do her own research to understand her chronic disease. Even more so, Walker’s experience as a Black woman from the south managing her metastatic breast cancer meant that she’d face certain disadvantages.
Fortunately, that didn’t stop the 62-year-old from breaking down barriers and gathering as much information as she could about her condition. After attending a conference, Walker says that she’s never felt so heard and understood before.
“I had a community now that I could go to with my problems or my concerns,” she told Everyday Health.
She also learned about the disparities that existed in the healthcare system. Black patients with the disease weren’t being offered the same treatment as white women. This led Walker to work towards creating situations that would benefit Black people’s health. She particularly urged the Black community to get involved in clinical trials. For years, Black people have been weary of such practices, given the long history of heinous acts, such as the notorious Tuskegee experiment.
It’s important that a level of trust be established between a healthcare provider and patient. Fortunately, Walker is able to provide that for patients. Walker tells Everyday Health that when she approaches a patient, they’re more likely to consider participating in a clinical trial.
“I look like them. I’m more apt to get their attention,” she says.
At the end of the day, Stephanie Walker wants to help others receive the proper care they need. More importantly, she wants the Black community to be informed and knowledgeable about their condition.
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Stephanie Walker Gets The Work Done
Stephanie Walker was determined to make her voice heard in the healthcare system. Eventually, she moved on from one major role in an organization to another as their project lead. Walker wasn’t only speaking with the Black community but also having talks with scientists about better treatment options.
The grandmother tells Everyday Health that she wants researchers to understand that they’re speaking to a Black woman. Even more important, she wants the Black community’s needs to be heard. While doctors supposedly help people, Stephanie Walker argues that it’s research that saves lives.