Chrysalis Initiative

10/14/2025

Statement from our CEO and Founder, Jamil Rivers:

Today is an important day to me. October 13 marks Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Awareness Day, an annual initiative to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people living with advanced breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer occurs when cancer spreads beyond the breast to distant organs such as the bones, liver, lungs, or brain.

I have been living with stage IV metastatic breast cancer for seven and a half years. Half of the patients The Chrysalis Initiative supports have metastatic breast cancer.

This breast cancer awareness month has been tough considering all the volatility with our patients and health system partners. And despite calling for action to the disparities in care for Black and Brown women for nearly 7 years now, a recent review of 100 patients referred to us from NCI academic centers, cancer centers considered the best of the best, 100 of those women of color were not receiving quality standard of care according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines.

Despite this disheartening finding, I am encouraged. These women are now connected to The Chrysalis Initiative and getting the care and support they need.

Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer than their white counterparts. Black women also die from metastatic breast cancer at a 40% higher rate.

We will continue to support our patients impacted by cancer, work with cancer centers to address inequities in cancer care and bring attention to these issues.

We are making sure Black women with metastatic breast cancer can access brain scans before the cancer spreads to their brain, access and remain in clinical trials, are educated about the latest innovations and treatments in cancer care and are provided with wraparound support for any barriers.

We also ensure that the patients we support of all races and all ages receive quality standard of care and screenings.

In honor of the women you love, get involved with us today!

Donate, Volunteer, Partner, Fundraise, Spread the Word or All the Above!

03/01/2025

Are you a Black woman with a history of stage 0-3 breast cancer?

You can help other women like you by completing a short questionnaire.


This important research survey is about a new kind of clinical trial where women may try new treatments very early in their care.

Take the survey.

(Just 15 minutes to complete.)

Stanford University investigators thank you.

https://stanforduniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d6xEZafxJLLOSou

01/24/2025

POSTPONED TO FEBRUARY 2ND (due to weather)

Inspiring Life Together is hosting a free event for breast cancer survivors/thrivers this Sunday and we have a few open spots left. There will be fitness, mental health therapist and survivor Dr. Chalice, a registered dietician, a couple of free raffles, and bras for each participant gifted by Inspiring Life Together and AnaOno.

REGISTER: https://www.inspiringlifetogether.org/pinkfight

01/22/2025

PRESS ALERT with GE Healthcare - Metamorphosis of support: The Chrysalis Initiative's dedication to breast cancer patients

Jamil was well aware of disparities in access to quality care and treatment that lead to more women of color being diagnosed with advanced-stage breast cancer than their white peers. The incidence rate of breast cancer before age 45 is higher among Black women than white women, whereas between the ages of 60 and 84, breast cancer incidence is strikingly higher in white women than in Black women. Still, Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer at every age. Yet Jamil noticed time and again during treatment that other women of color undergoing chemotherapy with her had few, if any, of the adverse social determinants of health (e.g., less healthcare access and quality, economic instability, lack of education) frequently blamed for poorer health outcomes.

Donate today at: https://ow.ly/7a2H50UJItg and visit the link in our bio for more resources. 🦋

01/21/2025

PRESS SPOTLIGHT with Jamil Rivers and CBS - New Jersey mother shares cancer journey as American Cancer Society's annual report shows troubling trend. Stephanie Stahl reports.

Cancer deaths drop but cases among young and minority groups rise:

DID YOU KNOW?
In 2025, there will be 2,041,910 new cancers diagnosed in the United States (5,600 diagnoses each day) and 618,120 cancer deaths.

SOURCE: Annual Cancer Report - American Cancer Society

Donate today at: thechrysalisinitiative.org/donate and visit the link in our bio for more resources. 🦋

01/20/2025

January 20th, 2025 is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

May his legacy of equality and justice continue to inspire us all.

01/19/2025

LESLIE'S WEEK 2025 nominations for Stage 4 Breast Cancer women and their families is OPEN!

We invite everyone to nominate Stage 4 MBC women for Inspiring Life Together’s 2025 Honoree program. This program offers Stage 4 MBC women and their families a much-needed vacation away from cancer. Our honorees and their loved ones come together to share their journeys, form meaningful connections, and celebrate life in a supportive and uplifting environment.

Visit this link to submit nominations: www.lesliesweek.org/2025nominate

Donate today at: thechrysalisinitiative.org/donate and visit the link in our bio for more resources. 🦋

01/18/2025

PRESS SPOTLIGHT with CNN Health!

A fellow TCI patient, Charmella, and her sister were recenyly interviewed on CNN!

Charmella Roark remembers the shock that stopped her in her tracks when she learned about her younger sister’s cancer diagnosis. In 2018, Kiki Roark wrote in their family’s group text that she had been diagnosed with stage I breast cancer – the same disease that had taken their aunt’s life just a few years prior. “I was in disbelief,” Charmella said of her sister’s diagnosis. “That’s my first best friend.”

Donate today at: thechrysalisinitiative.org/donate and visit the link in our bio for more resources. 🦋

01/01/2025

Happy New Year's Day! Here's to 2025—let's make it unforgettable. 🌟

12/25/2024

From everyone here at The Chrysalis Initiative, we wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished memories.

12/20/2024

Make your year-end contribution today!

This holiday season we ask that you join us in making a meaningful impact on breaking barriers in breast cancer treatment by donating to The Chrysalis Initiative. Your contribution will help to address disparities patients of breast cancer face while contributing to resources for these communities.

Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference. Plus, your gift may be tax-deductible if made before December 31! Thank you for being a valued part of our community.

Donate today at: thechrysalisinitiative.org/donate and visit the link in our bio for more resources. 🦋

12/13/2024

LAST CHANCE TO HELP US REACH OUR GOAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

Your donation makes a real impact. This holiday season, you can help provide crucial resources to someone in need. Every contribution counts in our mission to fight cancer and reduce disparities.

In Good Conscience NEVER tests their formulas on animals and are conscious of how our products impact the environment. Each of their body washes feature hydrating babbasu oil and are lightly scented with 100% natural fragrance and ideal for a variety of moods and usage occasions.

WHAT WE’RE OFFERING:
*Travel Size Stocking Stuffer Gift Sets - $25
*Full-Size Scentsorial Bundles - $60

For a limited time through 12/13, 50% of proceeds will support The Chrysalis Initiative. PLEASE NOTE: the Travel Set comes with a clear TSA toiletry bag (not shown) and does not include a holiday stocking. Only the purchases made through the link will be counted towards this fundraiser. Visit the link in our bio to make an impact and shop today! 💜

bit.ly/TCIxIGC

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