It is with great sadness that the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) shares the passing of our dear friend and former Board Member, Hope White.
Hope was a deeply respected public health professional with decades of experience in community-based health programming and a lifelong commitment to advancing health equity. She dedicated her career to addressing health and racial disparities, building innovative programs to provide education, resources, and self-empowerment for underrepresented communities.
Hope’s impact in the breast cancer community is profound. As Program Director of Health and Wellness for the YWCA Boston, she created the Spirit Wise Sisters breast cancer support group — the first in Massachusetts for African-American women — setting a model that has been nationally recognized and replicated. During her time as Director of Breast Cancer Education and Prevention at the Boston Public Health Commission, she pioneered community-based outreach models to bring critical breast health education to women of color.
Hope first joined MBCC’s Board of Directors in 2006, serving until 2011, and was invited back in 2017 because of her tireless advocacy and commitment to breast cancer awareness, especially in communities of color. She remained a valued member of the Board until 2022, lending her voice, leadership, and passion to MBCC’s mission of breast cancer prevention and environmental health advocacy.
In addition to her many accomplishments, Hope generously shared her expertise as a presenter for MBCC’s webinar series. Her final webinar presentation for MBCC, “Breast Cancer Care in Communities of Color” (April 22, 2021), can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/12wiDyo6gRM?si=kogLLa_HWN3Ut-8f
Beyond MBCC, Hope served as a Trustee for the Lupus Foundation of New England, contributed to the Dana-Farber Harvard Cancer Center Faith-Based Cancer Disparities Network, and supported the Boston Public Health Commission and the Boston COVID RECOVER Cohort (BCRC), among many other initiatives.
Hope’s life’s work has saved and changed countless lives. She was not only a leader, but also a mentor, collaborator, and friend to all who had the privilege of working alongside her.
On behalf of the MBCC Board of Directors, staff, and community, we extend our deepest condolences to Hope’s family, friends, and all who were touched by her extraordinary life.
I have learned so much from Hope and I will forever miss her.
— Cheryl Osimo, MBCC Executive Director
