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Tricshone Jiles, founder of Jiles Jewels, a nonprofit organization committed to supporting breast cancer warriors, survivors, and their children, is more than a two-time breast cancer survivor. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 and facing a recurrence in 2021, Tricshone experienced firsthand the emotional, physical, and financial toll of the disease. Rather than letting those challenges define her, she turned her journey into a mission providing emotional support, self-care opportunities, and financial assistance to women diagnosed with breast cancer, ensuring that no one feels alone in their battle.
Her work extends beyond direct patient support—she is also a community scientist with Community Outreach and Engagement in Research Services (COERS) at Mayo Clinic, and a member of the community research registry, where she helps bridge the gap between medical research and real community needs.
In this conversation, Tricshone shares her story, the inspiration behind Jiles Jewels, the importance of early detection and advocacy, and how she envisions the future of breast cancer support.
Tell me a little bit about yourself. What inspired you to start Jiles Jewels?
I’m a two-time breast cancer survivor. I was first diagnosed in 2013 with stage 3 HER2 positive breast cancer, and then I had a recurrence in 2021. Being a warrior, I experienced firsthand what it’s like to deal with the emotional aspect of breast cancer, as well as the financial toll, the impact on your physical appearance, and just seeing other patients who were struggling–not just emotionally, but financially as well.
In 2019, I wanted to start a foundation to address those concerns–that’s when I launched Jiles Jewels. The foundation was created to provide emotional support for warriors going through treatment and help them look good and feel good about themselves. That’s why I give out care packages to those undergoing treatment and offer monthly pampering sessions for survivors and warriors impacted by breast cancer.
When my son was starting to tour colleges, I was very thankful that I could send him to school. But I met other warriors and survivors who were struggling, so, I wanted to do something more with my foundation. We started the Hope Scholarship, which gives annual college scholarships to students impacted by breast cancer who are going to college.
I love the word “warriors.” I love that you’re focusing on their physical appearance, which might seem small in the grand scheme of things but is so important. Can you share more about that?
Yes, a lot of the women I work with, after being pampered, they’ll say things like, “I’ve been through treatment for so long, and I never take the time out to do anything for myself.” When they look in the mirror and smile, and they feel their skin, they notice how soft it feels again, it brings them so much joy. That’s something they often lose during treatment. Restoring that balance helps them feel good inside and out. And honestly, it’s huge for recovery–the emotional aspect is just as important as the physical. Feeling good about yourself is such a big part of the healing process.
Did you begin this mission with a particular community in mind, or is it general across the board for African American women?
It’s not limited to African American women–it’s open to everyone. But I do put significant focus on the Black and Brown communities because of health disparities. I spend a lot of time educating those communities about early detection, prevention, and the importance of clinical trials. It's so important for me to be visible in these communities so that people see a face to connect with, so they don’t feel like they’re going through it alone. It encourages them to take an active role in their health.
What challenges do you see in the Jacksonville area? What health disparities have you observed in the communities you serve when it comes to raising awareness and access to good healthcare?
I work in Jacksonville and surrounding areas, including Clay County, Nassau County, St. John's, and Baker counties.
From a personal perspective, as an African American woman, I’ve dealt with barriers in healthcare. I remember when I first found a lump, I went to the doctor, and they said, “No, it’s just normal breast tissue.” I waited for a couple of months, but the lump was still there. I went to another doctor, and they said the same thing. But because I have a healthcare background, I knew something was wrong. I insisted on getting a test to figure out what it was, and that’s when I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer.
This is a huge health disparity in Black and Brown communities–getting the necessary tests done when you feel something is wrong. Doctors need to listen to their patients and run the necessary tests. That’s the biggest health disparity I see. Also, there’s the issue of insurance, lack of transportation, and access to resources. Many women, including middle-class working women, face high deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, which makes it harder for them to get the care they need.
You mentioned clinical trials. Do you still have a role as a community scientist with Mayo?
Yes, I just wrapped up a partnership with Mayo where I was working with a researcher. They told me they would reach out if they need me to come in and review information or provide feedback on things they’re rolling out. I think it’s very important to have someone from the community involved in these discussions, providing insight so that the research materials are understandable and relevant to the community.
Can you describe your role and responsibilities as a community scientist?
As a community scientist, I had the opportunity to provide patient/survivor-level input during research discussions. Many research studies don’t reflect the diverse experiences of Black and underserved populations. This is not just the researchers’ fault but also because Black and Brown communities are really skeptical about participating in clinical trials. My job is to provide that lens and give feedback, and I also reach out to others in the community to help them understand that clinical trials today are much safer than they used to be.
It’s important for us to be represented in these trials–when we’re not, new drugs might be released that haven’t accounted for how they affect us. By being involved, I can show the community that I’m participating, and I can encourage others to do the same.
You are also part of the research registry, right? Tell me a little bit about that. How do you help bridge the gap between research and real community needs?
Yes, I’ve participated in a lot of clinical trials and research efforts at Mayo since I was first diagnosed. I was part of the beauty research and some other efforts at Mayo–this is just another step for me to continue influencing the different treatments and pharmaceuticals being tested. It gives me an opportunity to have a seat at the table. We are underrepresented in clinical research and clinical trials, and new drugs and treatments may not take into account how we react to them. By being part of the registry and reaching out to those in my circle, we can ensure that the community is represented.
What advice would you give individuals and families, especially those in underserved communities, who are facing a breast cancer diagnosis? Where should they start?
The biggest thing is making sure you have trust with your physician. If you feel something is wrong, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion. Make sure you’re with a doctor who listens to you, communicates well, and reacts quickly. I’ve had an amazing team at Mayo, and that’s so important.
But before you’re diagnosed, you need to advocate for yourself, make sure you’re doing self-breast exams, spreading the word about breast cancer awareness, and focusing on early detection. If caught early, breast cancer can often be treated more successfully. Don’t ignore the symptoms and risk factors. Early detection can save lives.
There seems to be a lack of trust in larger healthcare institutions, especially in underserved communities. What can institutions like Mayo Clinic do to improve engagement and support in these communities?
I think it’s very imprtant for institutions like Mayo Clinic to partner with organizations that are already trusted in the community. It takes time to build trust and it takes a lot of commitment...you can't be there for one day doing community work and then they don't see you anymore! Partner with community activists, churches, and organizations that people in the community already trust. It’s about building relationships, and that takes time. It can’t be just a one-time thing—there needs to be a consistent presence.
Also, getting involved in schools is important. When I was diagnosed, my son was in preschool. He would go to school saying, “My mom has breast cancer.” This opened up conversations with teachers and administrators, and I was able to talk to them about what was going on. It helped raise awareness. By reaching kids in schools, you can get the conversation started at home and build that awareness in the community.
What do you see for the future of Jiles Jewels?
I have big goals! We just received our first living expense grant this year, which will allow us to provide $15,000 annually in living expenses to breast cancer warriors who are in active treatment. I want to expand that and get more grant opportunities to help more people.
Eventually, I’d love to have a facility in underserved communities where people can get information, participate in workshops, and attend health fairs. I want to have these resources right in their neighborhoods, so they don’t have to travel across town. I'm also looking to expand Jiles Jewels not just in the Jacksonville area, but taking it all across Florida and eventually the country.
How can people support your organization and support you?
You can find a lot of information on our website: jilesjewels.org
We have all the details on upcoming events, ways to get involved, and a donate button for those who wish to contribute monetarily to support our mission.
You can also follow our social media pages to learn about our fundraising efforts and other opportunities to help.
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Instagram: @jilesjewels
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Facebook: Jiles Jewels Inc
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