The Story of Sisters Informing Sisters

OUR JOURNEY - The commitment for the project began in a conversation between cancer survivor Dr. Vanessa Sheppard and her husband. She declared the need for care advocates for cancer patients and for materials to help patients make it through the system. She hadn’t heard about the navigator concept but committed to work towards patient empowerment. Her own experience taught her that her opinion mattered and by asking questions and truly understanding her options she could take charge of her care.

The SIS program provides women and their families with the necessary skills to make informed decisions and communicate their needs, preferences, and decisions to their providers. Funding from the Komen foundation allowed SIS to develop and test their communication decision skill model, T.A.L.K.SM Back! Building upon the power of the personal experience and testimony, trained survivors (coaches) are paired with newly diagnosed women. In addition to support and empathy, the survivor coach provides information and resources using tailored coaching sessions. This approach fosters a more positive wellness journey for women facing breast cancer.