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 and men 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.
September Cancer Research Spotlight
Dr. Isla Garraway — Prostate Cancer
Dr. Ching-Hon Pui — Childhood Cancer / Childhood Leukemia
Dr. Ching-Hon Pui — Childhood Cancer / Childhood Leukemia
Dr. Garraway is a surgeon-scientist and Professor and Director of Research in Urology at UCLA Health. Her laboratory studies how prostate cancer develops and spreads, and she has a particular interest in understanding racial and ethnic disparities in prostate cancer. She has also led work addressing PSA screening recommendations for Black men.
Dr. Ching-Hon Pui — Childhood Cancer / Childhood Leukemia
Dr. Ching-Hon Pui — Childhood Cancer / Childhood Leukemia
Dr. Ching-Hon Pui — Childhood Cancer / Childhood Leukemia
Dr. Pui is a pediatric oncologist at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Born and educated in Taiwan, he has devoted decades to improving treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). His research focuses not only on helping more children survive, but also on reducing the long-term effects of treatment. St. Jude notes that survival for childhood ALL has risen from about 50% in the 1970s to more than 90% today.
Dr. Kunle Odunsi — Ovarian Cancer
Dr. Kunle Odunsi — Ovarian Cancer
Dr. Kunle Odunsi — Ovarian Cancer
Dr. Odunsi is a Nigerian-born physician-scientist and a leading researcher in ovarian cancer immunology. He is currently Director of the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center and is a principal investigator in a major ovarian cancer research program with Roswell Park. His work has investigated ways of helping the immune system recognize and fight ovarian cancer cells.
Dr. Anil K. Sood — Ovarian Cancer
Dr. Kunle Odunsi — Ovarian Cancer
Dr. Kunle Odunsi — Ovarian Cancer
Dr. Sood is an Indian-American physician-scientist at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Director of its Blanton-Davis Ovarian Cancer Research Program. His research examines how ovarian cancer grows and spreads and works toward new targeted treatments and better ways of diagnosing and treating the disease.
Jayden surrounded by the love and support of his family.
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cancer awareness month
September Cancer Awareness Month
September is a month of awareness for several cancers, including childhood, leukemia, lymphoma, uterine, ovarian, prostate, and thyroid cancers. Throughout the month, Sisters Embracing Life will shine a special spotlight on Childhood Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, and Prostate Cancer, while recognizing and honoring all those whose lives have been touched by cancer. Through awareness, education, and conversation, we hope to encourage individuals and families to learn more, ask questions, know their risks, and advocate for their health.
Cancer Spotlight For September
Childhood Cancer
Childhood Cancer
Childhood Cancer
Childhood cancer is a term used for different types of cancer that affect children and young people from birth through age 19. About 15,000 children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer each year. The good news is that advances in treatment have helped more children survive. Even after treatment ends, however, some children may experience health problems later in life. That is why continued medical care and follow-up are important throughout their lives.
Ovarian Cancer
Childhood Cancer
Childhood Cancer
Ovarian cancer begins when abnormal cells grow in or around the ovaries, which are part of a woman’s reproductive system. The ovaries are small—about the size of an almond—and produce eggs and important hormones. Ovarian cancer can often be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, or a combination of treatments. As with many cancers, learning about your body, knowing possible warning signs, and talking with your healthcare provider when something doesn’t feel right are important steps in taking care of your health.
Prostate Cancer
Childhood Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men, especially as they get older. In its early stages, there may be no symptoms, which is why knowing your risk and talking with your healthcare provider about screening is important. Be informed. Know your risk. Start the conversation.
cancer CARE DIRECTORY
How Support Groups Help Cancer Patients
How Support Groups Help Cancer Patients
A cancer diagnosis can bring many emotions—fear, uncertainty, stress, and even feelings of isolation. One of the most powerful reminders during the cancer journey is knowing that you do not have to face it alone.
In this informative video, Lee Health explores how cancer support groups provide encouragement, understanding, and connection for patients, survivors, caregivers, and family members. Through shared experiences, support groups create a safe space where individuals can find hope, ask questions, learn from others, and receive emotional support from people who truly understand the challenges of cancer. Lee Health emphasizes that community, education, and connection can play an important role in helping individuals navigate their cancer journey.
At Sisters Embracing Life, we believe that healing involves more than medical treatment. Emotional support, faith, friendship, and community can make a meaningful difference along the way. Whether you are newly diagnosed, currently in treatment, a survivor, or a caregiver, support is available—and you are never alone.
Watch the Video
🎥 How Support Groups Help Cancer Patients – Lee Health
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRRs-xfcOwA
Support groups can provide emotional encouragement, practical information, and a sense of community for patients, survivors, caregivers, and loved ones. If you are interested in joining a support group, speak with your healthcare provider or contact a trusted cancer support organization for available resources.
Hope4Cancer Treatment Centers - How We Approach Cancer and Disease
Hope4Cancer Treatment Centers – How We Approach Cancer and Disease
Cancer affects every person differently, and many individuals seek to learn about a variety of approaches to treatment, healing, and overall wellness. As part of our commitment to providing educational resources during National Cancer Survivors Month, we invite you to view this informative video from Hope4Cancer Treatment Centers.
In this presentation, Hope4Cancer explains its integrative approach to cancer care, emphasizing nutrition, immune system support, emotional well-being, detoxification, and whole-person healing. The video explores how physical, emotional, and spiritual health can work together to support individuals throughout their cancer journey.
At Sisters Embracing Life, we believe that knowledge empowers patients and families to have meaningful conversations with their healthcare providers. We encourage everyone to gather information, ask questions, and work closely with their medical team when making healthcare decisions.
Watch the Video
🎥 Hope4Cancer Treatment Centers – How We Approach Cancer and Disease
The information presented in this video is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your physician, oncologist, or qualified healthcare provider regarding diagnosis, treatment options, and medical decisions.
Cancer Survivorship | Did YouKnow?
Cancer Survivorship | Did You Know?
Every cancer survivor has a story of courage, perseverance, and hope. We celebrate the millions of individuals who have faced cancer and continue to inspire others through their strength and resilience.
Did you know that the number of cancer survivors in the United States has grown dramatically over the past several decades? Advances in research, treatment, early detection, and survivorship care have helped more people live longer and healthier lives after a cancer diagnosis. The National Cancer Institute estimates that there could be more than 26 million cancer survivors in the United States by 2040.
This brief educational video from the National Cancer Institute highlights important facts about cancer survivorship and provides valuable resources for survivors, caregivers, families, and communities.
Watch the video here:
Cancer Survivorship | Did You Know? (National Cancer Institute)
"The information presented in this video is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding diagnosis, treatment, and medical decisions."
Books You Might Like To Read
The Cancer Survivors Club is an inspiring book that celebrates the strength, resilience, and determination of individuals who have faced cancer and emerged with renewed purpose and hope. Through personal stories, practical insights, and words of encouragement, the book highlights the many ways survivors navigate life during and after treatment. It reminds readers that survivorship is not just about overcoming cancer—it's about embracing life, finding support, and moving forward with courage. The book has become a source of inspiration for survivors, caregivers, and families seeking hope and encouragement on the cancer journey.
Please Note: The books featured in our "Books You Might Like to Read" section are intended to encourage, educate, and inspire cancer survivors, caregivers, and families. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare team regarding questions about your health or treatment plan.
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.