Today we’d like to introduce you to Tricshone Jiles
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
On June 26, 2013, my 39th birthday, I received a diagnosis that would change my life: Stage 3 Breast Cancer.
In early February of that year, I discovered what felt like a lump in my right breast. Having known people who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, I felt an unease that I couldn’t shake. I scheduled an appointment with my primary care physician (PCP), nervous about what I might hear. To my relief, my doctor reassured me that it was normal breast tissue and even used a breast mold to demonstrate what an actual lump felt like. Despite this reassurance, I left with lingering doubt, convinced that something wasn’t right.
I continued my self-breast exams, and when I had my annual women’s exam in April, I brought up the lump to my gynecologist. She too assured me that it was normal tissue but, upon my insistence, agreed to order a mammogram to rule out any concerns. Approaching my 39th birthday, I went in for my first-ever mammogram in June, unaware of what to expect.
As I sat in the waiting room, I reflected on the statistic I had often heard while volunteering for the American Cancer Society: 1 in 8 women would be diagnosed with breast cancer. I wondered who among us might be that one. When my mammogram was complete, I was asked to wait for the radiologist—something I didn’t realize was unusual. The radiologist informed me that they had detected something in my right breast—calcifications that could either be early signs of breast cancer or something benign. She reassured me that, nine times out of ten, it was nothing, but they scheduled a biopsy in June to be sure.
Then, on my 39th birthday, while out getting a celebratory massage, I noticed a missed call from the hospital. I assumed it must be good news—surely, they wouldn’t deliver bad news on my birthday. But when I called back, the radiologist’s voice was heavy with sadness. I barely remember anything beyond those devastating words: “Mrs. Jiles, you have breast cancer.”
That July, I began 16 rounds of chemotherapy, which lasted through December. I opted for a double mastectomy in February 2014, followed by 26 rounds of radiation in April. A year of Herceptin infusions followed, and in November 2014, I underwent reconstruction surgery. By then, I was on the path to being cancer-free.
After surviving my battle, I felt a strong calling to give back. In June 2019, I launched Jiles Jewels, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging, inspiring, and uplifting women impacted by breast cancer. We provide care packages to women undergoing treatment, host monthly pampering giveaways, and award scholarships to students whose parents have had breast cancer. Additionally, we bring holiday cheer by providing Christmas gifts to families affected by the disease.
A Second Diagnosis Amid a Global Pandemic
Fast forward to November 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. I had been in remission for nearly eight years when I felt another lump. Given the circumstances, I hesitated to visit the hospital, but my intuition told me something wasn’t right. Although my most recent scans had shown no signs of cancer, I scheduled an appointment with my breast cancer survivorship doctor. She suspected scar tissue, but my instincts told me otherwise. She ordered an ultrasound, which revealed something suspicious near my right implant from my previous reconstruction. Another biopsy was scheduled.
In January 2021, I received the dreaded call once more: I had breast cancer again. This time, the cancer had returned in my chest wall. I underwent surgery to remove the tumor, followed by 12 rounds of chemotherapy, 15 rounds of radiation, and a year of Herceptin and Perjeta infusions.
Today, I stand here as a two-time survivor, grateful for every moment. This journey has reinforced what truly matters—cherishing those who love and support me. My faith in God has strengthened beyond measure, and I remain deeply thankful for the friends and family who walked this path with me.
Through Jiles Jewels, I continue to grow my mission of supporting breast cancer warriors and survivors. Every challenge we face prepares us for something greater. My purpose is to help others navigate this journey with hope and strength.
To anyone facing adversity: keep fighting, keep believing, and know that you are never alone.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My 11 1/2 year journey has been anything but smooth, but every challenge has shaped me into the advocate and leader I am today. One of the most significant struggles was my own battle with breast cancer—twice. Facing the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery while balancing my family, career, and personal well-being was incredibly tough. But beyond my personal health battle, I also saw the struggles of so many women who lacked access to resources, support, and education about early detection.
Starting Jiles Jewels Inc. came with its own hurdles. Building a nonprofit from the ground up meant navigating financial constraints, raising awareness, and finding the right partnerships to truly make an impact. It took a lot of perseverance to gain support and establish programs that would make a difference. Additionally, working in healthcare for over 28 years, I’ve seen firsthand the disparities in care, especially in underrepresented communities. That fueled my passion but also made me even more aware of the systemic challenges that still need to be addressed.
Despite the obstacles, I’ve always believed that struggles are part of the purpose. Every setback was an opportunity to push forward, grow, and strengthen my mission to educate, equip, and empower others in the fight against breast cancer.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Jiles Jewels Inc. is more than just a breast cancer awareness foundation—it’s a movement dedicated to education, early detection, and support for individuals and families affected by breast cancer. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, I founded this organization with the mission to equip, educate, and empower communities, particularly those that are underserved or lack access to critical resources.
What sets Jiles Jewels apart is our commitment to hands-on advocacy. We don’t just share information—we share personal testimonies, provide care packages to those in active treatment, and pampering sessions to survivors to help them look and feel good. Our scholarship program has awarded over 10k in scholarships in the community since 2019. We provide our warriors with a peer support system of breast cancer survivors who help provide them with emotional support to help navigate them through their journey.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the authenticity and passion behind our work. Jiles Jewels isn’t just an organization—it’s a personal mission that comes from my own experience. We are known for being a trusted voice in the breast cancer space, fostering real connections with survivors, warriors, and supporters.
For readers who may be wondering what we offer, Jiles Jewels Inc. provides educational workshops, support groups, community events, and resources to help individuals navigate their breast cancer journey. Whether it’s spreading awareness, advocating for early detection, or simply offering a shoulder to lean on, we are here to make a difference.
I want readers to know that breast cancer is not just a diagnosis—it’s a fight that no one should have to go through alone.
At Jiles Jewels Inc., we stand together, ensuring that everyone has access to the knowledge, support, and empowerment they need to thrive.
We encourage anyone in need of support or looking to join our mission to connect with us at www.jilesjewels.org or on our Facebook or Instagram pages—together, we can make a difference.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Absolutely! Success is never achieved alone, and I am incredibly grateful for the amazing people who have supported me and Jiles Jewels Inc. along the way.
First and foremost, my family has been my foundation—my husband, Dion, and my children have been my biggest cheerleaders, standing by me through every challenge and triumph. Their love and encouragement have given me the strength to keep pushing forward, even when the road was tough.
I also owe a great deal of gratitude to the incredible survivors and warriors who have shared their stories and allowed me to walk alongside them in their journeys. Their resilience fuels my passion and reminds me daily why this work is so important.
The Jiles Jewels team, including our Board of Directors, volunteers, survivor peer support members has played a vital role in expanding our reach and impact. Their dedication and hard work make it possible for us to touch lives in ways I never imagined when I first started this journey.
Additionally, I have been blessed with mentors and supporters within the healthcare and nonprofit communities who have offered guidance, resources, and opportunities to help Jiles Jewels grow. Organizations, sponsors, and local businesses that believe in our mission have provided funding and resources that allow us to offer scholarships, care packages, and programs to those in need.
Finally, I want to acknowledge every donor, partner, and advocate who has ever supported Jiles Jewels Inc. in any way—your generosity and belief in our mission are what keep us going. This is truly a collective effort, and I am beyond grateful for each and every person who has been part of this journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jilesjewels.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilesjewels?igsh=MWY0MTZreHY4bnlxZg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15sGwCcb3Y/?mibextid=wwXIfr
