When Chantel Townsend received her triple negative breast cancer diagnosis in 2023, she knew the road ahead would be difficult. What she couldn’t have known was how much her friend Sheena Henry would end up meaning to her through it all, showing up for every appointment, every treatment, every difficult day.
“She was like an angel,” Chantel said. “She would just show up at these times where I needed her the most. I never had to call her. It was like she just knew.”
Living in Houma, the two women had worked together for years and developed a bond that had become more like family. With an elderly mother, her sister living in Lafayette and her daughter based in Houston, Chantel felt as though she might face much of her cancer journey alone. Then Sheena stepped in.
Sheena wasn’t only helping a friend. This commitment was deeply personal. Years ago, her sister-in-law was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer and would, unfortunately, pass away in less than a year. “I gave Chantel my word,” Sheena said. “I told her I would be there every step of the way. I knew Chantel well and I knew she rarely ever asked for help. She’s very strong and very independent. I knew I just had to show up.”
Sheena went with Chantel to chemotherapy sessions and doctor’s appointments, sometimes even bringing her husband for additional support. She’d stop by Chantel’s house when she sensed she needed someone and brought daily devotionals that they’d read together before treatments.
“When you have somebody that can reach your heart and your mind, that makes all the difference,” Chantel said. “I’ve always been a strong person. I’m never going to reach out and say I need help. But with Sheena, she could pretty much read my heart.”
Chantel has since completed her treatment and underwent a successful surgery. She’s looking forward to welcoming her first grandchild this July, a special life milestone she once feared she might not ever see.
Both women are now drawing from this experience and sharing their love with others in the Houma community who are going through a similar journey. Sisters of Strength and Knowledge is a nonprofit organization that supports women in their journeys with breast cancer. The group hosts a breast cancer walk every October, with this year’s event set for October 3.
“We understand the physical, emotional and financial burden,” Sheena said. “When you get a diagnosis like that, you’re scared. We’re there to help people see a light when everything seems dark.”
Sisters of Strength and Knowledge works with the navigator team at Terrebonne General | Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center to provide practical support to women undergoing treatment. Whether it’s housecleaning, food delivery or transportation assistance, Sisters of Strength and Knowledge is there with the Cancer Center’s patient navigators to offer support in every way it’s needed. The organization even donates wigs and provides peer counseling.
“When I sit down today in 2026 and I’m able to tell you about this story, I’m overjoyed,” Chantel said. “I have a smile on my face every day, knowing what I went through and what God brought me through. I’m so grateful for my dear friend Sheena. I pray that everyone in our community has someone like her who they can count on when the going gets tough.”
To learn more about Sisters of Strength and Knowledge, visit their Facebook page or email them at ssksisters12@gmail.com.
For more information about Terrebonne General | Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, visit tgmbpcc.com.
