First Lady Saprina Jones and her husband Mayor Thaddeus Jones
Calumet City’s First Lady, Saprina Jones, has always been known for her resilience and dedication to her community. But now, she finds herself in an unexpected battle—one that she never saw coming. Recently diagnosed with breast cancer, Jones has chosen to turn her personal struggle into a powerful platform for advocacy, awareness, and support for women facing similar challenges.
The wife of Mayor Thaddeus Jones, Saprina received the life-changing diagnosis following a routine mammogram. Additional screenings and a biopsy confirmed her condition, leaving her reeling with emotions and uncertainty. She initially struggled with how to share the news with her 13-year-old son and her husband, who had recently endured the loss of his mother and close friends. But in the midst of fear and uncertainty, Jones found solace in an incredible support system of family, friends, and faith.
Breast cancer remains one of the most common health threats to women in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 240,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, and about 42,000 die from the disease annually. Black women face unique challenges in this battle. While they are diagnosed at a slightly lower rate than white women, they experience a 40% higher mortality rate, largely due to disparities in early detection, access to treatment, and socioeconomic factors.
Jones, determined to use her journey as a learning experience for others, has committed to spreading awareness about the importance of early detection and quality medical care. “It is extremely important that I chart my own journey and create a playbook of sorts for the countless women who will be faced with this challenge. Nobody should endure this alone,” she said.
Her decision to undergo treatment at Northwestern Hospital was guided by a desire for expert medical care, and she quickly saw firsthand the difference that a strong support system makes. “While I was blessed to never be alone in my medical visits, I couldn’t help but notice the women who were going through this process alone,” she reflected.
Early detection remains a critical factor in breast cancer survival. The CDC reports that when breast cancer is diagnosed at its earliest localized stage, the five-year survival rate is 99%. However, for Black women, systemic barriers often result in later-stage diagnoses, reducing survival odds. This is why Jones is making it a mission to encourage women—particularly those in underserved communities—to schedule regular mammograms and advocate for their health.
Despite having no known family history of breast cancer, Jones took a genetic test that confirmed no inherited risk factors. This further underscores a vital message for women: breast cancer can happen to anyone, and proactive screening is key. New advancements in breast cancer treatment, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy, have shown promising results in improving outcomes, particularly in aggressive cases.
Jones’s lumpectomy was performed on January 7, with Mayor Jones steadfastly by her side throughout the process. She continues her journey through recovery, buoyed by an unwavering community of supporters. Leaders such as Cook County Commissioner Monica Gordon, Alderman Stephanie Coleman, and Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin have publicly applauded her bravery and commitment to using her experience to uplift others.
“Saprina clearly understands the significant meaning of coalescing support for women from all walks of life,” said Alderman Coleman. “She has taught us all how social support can also be practical help as well as the benefit of family and friends.”
As the First Lady of Calumet City, Jones now embraces a new role: that of an advocate for breast cancer awareness, particularly within the Black community. She is determined to ensure that more women have the education, resources, and support they need to fight and survive. Her journey is not just personal—it’s a call to action, reminding women everywhere that they are not alone in this fight.
