will not know for certain until a biopsy.
Compounding that uncertainty is a gap in his coverage. Benz is two work credits short of qualifying for Medicare, but returning to work could jeopardize his Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability status and funding. Buying Medicare Part A would cost $568 a month, leaving him “winging it.”
Benz is also frustrated that the VA will not schedule his scan and biopsy before his consultation, which will require another round of appointments afterward.
“It’s about money,” he said. “Doctor’s appointments, they get the money. There’s no preventive medicine here anymore.”
Although he calls the VA “a great organization,” he believes it is hampered by bureaucracy. For now, he remains “in limbo” waiting to complete his appointments.
His experience reflects one of the most persistent health equity challenges facing Black communities: access to care.
According to a UC Davis study, “The Burden of Cancer Among Black/African Americans in California,” Black cancer patients were more likely than White patients to be diagnosed at a later stage and to have multiple health conditions, making treatment more difficult. They were also far more likely to live in low-income communities and rely on public insurance—evidence that economic inequality and barriers to care are helping drive disparities in the state’s cancer crisis.
That same study reports that between 2014 and 2018, the ten cancers most frequently diagnosed among Black/African American women in California were, from one to ten, breast, lung, colorectal, uterine, pancreatic, kidney, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, thyroid, myeloma, and ovarian cancers. During the same period, the ten most commonly occurring cancers among Black/African American men in California were, from one to ten, prostate, lung, colorectal, kidney, bladder, liver, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, pancreatic, myeloma, and oropharyngeal cancers.
Researchers attribute the gaps not to biology but to social and economic inequality connected to structural racism. An American Cancer Society analysis found educational attainment was a stronger predictor of the mortality gap than race alone.
“These disparities are not because Black people are inherently less healthy,” said Rhonda Smith, executive director of the California Black Health Network. “They are the result of decades of inequitable policies, structural racism, unequal access to quality care, and chronic underinvestment in our communities.”
Dr. Flojaune Cofer, an epidemiologist and public health policy expert, said health outcomes are shaped as much by circumstances as by biology. She traced her understanding of disparities to her father’s death from heart disease at age 47. He began smoking as a child when tobacco companies marketed cigarettes aggressively and disproportionately to Black communities.
“My father’s story is not about individual choices,” Cofer said. “My father’s story speaks to institutional and systemic harm.”
“Health is not just what happens in the doctor’s office,” she added. Social determinants include neighborhood conditions, housing stability, nutritious food, transportation, and the ability to take time off work for care.
At federally qualified health centers, tight appointment schedules can make it difficult for medical providers to detect cancer early and earn the trust patients need to discuss troubling symptoms.
“We have only 15 minutes when you are working in a federally qualified health center — you have 15 minutes to assess, diagnose, treat, and write your note per patient,” said Jamie Garcia, a registered nurse who has been certified in oncology nursing for more than a decade and works at AdventHealth White Memorial in East Los Angeles.
Garcia said the rushed pace, driven partly by billing requirements tied to federal funding, leaves little time for providers to build relationships with patients. It can also allow health care professionals’ implicit biases to go unrecognized and unchallenged.
For Garcia’s patients, who are predominantly Black and Latino residents of surrounding communities, the consequences can be immediate and alarming. Many arrive with visibly advanced tumors after going without insurance, adequate coverage, a primary care physician or routine screenings.
Garcia recalled treating one patient whose tumor had grown large enough to be visible through the skin.
“The fact that I even got to see that is a failure and an atrocity,” she said.
Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City) sought to reduce another barrier through Assembly Bill 1570, which would have eliminated out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging. It passed the Assembly Health Committee 16-0 but died in the Appropriations Committee. Wilson plans to reintroduce it during the next legislative session without biopsy coverage.
Wilson announced her breast cancer diagnosis in April 2023. She received timely, quality care but “saw others with similar diagnoses face different outcomes.”
“Some people who got diagnosed at the same time as me — their timing of their surgeries and treatment was delayed in comparison to my own,” she said. “Watching people go through and suffering unnecessarily was heartbreaking to me.”
Her follow-up imaging required only a $10 copay. “I’ve had friends have to pay $1,000 to get that secondary screening,” Wilson said.
Smith warned that policy changes could further erode access. California’s Every Woman Counts screening program is losing funding and being scaled back, she said. About one in three Black Californians relies on Medi-Cal, according to the state.
Smith also cited federal Medi-Cal work requirements projected to cause 1.1 million Californians to lose coverage by 2029-30. “Health equity is no longer simply about improving outcomes,” she said. “It’s about protecting access.”
Californians seeking low-cost cancer screening can contact a local federally qualified health center or the California Department of Public Health’s Every Woman Counts program. The California Black Health Network also offers referrals and advocacy resources.
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