Standing Together: Sisterhood Beyond Blood
National Siblings Day is Thursday, April 10, and for many this is an opportunity to honor brothers and sisters bound by blood. But for those who experience the lifelong bond of Greek life, sisterhood extends far beyond family ties.
In 2003, a group of women joined Delta Delta Delta at the University of Michigan, unknowingly forging a sisterhood that would sustain them through life’s greatest joys and deepest challenges. They lived together, graduated together, and spread out across the country—New York, LA, Chicago—but their connection never wavered. From weddings to babies, career milestones to everyday moments, they showed up for one another. And when Brittany Jackson was diagnosed with breast cancer, that sisterhood became a lifeline.
A Sister’s Diagnosis, A Community’s Response
“When I was diagnosed, I was hesitant to tell many people at first. As a healthy active person, I felt embarrassed and scared that this was happening to me. I didn’t know what support I needed or how to ask for help, but I did know I had to share my diagnosis with this special group of friends. Once I did, I felt an overwhelming wave of love, support and strength.”
During the pandemic, Brittany underwent chemotherapy alone—but she was never truly alone. Her sorority sisters, created a package delivery system, ensuring that before each treatment, a box of carefully chosen comforts arrived at her doorstep. From cozy clothes to special teas, blankets, and games, these gifts transformed a difficult experience into one filled with love. Each package served as a reminder of the sisterhood rallying behind her, making every chemo session a little more bearable.
When she completed chemotherapy in 2020, her sisters planned a surprise Zoom celebration, rewriting one of their old rush songs in her honor. They even crafted bracelets inscribed with a message in Morse code: “DL4BJ” (Delta Love for Brittany Jackson), a tangible reminder of their unwavering support.
But Brittany’s journey wasn’t over. In 2022, when she was diagnosed with a local recurrence, the fear and devastation returned. And once again, so did her sisters. In the middle of chemotherapy, they traveled to Pittsburgh to celebrate her birthday, planning a perfect evening complete with a specially curated vegan meal. In a time of uncertainty, their presence and thoughtfulness created a memory that is one of her favorites to this day.
The Power of Showing Up
Through her experience, Brittany learned an invaluable truth: in times of pain and fear, the smallest acts of kindness become lifelines. Whether it’s a text, a meal, or a handwritten note, simple gestures can provide immense comfort. There’s often a misconception that people battling illness want space, but Brittany found that the opposite was true. Connection was the best medicine.
“If someone you love is facing cancer, the best thing you can do is show up and be authentic,” she says. “Even if it feels uncomfortable, reach out. Put issues aside and focus on being a light in their darkness.”
Sisterhood in Action
Understanding firsthand the importance of research in saving lives, Brittany and her best friend Molly Melman co-founded Pink on the River in Chicago, a signature fundraiser benefiting The Pink Agenda. Their goal was simple: to channel their sisterhood’s strength into action, raising critical funds for breast cancer research and patient support.
Their entire sorority family rallied behind them, joining the Host Committee, donating to the silent auction, and attending the event in full force. Thanks to their leadership and dedication, Pink on the River has grown into one of The Pink Agenda’s most successful initiatives, helping to fund groundbreaking research and programs like Giuliana Rancic’s FAB-U-WISH, which provides special experiences for young women undergoing treatment.
Brittany and Molly’s involvement with The Pink Agenda is a testament to the impact that a dedicated community can have when facing breast cancer. Their story proves that when sisters come together—whether by blood or by bond—they can create meaningful change.
Redefining Sisterhood on National Siblings Day
For Brittany, National Siblings Day holds new meaning. It’s not only about the family she was born into but also about the sisters she chose. “The larger the circle of support, the more strength I felt,” she reflects. “I faced big, scary issues, and my friends who have always felt like sisters stepped up when I needed them most. I survived thanks to them.”
As we celebrate National Siblings Day, let’s recognize the many forms that siblinghood can take. Whether through family, friendship, or the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood, support systems like these remind us that no one faces breast cancer alone.
At The Pink Agenda, we honor the power of connection and the impact it has on those facing breast cancer. Brittany’s story is a testament to the strength of sisterhood, and we are grateful for all those who stand together in the pursuit of a future free from breast cancer.
Delta Love, today and always!