About Us
Our History
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Sisters Embracing Life (SEL) is a minority cancer awareness support organization founded in 2001 with a mission to provide encouragement, education, and support to individuals and families affected by cancer. What began as a vision to uplift and connect women navigating their cancer journeys has grown into a community rooted in strength, resilience, and hope.
For over two decades, Sisters Embracing Life has served as a source of inspiration by sharing stories of survival, promoting awareness, and encouraging open conversations about health and wellness. Through outreach, education, and community engagement, SEL continues to empower individuals to take an active role in their health while reminding them that they are never alone on their journey.
Our Mission
Our Goal is to help minority women and men through the process of preventive treatment, because we know being diagnosed with any form of cancer can be a stressful life changing experience. Our Focus is to educate the minority community about cancer, to motivate through dedication, advocacy, healing and growth and a commitment to the community.
community impact
Our Journey of Care & Compassion - Serenity Spa Video
At one time, Sisters Embracing Life was blessed with the opportunity to serve cancer patients within a dedicated space at West Suburban Medical Center.
This space—known as Serenity Spa—was more than just a room. It was a place of peace, restoration, and hope. Here, individuals navigating their cancer journey could receive supportive services designed to nurture both body and spirit, including moments of relaxation and care such as massage therapy.
Through this partnership, we were able to extend compassion beyond words—creating an environment where patients could pause, breathe, and feel supported during some of life’s most challenging moments.
Due to a change in ownership at the medical center, we were no longer able to maintain this space. However, while the location changed, our mission did not.
Today, Sisters Embracing Life remains committed to restoring and expanding these supportive services for cancer patients and survivors in our community.
This is not the end of our story—it is the foundation for what comes next.
Healing Moments: Movie Day Experience
Sisters Embracing Life created opportunities for individuals impacted by cancer to come together, relax, and find moments of peace through shared experiences like Movie Day. As noted by Roswell Park Cancer Center, film has the power to transport us, offering a brief but meaningful escape. During the cancer journey, even a moment of respite can bring comfort, connection, and renewed strength.
Community Outreach & Health Fairs
Sisters Embracing Life participating in a Health Fair at West Suburban Medical Center, connecting with the community through education, outreach, and support. This engagement reflects our ongoing commitment to raising awareness, sharing resources, and encouraging individuals and families impacted by cancer.
Serving With Love: Supporting Our Community
Serving With Love: Supporting Our Community
Sisters Embracing Life showing love to the community through donations of children’s clothing. Pictured: Lula Gordon, CEO, with Rev. Mahalia Jones – December 17, 2017.
Volunteerism & Community Partnerships
Serving With Love: Supporting Our Community
Volunteerism & Community Partnerships
Members of Sisters Embracing Life volunteering at a community Turkey Give-A-Way at Turkey Chop Restaurant. Through service and partnership, we continue to support and uplift our community in meaningful and practical ways.
In The News
Serving With Love: Supporting Our Community
Volunteerism & Community Partnerships
Cancer Research Spotlight
Cancer Research Spotlight highlights women who are making significant contributions to the advancement of cancer research, prevention, and treatment. Through their work, these leaders are helping to improve early detection, expand access to care, and bring hope to individuals and families affected by cancer.
Jayden surrounded by the love and support of his family.
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cancer awareness month
May: A Month of Awareness, Compassion, Action, Hope
May is Awareness. May is Compassion. May is Action. May is Hope.
This month, Sisters Embracing Life joins communities across the nation in raising awareness for Bladder Cancer, Brain Cancer, Skin Cancer, and Melanoma, while recognizing National Cancer Research Month—a reminder that every breakthrough begins with knowledge, advocacy, and support.
We encourage you this month to stay informed, protect your health, uplift survivors, support caregivers, and help spread messages that could save lives. Awareness plants the seed. Compassion nurtures healing. Action creates change. Hope lights the way forward.
Join us this May as we stand together in strength, education, and encouragement for all those impacted by cancer.
cancer awareness month
Bladder Cancer Awareness
Bladder Cancer Awareness
Bladder Cancer Awareness
Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, observed each May, is a time to bring greater attention to a disease that impacts more than 725,000 people across the country. It’s an opportunity to share important information about symptoms, risk factors and emerging treatments while underscoring how critical early detection can be.
Throughout the month, increased awareness helps break down stigmas, spark meaningful conversations and connect patients, families and caregivers with a wonderful and supportive community. It also serves as a reminder that paying attention to changes in your health and staying current with recommended screenings can make a life-saving difference.
Brain Cancer Awareness
Bladder Cancer Awareness
Bladder Cancer Awareness
May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month (BTAM), a time to raise awareness about brain tumors and educate the community.
All brain and spine tumors, collectively called central nervous system (CNS) tumors, are rare. Only about 25,000 people are diagnosed with cancerous CNS tumors each year in the United States. Despite their rarity, there are over 130 different CNS tumor types.
Skin Cancer Awareness
Melanoma Cancer Awareness
Melanoma Cancer Awareness
The purpose of Skin Cancer Awareness Month is simple but powerful: to remind people that protecting your skin protects your health. Through education about sunscreen use, limiting harmful UV exposure, recognizing changes in moles or skin spots, and scheduling regular skin checks, this month empowers individuals to take action before cancer develops—or to catch it early when treatment is most effective. At Sisters Embracing Life/Reimaging, we believe awareness leads to prevention, early detection saves lives, and informed communities create healthier futures for all.
Melanoma Cancer Awareness
Melanoma Cancer Awareness
Melanoma Cancer Awareness
Each May, Melanoma Awareness Month shines a light on the most serious form of skin cancer—melanoma—and emphasizes the importance of prevention, early detection, and education. Created to raise public awareness about the dangers of excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure from the sun and tanning beds, this observance encourages individuals to protect their skin, know the warning signs of changing moles or unusual spots, and schedule regular skin checks. Although melanoma can be aggressive, it is highly treatable when detected early. At Sisters Embracing Life, we believe awareness saves lives, prevention is powerful, and taking time to know your skin is an important step toward protecting your health and future.
Emotional Response to Cancer
Resources / Support
The Resources & Support section provides helpful information, guidance, and encouragement for individuals and families affected by cancer. From educational materials to practical support, our goal is to empower you with knowledge and remind you that you are not alone on this journey.