October has come and gone and so has Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The summer leaves are gone and the ribbons and pink specialty products are almost all put away. But like the reality of a cold winter setting in, the reality of breast cancer continues. This most feared of all cancers continues to befall, maim and kill too many – our sisters, mothers, daughters and friends. And, while black women are less likely to develop breast cancer than white women, they are more likely to die from it.

Such persistent breast cancer disparities are well documented, and for more than 20 years, YWCA Boston has worked tirelessly to reduce them.  The figures are improving ever so slightly,  we cannot rest on our laurels.

Focusing on new research and best practices, YWCA Boston has redoubled its efforts to ensure that its health outreach, education, medical referrals and support to more than 4,000 women and girls are directly creating positive outcomes for them. 

From broadening our education and referral role with seven community health centers, to implementing a new data management and client assessment system, to launching new technologies and programs to connect women with their healthcare, your YW is doing more to improve women’s health. Please check out our annual Persimmon and Pink Report to learn more about our work. We hope you will be interested in joining our fight against breast cancer.