Team Members for Equal Hope (Photo Credit: Marshelle Sanders).
In the fight against breast cancer, the critical message is free mammograms and services for the uninsured. Equal Hope is making these lifesaving services accessible to all.
The community is invited to join the mission to save lives through the “Breastaurant Tour.” This initiative enables participants to support Equal Hope by dining out. Every meal directly contributes to helping women access their mammogram appointments.
The Equal Hope press conference was held on Monday (Sept. 30) at Wilma’s Famous BBQ & Tavern.
The event’s theme was “Wear Pink Day,” and speakers included Dr. Paris Thomas, Executive Director of Equal Hope; Dr. Patricia Robinson from Northwestern University Medical Center; (video message) Equal Hope Board President State Representative Kim DuBuclet (5th District); and Javairo “JV” Wilson, Events Coordinator of Wilma’s Famous BBQ & Tavern.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, held each October, aims to enhance support for screening and treatment.
Equal Hope organized this event to highlight its partnership with local restaurants, which donate 10% of their proceeds on specific days or throughout the month to help women overcome barriers to getting mammograms, particularly in Chicago’s South and West Sides, where the breast cancer mortality rate has been historically high.
Women in Pink While Dining
Photo Credit: Marshelle Sanders
Dana “Divine” Wint, the Community Engagement Specialist for Equal Hope and a WVON radio personality who has battled breast cancer, shared the organization’s mission. “While October raises awareness, many women in Chicago need year-round support—12 months of advocacy. We are committed to helping women live healthier lives through free mammograms, screenings, and assistance finding primary care appointments. This is the crucial first step in their health journey.”
“Our team supports women from start to finish—whether they’re saying, ‘I think I felt something’ or ringing the bell as survivors. Equal Hope excels at guiding women through this entire process.”
Originally founded as the Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force, the organization was established to address alarming breast cancer mortality rates. The late Dr. Steven Whitman from Chicago’s Sinai Urban Health Institute and Dr. David Ansell from Rush recognized the urgent need for action based on the data. Dr. Paris Thomas serves as Executive Director, and Jiana Calixto (she/her) is the Director of Community Health and Engagement, ensuring that services reach every part of the city.
Founded in 2008, Equal Hope was created in response to data showing that Black women in Chicago were 62% more likely to die from breast cancer than their white counterparts—a disparity not seen in cities like New York and San Francisco. This highlighted the role of structural racism and geographic disparities in health outcomes.
Equal Hope focuses on addressing these inequalities, particularly in Chicago’s West and South Sides, where breast cancer mortality and incidence rates are highest. The organization employs a three-pronged approach: Evidence-Based research to enhance access to and quality of care for women by partnering with healthcare providers; Advocacy to influence legislation for high-quality care for all women; and Outreach and Navigation, where community health workers and patient navigators assist women in effectively navigating the healthcare system.
Since its inception, Equal Hope has reduced the mortality disparity between Black and white women to 32%.
However, challenges remain, particularly with younger women under 49, especially women of color, presenting with advanced cancer. Recent legislation lowering the recommended screening age to 40 is a positive step, but issues persist.
Despite the progress, new treatments and technologies still fall short of meeting the needs of underserved communities, particularly for Black and Brown women in Chicago’s West and South Sides. Ongoing support for Equal Hope and similar organizations is essential in addressing these disparities.
Retha Cooper, Equal Hope’s Nurse Navigator, shared her deeply personal and professional journey.
“I never truly understood how important this work was until I experienced it firsthand—I was diagnosed with breast cancer myself,” she said.
Cooper recounted how devastating the diagnosis was and how Equal Hope, her colleagues, and their CEO supported her throughout her journey.
“I didn’t realize how essential having someone by your side is. Before my diagnosis, I would explain to patients what to expect: mammograms, diagnostic tests, MRIs and PET scans. But nothing prepared me to experience it firsthand. The journey is completely different when you’re patient.”
Having navigated over 4,000 women in Chicago—more than 2,000 needed follow-up diagnostics—Cooper has witnessed their fear and challenges.
She recalled that about 280 of these women were diagnosed with breast cancer.
“The most important thing about Equal Hope is that we make it our business to support you in any way possible,” she explained. “Whether it’s attending appointments with you, providing transportation, or simply listening—whatever it takes.”
Cooper emphasized the importance of support during the emotional journey of recovery.
“I had two friends with me on the day of my surgery, and it made a huge difference. You can’t do this alone,” she said, adding that recovery is ongoing. “I’m back to normal now, but it’s a journey.”
She urged everyone to encourage anyone under 40 to get their mammograms, noting the rise in diagnoses among young women.
“For those who are uninsured or underinsured, refer them to Equal Hope—we’re here to help.”
When asked about the partnership for the Breast Cancer Restaurant Tour, JV, Wilma’s Event Coordinator stated that the official tour date would be Oct. 4.
“It was a no-brainer—I’m fully committed to it. Anything that gives back, especially in this context, has my support. As a Black woman, I recognize the need to raise awareness about early detection, which isn’t emphasized in our communities, particularly for Black and Brown women. Supporting this initiative felt natural to me. Breast cancer has personally affected my family, with survivors on both sides, making this cause deeply personal.”
This tour is about more than just enjoying delicious food; it’s about raising breast cancer awareness and saving lives in our community. It creates a full-circle moment where community members support local restaurants, many of which are Black—and Brown-owned—that support Equal Hope.
Photo Credit: Marshelle Sanders
Restaurant Dates
- Friday, Oct. 4: Wilma’s Famous BBQ & Tavern, 17 N. Wabash Ave., fl 2, Chicago, IL 60602
- Sunday, Oct. 6: Tropical Smoothie Cafe, 7784 S. Cicero Ave Burbank, IL 60459
- Thursday, Oct. 10: Truth Restaurant, 56 E Pershing Rd, Chicago, IL 60653
- Saturday, Oct. 12: Kobo Fest: Taste of Liberia, 5311 South Lake Park Avenue West Chicago, IL 60615
- Sunday, Oct. 13: Two Fish Crab Shack, 641 E 47th St, Chicago, IL 60653
- Wednesday, Oct. 16: Bronzeville Soul, 4655 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL 60653
- Thursday, Oct. 17: Sanders BBQ Supply Co, 1742 W 99th St, Chicago, IL 60643
- Friday, Oct. 18: Haire’s Gulf Shrimp 7448 S Vincennes Ave, Chicago, IL 60620
- Tuesday, Oct. 22: Uncle Remus Saucy Fried Chicken, 5611 W. Madison, Chicago, IL 60644
- Wednesday, Oct. 23, Chicago’s Home of Chicken & Waffles, 3947 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60653
- Thursday, Oct. 24, Kilwins (Hyde Park), 5226 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615
- Saturday, Oct. 26: Bea’s Kitchen & Kocktails, 5091 Sauk Trail, Richton Park, IL 60471
- Sunday, Oct. 29: Green dragon Taco, 2255 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612
How to Obtain Information About Equal Hope
Equal Hope provides essential resources through its Patient Navigation Program. After women schedule appointments, navigators assist with everything from transportation to screenings and treatment guidance, helping them overcome barriers to care. Bilingual navigators like Nurse Cooper connect women to follow-up care after abnormal screenings.
The organization emphasizes the importance of early detection and assists women in enrolling for services.
Equal Hope has successfully helped around 1,500 individuals access mammograms and nearly the same number for cervical cancer screenings. Education is a key focus; they inform women about screening age requirements and warning signs, including nipple discharge or changes in skin appearance.
Cooper stresses, “Early detection is crucial. Women should check themselves and get tested. Let’s continue raising awareness and supporting breast cancer prevention.”
For more information about Equal Hope’s programs and services or how to help combat healthcare inequity, visit www.equalhope.org or call 312-942-3368.
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