From Survivor to Sisterhood: Our Story

How a single diagnosis sparked a movement to change cancer support for women of color.

OUR MISSION

To create a supportive, empowering environment for women facing cancer.

Get to Know Us

OUR VISION

A future where every woman—regardless of race, income, or background—has the strength, support, and resources to thrive beyond cancer.

OUR WHY: FOUNDING STORY

At 32, Sherri White received a life-changing breast cancer diagnosis. Navigating the unknown with determination and grace, she quickly realized that while treatment is personal, healing requires community. With no clear path for emotional support or sisterhood, Sherri created one—building My Sister’s Keeper Cleveland to ensure no woman walks this journey without connection, compassion, and care.

“I didn’t just want to live—I wanted to evolve. My Sister’s Keeper Cleveland was born to help women find purpose, peace, and power in the middle of the storm.”
— Sherri White, Founder

WHAT WE OFFER

At My Sister’s Keeper Cleveland, we provide holistic support for women impacted by cancer—emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially. Our programs meet women where they are and walk alongside them through every phase of their journey.

Peer Mentorship & Empowerment

Middle Sister Program

A facilitated support series for women who have completed treatment and are redefining life after cancer. This program focuses on reclaiming identity, processing emotional shifts, and rediscovering purpose through guided reflection and peer connection.

Empowered to Empower

A leadership development track that equips survivors with tools in mentorship, advocacy, and emotional intelligence to support others while continuing their own healing.

Chaplin Services

One-on-one spiritual care and guidance for individuals and families navigating a cancer diagnosis.

Big Sister Program

One-on-one mentorship that pairs survivors with women currently in treatment for emotional support, encouragement, and shared wisdom.

Mental, Emotional, Spiritual & Financial Wellness

Financial Wellness Advisor Support

Guidance on budgeting, credit, and financial planning during and after treatment. Service offered by Bamboo Financials.

Reviving Prayer Circle

Weekly virtual prayer gatherings for spiritual connection and encouragement.

Renew & Rise

Compassionate counseling services offered in partnership with Rise Counseling Group, providing trauma-informed mental health support.

Healing Through Community & Celebration

Chaplin Services

One-on-one spiritual care and guidance for individuals and families navigating a cancer diagnosis.

Boobie Showers

Uplifting pre-surgery celebrations that provide emotional encouragement and recovery-focused gifts for women preparing for breast surgery.

Sisters' Soirees

Monthly therapeutic gatherings with creative hands-on experiences like candle making, art therapy, and journaling.

Float Forward

Aquatic wellness sessions, swim lessons, and private water therapy in partnership with Rhythm and Stroke, LLC—designed to promote emotional and physical recovery.

My Sister's Circles

Educational forums featuring healthcare experts that offer trusted information on cancer treatment, mental health, nutrition, and survivorship.

Sisters in Sync

Wellness sessions—open to all women—that include yoga, mindfulness, nutrition, and fitness for whole-person healing.

Resilience Resources

Community Based Referral

Seamless connection to services like food, housing, and mental health through our Unite Us partnership.

Confidence & Comfort Programs

Comfort Keepers

Trained companions who offer emotional support and assist with family communication during inpatient or outpatient care.

Wig Service

Free, high-quality donated wigs to help women feel confident and beautiful during their treatment journey.

Thrive Through Care

Care kits, self-care resources, and milestone support to uplift women during and after treatment.

Waiting Room Watchers

On-site childcare support in local hospitals so mothers can attend appointments without worry.

Nutrition & Nourishment

Nourish to Flourish

Personalized nutrition counseling and group education led by our Director of Nutritional Services to promote healing through food.

Meal Service

Fresh, nutritious meals delivered to women undergoing treatment—ensuring they’re supported without the burden of cooking.

OUR REACH

From our roots in Cleveland, our message is spreading: empowering women, amplifying voices, and creating real change. —and we’re just getting started.

Ohio leads the charge, but the movement is growing.

This map says it all—impact isn't about how far you reach, it’s about who you move along the way.

RECOGNITION AND AWARDS

Title	Year	Reporter Name	Subtitle
Women of Distinction Award	2025	Naomi Women of Distinction	The award honors women-led nonprofits or nonprofit leaders who have significantly improved the lives and opportunities of women of color in Cleveland.
Circuit Breaker	2025	Omega Rho Chi Inc., Alpha Chapter	This award honors visionary individuals and or organizations who serve as catalysts for change—those who break barriers and ignite new pathways through bold, community-centered initiatives.
Nonprofit of the Year	2024	Pink & Black Honors	The Nonprofit of the Year award at the Pink & Black Honors recognizes a BIPOC-led organization for its outstanding impact and commitment to empowering and uplifting the community.
City of Cleveland Champions Award	2023	City of Cleveland - Coucilman Kevin Conwell	Honors individuals or organizations making bold, lasting contributions that uplift and strengthen Cleveland’s communities.
Shero	2020	MetroHealth	Celebrates extraordinary women who embody MetroHealth’s mission by improving community health with passion, resilience, and impact.

OUR PARTNERS

We are immensely grateful to our community partners and donors, whose generosity ensures that nearly 100% of our contributions go directly toward supporting our services. Our mission is simple yet profound: To envelop women undergoing cancer treatment in a community brimming with support and love.