Radical Sisters: A Conversation with the Author

Join us for an illuminating conversation with author Judith L. Pearson about her latest book, Radical Sisters: Shirley Temple Black, Rose Kushner, Evelyn Lauder and the Dawn of the Breast Cancer Movement. Julia Rowland, Ph.D will interview Judy not only about the extraordinary women at the heart of the book, but also about the research and writing journey that brought their stories to life. No need to read the book in advance to enjoy the discussion, but if you have a copy, Judy will happily send you an autographed bookplate as a thank you!

About the Book:

There was a time when women’s health was severely marginalized.
There was a time when breast cancer wasn’t discussed.
There was a time when October wasn’t pink.

But three women refused to be silenced, their indomitable spirits igniting a movement for change.

When Shirley Temple Black, Rose Kushner, and Evelyn Lauder were diagnosed with breast cancer, myths, outdated protocols and lack of awareness of their disease were rampant. Worst of all was the paltry amount of research dollars devoted to the epidemic that was killing tens of thousands each year. Meticulously researched, Radical Sisters is a rich narrative that transports readers through three decades of a changing social landscape in America. Taking cues from the women’s health movement and the AIDS movement, these trail‑blazing advocates did for themselves what the mainstream healthcare system refused to do.

With a foreword by Nancy Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen, and timed for the 2025 National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this book acts as a mirror, allowing readers to see reflections of themselves, and their own experiences and struggles. It is a powerful and emotional take on the evolution of the women’s health movement (and their participation in medicine) and the breast cancer revolution.

Radical Sisters is a groundbreaking exploration into an untold story of resilience and the fight for women’s rights. Because of Shirley, Rose and Evelyn, breast cancer is no longer a saga of struggling alone in the dark against a mysterious and deadly disease. The more than 300,000 diagnosed every year stand on the shoulders of these courageous women, today empowered to strive for their own health and that of future generations.

“In this powerful history, biographer Pearson spotlights three women who spearheaded the breast cancer awareness movement. … it’s an inspiring account of the women who changed how breast cancer is understood and treated.”
– Publisher’s Weekly

Read the prologue at JudithLPearson.com.

Facilitators

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Judith L. Pearson

Senior Strategic Advisor | Program Facilitator ,

Julia Rowland, PhD, FAPOS, FASCO