My journey with the National Breast Cancer Coalition Summit has been one of growth, determination, and purpose — not just for myself, but for the entire U.S. Virgin Islands community.
The VI Breast Cancer Project was founded in 2016 alongside my co-founder, Dr. Berhnard Bierlich, with a singular purpose: to support and advance research on breast cancer. From the very beginning, we understood that research is the pathway to understanding, treatment, and ultimately, a cure.
Since 2016, I have consistently attended the National Breast Cancer Coalition Summits, deepened my knowledge and strengthened my voice as an advocate. I am also a proud graduate of the NBCC LEAD Institute, where I received intensive training in breast cancer science, public policy, and advocacy — preparing me to effectively engage in the national dialogue on research and healthcare.
In 2023, there were five of us representing the Virgin Islands — one from St. Thomas and four from St. Croix. It was a proud moment to stand together, united in advocacy and committed to ensuring that our voices were part of the national conversation. In 2024, I found myself alone. I was the only voice representing the U.S. Virgin Islands. While that reality could have felt isolating, it instead strengthened my resolve. I understood more clearly than ever that showing up matters. If you are not at the table, no one knows what you want.
That same year brought an unexpected and memorable moment. While staying at the Park Hyatt Washington, we had a rare opportunity encounter with President Joe Biden. He was simply exiting the restaurant — not a scheduled meeting — but we were able to briefly speak with him. When he learned that we were from St. Croix, he was delighted, as he frequently visits the island during the Christmas holidays. That moment reminded me that sometimes the most meaningful connections happen when you simply show up and are present.
In 2026, I made a commitment: I would not go alone. Denise Lenhardt Benoit joined me, and together we represented the Virgin Islands with pride and purpose. As advocates, we stood alongside members of the National Breast Cancer Coalition and brought our voices to Capitol Hill. We met with senior staff from Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, who has consistently supported the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program.
What makes this work so impactful is the mission behind it. The National Breast Cancer Coalition provides a critical pathway to research through advocacy and federal funding, particularly through the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP). Attending the summit offers a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about the latest breakthroughs in breast cancer research, to engage with scientists, and to better understand how advocacy directly influences scientific progress. Their activism has generated more than $4 billion in new funding for breast cancer research. Through collaboration with scientists and stakeholders, they have helped shape new models of research — ones that are more inclusive, informed, and driven by urgency.
This is where my vision for the Virgin Islands becomes clear. It is my determination that one day the Virgin Islands will partner with leading professional research teams to specifically study breast cancer within our own population. Our community deserves research that reflects our unique experiences, our genetics, and our environment. And through continued advocacy, education, and participation in forums like the summit, I believe we can help make that vision a reality. This is why advocacy matters.
My goal is simple yet urgent: to encourage more breast cancer survivors and advocates from the Virgin Islands to participate in future summits. We have many cancer organizations across our islands, and each one carries voices that deserve to be heard on the national stage. I often say: if you’re not at the table, nobody knows what you want. You have to be there. You have to speak. And sometimes, you have to become the voice when no one else shows up.
Looking ahead to 2027, my vision is bold but achievable. I am committed to ensuring that every organization within our V.I. Cancer Coalition is represented by at least one breast cancer survivor or advocate at the summit. No matter what.
Closing Reflection
This work is bigger than me — it belongs to all of us. Together, we can ensure that the voices of the Virgin Islands are not only present, but powerful. And as long as I have a voice, I will use it to open doors for others to take their seat at the table at the National Breast Cancer Coalition Summit.
— Diane Hampton, Project Co-Founder/Project Director of Breast Cancer Project on St. Croix, cancer survivor and advocate
Editor’s Note: Opinion articles do not represent the views of the Virgin Islands Source newsroom and are the sole expressed opinion of the writer. Submissions can be made to visource@gmail.com.
