Samina Hussain was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. As she came to terms with her diagnosis, she found strength in talking to other women and sharing her journey.
But she saw how few of those conversations included women from South Asian communities. Cultural taboos and expectations meant that experiences of cancer—and even grief—were often left unspoken.
Through surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the people who stood beside her made a profound difference. She wanted other women and their families to feel that same understanding and support.
A vision born in 2018
Samina created the vision for Sakoon to help make the voices of South Asian women heard. Sakoon means peace and tranquillity: a foundation for finding your way through adversity.
Giving something back
Samina also co-founded Knit Your Socks Off, a community knitting, stitching and crocheting items for chemotherapy, neonatal and other hospital services. Connection and collaboration remain at the heart of Sakoon.