Pull Up a Seat: Engaging Patients as Empowered Partners in Health Equity Transformation

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Health Equity

Background:

• Breast cancer disproportionately affects women of color.
• The Tigerlily Foundation was established to address unique challenges faced by young women of color with breast cancer.
• Patient-centered and equitable care are critical in oncology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To share a personal breast cancer experience and the motivation behind founding a support organization.
• To discuss the role of advanced practitioners in improving care for young women of color with breast cancer.
• To highlight the importance of advocacy and empowerment in breast cancer survivorship.

Main Methods:

• Keynote interview at JADPRO Live Virtual 2021.
• Discussion format featuring a breast cancer survivor and CEO/Founder of a non-profit organization.
• Exploration of personal experience and organizational mission.

Main Results:

• Personal narrative of breast cancer survivorship.
• Founding of the Tigerlily Foundation to provide education, advocacy, and empowerment.
• Emphasis on the critical role of advanced practitioners in delivering equitable, patient-centered care.

Conclusions:

• Personal experiences can drive impactful advocacy and support.
• Organizations like the Tigerlily Foundation are vital for addressing disparities in breast cancer care for young women of color.
• Advanced practitioners are essential in advancing equitable and patient-centered oncology care.