Women Who Inspire Change
Every March, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognize the resilience, dedication and impact of women around the world. At Susan G. Komen, we are inspired by women every day — women who drive progress in the breast cancer space as survivors, caregivers, doctors, researchers and advocates. These women, through their strength and determination, are shaping a future where everyone has access to the high-quality care and resources they need and, hopefully, will one day help to create a world without breast cancer.
The powerful stories of women around the world remind us that progress happens when we come together, support one another and advocate for more resources and advancements. Today, we celebrate just a few of these incredible women and the ways they are making a difference.
Nikki Panico: Survivor and Advocate
Fourteen years after her initial diagnosis, Nikki Panico continues to turn her personal experience into action as a Komen employee. First, as a volunteer and now an executive director, Nikki has dedicated over a decade to Komen’s mission, leading fundraising efforts and advocating for patient care, public policy and research.
“I feel so hopeful about my future because I see what we’ve been able to do in advocacy, in research, in patient care,” she said. “It has strengthened my resolve to not give up in finding the cures, in making sure everyone has access to the care and the treatments.”
Listen to her podcast episode to learn more.
Bizzy Smith: Survivor and Educator
“Amazing Race” participant and breast cancer advocate, Bizzy Smith was shocked to learn that screening mammograms and breast ultrasounds don’t always detect breast cancer in people with dense breasts. It was only after advocating for herself and finally getting a breast MRI, that she was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. This revelation after her diagnosis fueled her commitment to educating others about the importance of self-advocacy in health care.
“Learning this lit a fire in me to do whatever I can to educate women on the importance of fighting for yourself and getting the tests you need when something isn’t right,” she said.
Read more of her story here.
Julie Staggs: Facing Breast Cancer Head-On
For Julie Staggs, breast cancer always felt like a matter of “when,” not “if.” With a strong family history of the disease, she knew the importance of staying vigilant with routine mammograms.
Julie’s Komen 3-Day team, “The Rack Pack,” consisted of six teammates of her lifelong friends and sorority sisters. They raised more than $9,000.
“You just take one mile at a time, and you’re talking and chatting and looking at the great scenery, and before you know it, you’re at mile 20,” she said.
Her story underscores the importance of being proactive with your health care, early detection and raising funds to support Komen’s work to end breast cancer. Read more here.
Dr. Amelie Ramirez: A Voice for Hispanic Women
Komen Scholar, Amelie G. Ramirez, Dr.P.H., M.P.H., has played a key role in shaping Komen’s groundbreaking research initiative, ShareForCures®. Her work focuses on reducing disparities and improving outcomes for Hispanic women in the U.S., who are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage than white women.
“We want to change the fact that breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for Hispanic women in the U.S. The only way we can change that is by all of us collaborating and working together and trusting each other,” she said.
Read her blog here.
Dr. Mariana Chavez MacGregor: Addressing Health Disparities
The research of Mariana Chavez-MacGregor, M.D., M.Sc., examines cost, treatment-related complications and disparities in cancer care, particularly among historically marginalized and underrepresented populations. As a Komen Scholar, her work helps bridge gaps in access to lifesaving treatments and services.
Dr. Kameelah Phillips: Encouraging Open Conversations
OB/GYN and breast health advocate Kameelah Phillips, M.D., emphasizes the importance of normalizing discussions around breast cancer and family health history. She believes that when people share their experiences, it sparks vital conversations and encourages proactive screening.
“I hear these stories all the time when someone reveals a diagnosis, the flood of community that comes to surround them in. They’re being vulnerable about their diagnosis, how it springboards other people getting tested conversations in the family. So, I suggest that people just normalize it.” Listen to her podcast episode about the importance of knowing family history.
Jasmine: Champion for Equality in Care
Jasmine is a breast cancer survivor and advocate whose personal experience led her to advocate for others in her community who may need assistance during treatment.
“I felt like I need to help others in my area who are seeking assistance while undergoing breast cancer treatment.”
Now finished with treatment, Jasmine is a Komen advocacy ambassador, working to serve her community and advocating for equity in breast cancer care and access to appropriate treatment options and services. Read more here.
Lori: From Caregiver to Survivor
With 13 female relatives diagnosed before her, Lori’s family history is deeply entwined with breast cancer. First, a caregiver, then a patient; she understands the emotional and physical toll and is committed to supporting others facing similar challenges. Read more here.
Dawn: Empowering Others to Seek Answers
Dawn encourages others to be proactive in their health care and seek second opinions when necessary. “Don’t hesitate to ask for more information, seek additional resources and trust your gut. You always need to advocate for yourself,” she said.
Read her story on seeking second opinions and how self-advocating can make all the difference.
Dr. Lauren McCullough: Tackling Breast Cancer Disparities
Former Komen Research Grantee, Epidemiologist at Emory University
Lauren McCullough, Ph.D., M.S.P.H., is a former Komen Research Grantee whose research focuses on how social and environmental factors influence breast cancer outcomes. “Breast cancer is not something that you get cured of and just go on your way. There are some long-term side effects and considerations for your health. All of that plays a role in how I approach my work.”
Read more of her story and how it aligns with Komen’s Health Equity Revolution.
Honoring the Women Who Make a Difference
Komen offers a variety of support options to help people cope with a breast cancer diagnosis. From our Real Pink podcast to the Patient Care Center and a space to share stories, there is a wealth of information available to help people through their experiences.
These women — survivors, caregivers, researchers, doctors and advocates — represent the strength and resilience of the breast cancer community and underscore the efforts we strive to make at Komen every day. Their contributions bring us closer to a future where breast cancer no longer takes lives.
On this International Women’s Day and every day, we celebrate them.
