Supporting Women in Our Community: Breast Cancer, Minority Mental Health Awareness and the Mission of SWIO

SWIO & UIC Health Event 2025

This National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we are once again raising our voices, not only to shed light on breast cancer disparities, but to remind the world that mental health is a vital part of the healing journey, especially for women.

When a woman hears the words, "You have breast cancer," she is not just battling a disease in her body, she is facing a storm in every area of her life. The diagnosis brings fear and uncertainty. For many, it also brings financial hardship, social isolation, anxiety, and depression. Add to that the burden of being the backbone of the family and you’ll understand why the emotional and mental toll of cancer is too often overlooked.

At Sisters Working It Out (SWIO), we believe that caring for a woman’s mind and spirit is just as important as treating her body. That’s why we’ve made it our life’s mission not only to promote breast health education and early detection, but also to walk alongside women through every part of their cancer journey.

A Holistic Approach to Healing

SWIO addresses the entire experience of breast cancer—physical, emotional, social, and financial—especially for women in medically underserved communities. We do this by offering programs designed to uplift, connect, and equip.

Voices of Victory in Action (VVA) – Held on the first Wednesday of every month, VVA is more than just a support group, it’s a safe space. Here, survivors, fighters, and caregivers gather to share stories, speak truth, and find healing through community.

Free Transportation to Treatment – Thanks to our partnership with Uber, we provide FREE non-emergency medical transportation to cancer patients in the Chicagoland area, removing a critical barrier to receiving timely care.

Health Education and Community Events – From workshops to health fairs to early detection campaigns, we ensure our sisters have the knowledge and tools they need to be their own advocates.

Annual Fundraising Gala – Every year, we come together to raise the funds that fuel these life-changing efforts. Our Gala is more than a celebration, it’s an investment in equity, dignity, and hope.

Annual Day of Beauty - A day to pamper breast cancer survivors with makeovers, massages, and sisterhood in the form of resource fair and educational workshops, because every woman deserves to feel radiant inside and out.

Why Mental Health Matters in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Mental wellness isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Research shows that women with breast cancer who receive emotional support and mental health care cope better, heal better, and live better.

This is especially true for women, who often face cultural stigmas around mental health, along with systemic barriers to access. At SWIO, we are actively working to break the silence, reduce the stigma, and connect women to holistic support.

Because breast cancer doesn’t just affect the body!

You Can Be Part of the Healing

We believe that community is medicine and we can’t do this without you.

Support our mission by attending our Annual Fundraising Gala on August 23, 2025. Your ticket helps us reach more women with the services they urgently need. Reserve your ticket today.

Make a donation or volunteer with us. Whether you’re a survivor, a healthcare professional, or a neighbor who cares, there’s a place for you in this movement.

Spread the word. Share this blog. Talk to your sisters, mothers, and daughters. Let them know they are never alone.

Together, we can fight breast cancer.

Together, we can support mental wellness.

Together, we can work it out.