Terry W. Spicer: 2024 Triangle Tribune Newsmaker of the Year and Advocate for Cancer Patients

Terry W. Spicer is a woman with many roles — publicist, mentor, nonprofit founder, and cancer advocate. Now, she’s being recognized as the 2024 Triangle Tribune Newsmaker of the Year, a title that reflects her deep commitment to the community.

Spicer founded The Sisters Inspiring Sisters, Incorporated (SISI), an organization that helps cancer patients with transportation to their medical appointments. This idea came from her personal experience of driving her best friend, Gwen, to appointments during her battle with cancer.

Over the past 11 years, The SISI has helped nearly 1,700 cancer patients across North Carolina, Washington, D.C., and 16 other states. One of their main goals is to encourage women to take charge of their breast health, and they’ve helped over 500 women get mammograms.

Spicer recalled a phone call from a patient navigator at Duke University, who told her that her work was “directly helping to save lives.” This moment made Spicer realize that her organization’s impact went far beyond just offering transportation and gas cards.

In addition to her cancer work, Spicer also leads The SISI Small PEARLS Lead Academy, a program that helps girls from age 7 through high school. The academy covers topics like financial literacy, mental health, and community service, and offers global experiences, such as trips to Washington, D.C., and virtual meetings with girls from The Gambia, West Africa.

One of the program’s participants, Jadyah Dancy, shared how Spicer’s mentorship had a big impact on her life. Growing up in a predominantly white area, Dancy struggled with self-doubt and anxiety. But Spicer’s program gave her a supportive community of young girls, helping her realize her worth. Dancy said, “The SISI Small PEARLS always make sure that you know that you are fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Spicer’s influence goes beyond mentorship. She has created lasting memories for Dancy, such as gifting her a Rosa Parks Barbie doll for her high school graduation and providing opportunities to meet influential people, like former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch.

Spicer also empowers the “Momma PEARLS,” like Rhonda Hicks, who praised her ability to uplift others and share opportunities. Hicks said, “Terry seeks you out to share opportunities and uplift others… that’s just what she does.”

Although The SISI is still a 100% volunteer-run organization, Spicer’s vision continues to grow. In March, she plans to partner with Wake County Public Schools for the next Small PEARLS Lead Conference. She also aims to expand SISI’s transportation services to include airlines and food vouchers, and even hopes to establish Small PEARLS chapters in other states and countries, including The Gambia.

Spicer’s dream is to one day open a full school, a goal she’s determined to achieve. She believes that her experience with Gwen was a gift from God, inspiring her to do this important work.