About Us
We support & empower women
in their cancer journey
by providing a friendly and safe environment for individuals to share their experiences, build a support system, and learn healing and coping strategies during and after a cancer diagnosis.
We advocate for those who feel voiceless within our communities. We encourage open dialogue and challenge policymakers to improve research methods and healthcare policies.
Through our efforts, we aim to develop culturally relevant support programs, expand our reach, and ensure sustainable funding to support women of African ancestry facing breast cancer.
Leadership & Commitment
Dedicated to serving our diverse community for over 25 years
The Olive Branch of Hope (TOBOH) was founded in 2001 by breast cancer survivors Leila Springer and Winsome Johnson. Their mission is to support and empower our diverse community facing cancer challenges.
TOBOH is dedicated to serving women of African-Caribbean Heritage and culturally diverse backgrounds, providing support and solidarity in the cancer journey. Remember, we are a symbol of hope and strength, and you’re never alone in your healing journey with us.
Meet The Team
Cancer Support Services
Our impactful initiatives
We are committed to doing more in the fight against breast cancer.
Here’s how we’re making a difference.
Amplifying advocacy
We collaborate with policymakers and influencers to advocate for improved breast cancer care, insurance coverage, and research, magnifying our impact.
Enhancing patient support
Our expanded initiatives offer diverse support, motivation easing patients’ journeys, fostering unity and empowerment.
Advancing research
Through collaborations, we’re accelerating groundbreaking research and delving into treatments that will lead to improved outcomes of breast cancer.
Expanding outreach across Canada & beyond
We’re actively expanding community outreach to bolster early detection awareness, enhance resource access, engage, and connect with individuals.
Why It Matters
Cancer is rising
in younger women of African ancestry
Women of African ancestry face a higher risk of aggressive breast cancer at a younger age due to genetic and socioeconomic factors. Our foundation is committed to researching these disparities, educating women, and advocating for accessible care to improve cancer outcomes in this demographic.
Increased risk of cancer
Women of African ancestry face a higher risk of aggressive breast cancer subtypes, often diagnosed at younger ages. Genetic and socioeconomic factors contribute to this elevated risk, necessitating targeted awareness and early detection strategies.
Empowerment through education
We aim to empower women with culturally sensitive educational resources, promoting self-exams, screenings, and healthy choices to reduce late-stage diagnoses through increased awareness.
Accessible care
Tackling healthcare disparities is crucial. We collaborate with medical institutions and advocate for policy changes to ensure equal access to screenings, treatment, and support services, aiming to narrow the cancer outcome gap for African ancestry women.
Our Approach
Why faith matters
Rooted in the historical traditions and wisdom of the African diaspora, developing research shows that spirituality reduces stress, enhances immune function, and provides vital emotional support, especially in communities where discussing cancer is often stigmatized.
Our Mission
- Provide support, resources, and programs to increase awareness about cancer and its impact within our diverse community.
- Advocate on behalf of those who feel voiceless within our communities. We encourage open dialogue and challenge policy makers to improve research methods and health care policies
- Provide a friendly and safe environment for individuals to share their experiences, build a support system, and learn healing and coping strategies during and after a cancer diagnosis.
Our Goals
- Develop and implement culturally diverse cancer support programs
- Expand the organization’s reach in serving communities across Canada
- Increase funding and obtain a sustainable financial base to drive program growth
- Extend support to underserved developing countries in the Caribbean and Africa (in longer term)
