Inspiring Stories & Conversations
Empowering Communities Through Trials of Color Going National Initiative Partner Spotlight | Sharon Rivera-Sanchez of Trials of Color
Sharon Rivera-Sanchez is a cancer survivor who has turned her personal journey into a mission to give back. Through the Trials of Color organization, she raises awareness, advocates for patients, and works with communities to take charge of their health.
In this Going National Initiative Partner Spotlight from the PATIENTS Program, we share Sharon’s inspiring story and her commitment to improving health equity nationwide.
A special thank you to our sponsors—AstraZeneca, Bayer, and Novo Nordisk—for making the Going National Initiative possible
A Voice for the Voiceless
It’s Testimonial Monday!
TOPIC: A Voice For The Voiceless
Tune in Monday at 6PM CST to Warriors TALK W/Lady ReShell and my special guest cancer survivor and advocate Sharon Rivera-Sanchez sharing why she’s passionate about helping cancer patients while educating, advocating, researching and being a voice for the voiceless.
What I Wish My Doctor Had Told Me?
Join the Black Women’s Cancer Collaborative as we discuss our journey with Cancer. Guest Wenora Johnson; 3x Cancer Survivor, Kimberly Richardson; Breast And Ovarian Cancer Survivor, and Sharon Rivera-Sanchez; Breast Cancer Survivor will discuss their journey and the path to advocacy.
COVID-19 and Cancer: Managing Stress, Anxiety, and Grief During Uncertain Times--Dr. L. Imani Price
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship hosted a webinar on managing anxiety, stress, and grief with psychologist Dr. Imani Price and a panel of cancer survivors and advocates. Dr. Price shared tips on how to cope with stress during this unique time and included strategies such as connecting with friends and family virtually, taking time to get outside each day, getting sufficient sleep, and eating well. The cancer survivors on the panel shared their struggles and advice for coping with stress, anxiety and grief during this pandemic.
Randall Broad, Erin Cummings, Loretta Herring, and Sharon Rivera-Sanchez, all cancer survivors and patient advocates, shared their struggles and advice for coping with the isolation and fear that many cancer survivors are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ashley D. Freeman facilitates a panel discussion on how several providers make shared decision making a reality in their practices and how one patient has turned her experience with triple negative breast cancer and clinical trials has made her an effective advocate for patient-centered care
Do you know that the consent form can be a barrier to one joining a clinical trial?
This year’s DIA, I had the opportunity of speaking and sharing my recent clinical trial experience ( which happens to be my fourth trial) with our panel with Jennifer Kim
Our panel also delved into the results from a recent Merck-funded study on the hurdles patients of color must overcome even after they qualify for a clinical trial study.
Patients as Partners 2025
Clinical trials as an African American
Sharon Rivera Sanchez is proud to be a part of clinical trials as an African American. Representation matters in research, and by participating,she is helping to ensure that diverse voices are heard in the development of new treatments.
Together, we can break down barriers and make a difference in healthcare.
Patients as Partners 2025
Sharon gets honest at Patients As Partners in Clinical Research Community News about why clear communication and transparency are vital to a patient’s trial experience. 🎬 Watch the video to hear more of her views
Being “informed” means more than just knowing the basics. It involves understanding what’s going to happen, what the next steps are, how long the process will take, and what to expect at each visit. Unfortunately, not all trials provide this level of transparency.
Why This Matters!
Recently, our founder and CEO, Sharon Rivera Sanchez, spoke at the @Patients As Partners event about why clear communication and transparency are crucial for a positive trial experience. It’s essential for participants to feel confident and aware throughout the process.
Clinical trials as an African American
Sharon Rivera Sanchez is proud to be a part of clinical trials as an African American. Representation matters in research, and by participating,she is helping to ensure that diverse voices are heard in the development of new treatments.
Together, we can break down barriers and make a difference in healthcare.
Credit: Cancervaccine coalition
Only 5% of clinical trial participants are from the Black and Brown community. Sharon Rivera-Sanchez, a triple negative breast cancer survivor is proudly part of that 5%.
She participated in clinical trial studies after her diagnosis to detect recurrences sooner for other breast cancer patients.
As the founder of Trials of Color, she knows that increasing diversity in clinical trials isn’t just about statistics. It’s about survival. It’s about giving Black and Brown communities a chance at better treatments, earlier detection and ultimately a cure.
Sharon was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer after a routine mammogram. She vividly remembers the doctor shaking his head at her diagnosis. At that moment she knew it wasn’t good.
Her treatment was brutal. Chemotherapy and radiation that took a harsh toll on her physical and mental health.
The current treatments are awful and it’s time we insist on better. It’s why Sharon chose to participate in a clinical trial — she knows every participant brings us one step closer to breakthrough treatments like breast cancer vaccines.
Sharon wants a shot to live. And she wants the Black and Brown community to have a better shot at life. She believes breast cancer vaccines could be the answer for that.
1 in 8 women in the U.S. will get breast cancer. Sharon is the 1 in 8. I’m the 1 in 8. But we have a shot at changing that statistic. And you have a shot at being a part of the change.
Sharon Rivera - NPAF Story Slam 2023
Story-telling is at the heart of patient advocacy and our mission here at NPAF. With Story Slam, NPAF is proud to amplify patient voices. This year’s storytellers are patients, advocates and professionals who shared their unique journeys, all with a focus on trust.
Listen as Sharon Rivera shares her story