About Us

The Carin’ and Sharin’ Breast Cancer Education and Support Group was organized in
1989, by Gwendolyn Brown, an oncology social worker, to address some of the issues
related to the rising mortality rate among socio-economically disadvantaged, inner city,
African-American women in the Memphis area. This was the first group for this population
in the state of Tennessee. Initially, there was no direct funding for the group, which
resulted in relying heavily upon in-kind donations from various local agencies and
businesses.

The group grew slowly as the target population was largely unfamiliar with the concept of
formal “group support”. To alleviate apprehension, the initial gatherings focused on
education and group support happened during informal meals after each session.

Through a comfortable and safe environment, fostered by the group founder, coupled with
her compassionate support and intense individual social work intervention, the group
began to mature and has grown significantly over the years, leading to significant
expansion of programs and services.

The parent organization, Urban Health Education and Support Services (UHESS) was
formed in 2002 as a non-profit organization to provide oversight and resources for the
Carin’ and Sharin’ Breast Cancer Education and Support Group.

UHESS is supported by funders including: the Memphis-MidSouth Affiliate of Susan G.
Komen for the Cure, Breast Cancer Eradication Initiative, Inc.,
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter, MidSouth Assistive
Technology, Miller Family Medical Center