Staci Kirk is a six-time cancer survivor and founder of the Stiletto Boss Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women of color beyond cancer treatment.

Staci Kirk

Six-time cancer survivor Staci Kirk urges patients to trust their bodies and speak up to ensure their needs are understood and addressed throughout cancer care. 

How Can Self-Advocacy Improve Care for Newly Diagnosed Patients?

Newly diagnosed patients with cancer should embrace self-advocacy as a vital part of their care, according to Staci Kirk, a six-time cancer survivor and founder of the Stiletto Boss Foundation.

In a video interview with CURE, she shares how trusting your body and speaking up — especially when something doesn’t feel right — can lead to better communication and improved outcomes. Kirk reflects on her own experience and urges others to ask questions, bring someone with them to appointments, and connect with local groups.

Her nonprofit organization helps fill critical gaps beyond treatment by creating safe spaces for connection, providing ongoing emotional support, and equipping individuals with the tools they need to navigate the often-overlooked challenges that come with life after a cancer diagnosis.

What advice would you give to someone who's newly diagnosed and unsure how to speak up for themselves in a medical setting?

I really want to make sure that people understand self-advocacy. You're going to have a care team, you're going to have people to support you, but there's nothing like self-advocacy. If something is wrong, say something. If you don't feel heard, keep saying something.

I believe that I would still have my right breast if I had pushed harder. I always say that. But a lot of times we get white coat syndrome. We don't ask the right questions because we don't know the right questions. And then we don't have anybody to call to support us in that.

Reach out, talk to people, try to connect with groups—like my group or other groups in your community — and really say, “Hey, what should I be asking?” Or “Could you go with me?” Or “Could you help me jot down a few questions?” Because no one is going to advocate for you like you. You know your body, trust your body, and speak up for yourself.

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness

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Self-advocacy is crucial for newly diagnosed cancer patients, as emphasized by Staci Kirk, a cancer survivor and founder of the Stiletto Boss Foundation. Trusting one's body and voicing concerns can enhance communication and outcomes. Kirk advises patients to ask questions, bring support to appointments, and engage with local groups. Her nonprofit addresses gaps beyond treatment by fostering connections, offering emotional support, and providing tools for navigating post-diagnosis challenges. Kirk stresses the importance of self-advocacy, urging patients to persist in voicing concerns and seeking support.

Six-time survivor Staci Kirk founded the Stiletto Boss Foundation to provide community, support and practical help for women of color beyond treatment.

Helping Women of Color Thrive Beyond Cancer Treatment

Staci Kirk’s journey as a six-time cancer survivor has shaped her into a powerful advocate for survivors, especially women of color. Through her nonprofit, the Stiletto Boss Foundation, she addresses the gaps beyond medical treatment, offering emotional support, community, and practical resources for those navigating life after diagnosis.

In her own words, Staci explains that her transparency and need for community during her journey revealed a lack of support for many women facing cancer — particularly those experiencing healthcare disparities.

By building this foundation, Staci provides more than treatment — she creates a community where survivors can heal, find strength, and thrive beyond cancer.

What inspired you to found the Stiletto Boss Foundation, and how does the organization support survivors beyond their medical treatment?

I realized, through my own transparency and through my own journey of needing to build community, that there were other women who felt the same way.

There were so many health care disparities. There was so much beyond just the treatment of [patients with] cancer and that there wasn't a lot of support around that, especially women of color — they experience quite a bit more adversity as it relates to a diagnosis — and so that was the purpose.

It was just to bring community around the diagnosis and to give them more than just the treatment. We have been able to provide support groups. We've been able to do one-on- one [meetings]. I've sat with people that I've never met before during their chemotherapy treatment because they didn't have anyone else to go with them.

We also provide what we call “warrior boxes” for women who are newly diagnosed with [X type of] cancer, and it includes things that you don't typically think about, like peppermint ginger chews, lip balm, and lotion. These are things that you don't think about because you don't know. We've been really blessed to be able to have this foundation and give back to people in that way.

Staci Kirk

How Can Self-Advocacy Improve Care for Newly Diagnosed Patients?

Helping Women of Color Thrive Beyond Cancer Treatment

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