Everything that happens to us is not for us to keep. It’s for us to figure out a way to give back. We must figure out a way to help other people. How do I take this hurt, pain, and discomfort and channel it in a way to help others?

When Loretta Herring’s mother was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1996, she and her four sisters asked themselves, “How do we deal with our mom being sick with a disease that blindsided us?” They felt lost and overwhelmed by their mother’s weight loss, hair loss, and the fact that she was constantly sick. They needed answers, but there were none; they needed support, but there weren’t many groups for Black patients. Loretta and her sisters’ belief that no one should have to go through cancer alone inspired them to launch the Cancer Awareness Network for Children in 1997, a nonprofit organization geared toward eliminating the fears associated with a cancer diagnosis through free, quarterly workshops and luncheons.

Loretta’s ability to encourage others throughout cancer diagnoses was put to the test when a routine mammogram led to a stage zero breast cancer diagnosis in 2010. She felt devastated and afraid. She recalled losing her mother and cousin only two years after their diagnoses. For her, cancer meant one thing: death. But with the immense support of her sisters and friends, the strength she drew from the tenacity of other cancer survivors, and – most importantly – her faith, Loretta realized that she needed to channel her hurt, pain, and discomfort in a way to help others. The fight was on, and she was determined to win!

Through her work with the Department of Defense, Loretta served for six years as a Consumer Peer Reviewer for breast cancer research under the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which led to her involvement in cancer organizations – including NCCS. While Loretta is grateful for all she’s accomplished as an advocate, she’s most grateful for NCCS. What sets this organization apart from others is the staff who truly care about survivors and their communities. “I haven’t seen this support on a local level anywhere else,” Loretta said. “Once you go home, NCCS will reach out to ask what you’re doing and how they can help.” NCCS connects advocates and ambassadors with other organizations, while building upon the work they’re already doing. When NCCS asked Loretta to serve as an Elevate Ambassador, she took her knowledge and training to give back to her community.

With data provided by NCCS, Loretta set out to develop the Telehealth Service Program, whose mission is to bridge the gap between elderly cancer patients and technology. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for electronic communications to participate in virtual meetings, doctors’ visits, and conversations with family. Unfortunately, many senior cancer patients in Loretta’s community, Birmingham, AL, either didn’t know how to use technology or didn’t own a computer or tablet. She decided to address this and conduct step-by-step, in-home trainings on equipment to increase their knowledge of telehealth services and build their confidence in the virtual world.

Loretta didn’t know where this journey would take her when she began advocating for her mother 24 years ago – but thanks to her own diagnosis, the world opened before her eyes. Hearing those dreaded words, “You have cancer,” gave her the opportunity to learn the full impact of advocacy, research, and fundraising. Loretta’s mission is to give back to members of her community by sharing her insights as a survivor, empowering others, and building a better future for all cancer patients!