Black Sororities Join Breast Cancer Walk Network

 HOUSTON -- Sisters Network Inc., (SNI), the only national African-American breast cancer survivorship organization, has just announced Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., (AKA) and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. have joined Sisters Network in the fight against breast cancer as National Partners in support of the organization's2nd Annual Stop the Silence® National African American Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run.

The event will be held at the Discovery Green Park in Houston, Texas on Saturday, April 9, 2011.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is the Honorary Chair. Celebrity Chairs include Dr. Mae Jemison, Omarosa and Zina Garrison. Corporate sponsors to date include Sysco Corporation, Kroger and Schlumberger. National media partners includeRolling Out Magazine, Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine, Women & Cancer Magazine and Monarch Magazine. Regional and local media partners include Majic 102.1 FM, Praise 92.1 FM, Houston Style Magazine, The Forward Times Newspaper; D-Mars.com, Tre Magazine and the Wash Allen Show.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among African-American women. The incidence rate of breast cancer is higher among younger African-American women (under age 40) than among white women. The incidence rate of breast cancer is 12% lower in African-American women; however, the mortality rate is higher compared to white women.

Funds raised from the Stop the Silence 5K Walk/Run benefit 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 medical related lodging, co-pay, office visits, prescriptions, and transportation. Last year, $50,000 was raised and set aside to provide free mammograms.

"Sisters Network appreciates the support of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority to increase awareness about the 2nd Annual Stop the Silence National African American Breast Cancer 5k Walk/Run. The collaboration between Sisters, the AKAs and the Deltas is a natural fit as our organizations are committed to educating and positively impacting African American women's lives nationally, regionally and internationally," said Karen Jackson, Founder/CEO, Sisters Network Inc.

"Alpha Kappa Alpha is pleased to collaborate with Sisters Network through an advocacy and education campaign aimed at impacting our respective memberships and the global community. Together, we can make a difference in combating this deadly disease," said Atty. Carolyn House Stewart, International President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, (AKA). 

"Delta Sigma Theta is committed to educating and empowering African American women about the importance of breast health awareness and early detection," said Cynthia M. A. Butler-McIntyre, National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. "We are pleased to support Sisters Network in spreading the important message about breast health to our global membership of more than 250,000 and to the communities that we serve. We look forward to having a strong representation at the 2nd Annual Stop the Silence National African American Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run."

Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. is an international service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-lettered organization established by African American college-educated women. It is comprised of 260,000 members in 958 graduate and undergraduate chapters in the United States, the U. S. Virgin Islands, the Caribbean,Canada, Japan, Germany, South Korea and on the continent of Africa. Its membership includes distinguished women who boast excellent academic records, proven leadership skills, and are involved in the global community through advocacy and service.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1913 on the campus of Howard University to promote academic excellence; to provide scholarships; to provide support to the underserved; to educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy; and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in communities. Today, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has more than 250,000 members and nearly 1,000 chapters worldwide. The Sorority uses its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust of economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement to create its national programs.

About Sisters Network Inc.

Sisters Network Inc., (SNI) is a leading voice and the only national African American breast cancer survivorship organization inthe United States. The organization's purpose is to save lives through breast health awareness and provide a broader scope of knowledge that addresses the breast cancer survivorship crisis affecting African American women around the country. Currently, Sisters Network has 43 affiliate chapters in 22 cities nationwide. The national headquarters is located in Houston, Texas. As a nationally recognized organization among leading medical establishments and breast cancer physicians, Sisters Network is also recognized as a critical information resource for African American women.