Our Mission
Transforming invisibility into evidence and evidence into action.
Why We Exist
United Colors of Cancer (UCC) is dedicated to bridging the health divide for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) affected by cancer. Our mission is to increase cancer survivorship within the BIPOC community and find a cure.
The Problem
Cancer disproportionately affects communities of color. Black and Latinx populations face higher incidence rates and mortality due to systemic barriers, delayed diagnoses, and lack of culturally competent care.
Financial Toxicity
Nearly 60% of working-age cancer survivors report financial hardship. Employment disruptions, loss of income, and high out-of-pocket costs lead to debt, bankruptcy, and reduced quality of life.
Our Solution
We provide direct financial assistance, care packages, survivor mentorship, and advocate for policy changes that address systemic inequities in cancer care.
"Cancer doesn't discriminate, but our healthcare system does. We're here to change that by ensuring every BIPOC cancer patient has access to the support and resources they need to not just survive, but thrive."
Bikira Radcliffe
Founder & Executive Director
Board of Directors
Meet the dedicated leaders guiding our mission to serve the BIPOC cancer community.
Bikira Radcliffe
Founder
Bikira Radcliffe is a 10-year metastatic thyroid cancer survivor, wife, mother, an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and the founder of United Colors of Cancer with a mission to advocate for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) cancer community.
Raelyn Holmes
Board Member
Raelyn Holmes is a mother, student of life, and professional in the aerospace industry. She is an active life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Tuskegee Alumni association, Church Servant, Girl Scout Troop Leader and participant with other community initiatives.
Rosemary Malone
Board Member
After forty-five years at the Maryland Dept. of Human Services, Rosemary retired as the Executive Director of the Family Investment Administration. A graduate of Eckerd College, Rosemary is an expert in program management, research, analysis, and planning.
Cynthia Carpenter
Board Member
Cynthia Carpenter is a wife, mother, and grandmother. Cynthia provided service to the community, working 38 years at the Maryland Department of Human Services, retiring as the Director of the Maryland State Review Team. Cynthia has considerable experience in policy, training, program development, and implementation.
B. Francis Clark
Board Member
B. Clark is an entrepreneur, real estate agent, and founder of RECOLLECT / Media. Bernard graduated from Berkeley/UCLA, and has worked with HBO, Warner Bros., and the Academy (AMPAS), among others. Bernard was Editor of Save the Date Magazine, Senior Creative for APPLE, and Program Director for the original Blacks In Technology summit.
Sonia Legg
Board Member
Sonia Legg is a certified Business Planner, Coach, and Teacher. She has an MA in Educational Leadership, and has been in education for 23 years. She is the founder of JODE, Inc., and is active in her community, serving New Psalmist Baptist Church as a member of the Diaconate, and leader of the Kingdom Kids Discipleship Class.
Our Values
These principles guide everything we do in service of the BIPOC cancer community.
Equity
We believe in fair access to healthcare resources for all communities, regardless of race or socioeconomic status.
Advocacy
We advocate for policy changes that address systemic inequities in cancer care and research.
Community
We build supportive communities where survivors can connect, share, and heal together.
Cultural Competence
We promote culturally sensitive care that respects and honors diverse backgrounds.