Washington, D.C. – May 15, 2026
Tigerlily Foundation announced a new collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb focused on improving clinical trial access, patient education, and healthcare equity for breast cancer patients, particularly women of color who remain significantly underrepresented in oncology research. The partnership supports Tigerlily Foundation’s national ONE in a MILLION campaign, an initiative designed to educate and empower one million women about clinical trial participation and treatment opportunities. The organizations stated that increasing awareness around clinical research is essential to advancing breast cancer treatment innovation while reducing disparities that continue to affect underserved patient populations across the United States.
The collaboration comes as healthcare organizations and advocacy groups increasingly push for greater diversity in clinical research participation. Many minority patients continue to face barriers such as limited awareness, lack of trust in healthcare systems, transportation issues, financial constraints, and insufficient communication regarding available clinical trial opportunities. Tigerlily Foundation said the initiative aims to provide clear, accessible, and patient-centered education to help women better understand their treatment options, including participation in clinical trials for aggressive breast cancer subtypes such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). By improving engagement between patients, healthcare providers, and researchers, the organizations hope to support more equitable participation in oncology studies and improve long-term treatment outcomes.
ONE in a MILLION Campaign Focuses on Health Equity
Tigerlily Foundation’s ONE in a MILLION campaign (#ONEinaMILLION) is centered on addressing longstanding disparities in breast cancer care and research participation. The nonprofit organization has focused much of its advocacy on supporting young women and women of color who often experience delayed diagnoses, reduced access to innovative therapies, and lower representation in clinical studies. Through this collaboration with BMS, Tigerlily aims to expand educational outreach programs that help patients navigate clinical research opportunities and understand the role clinical trials play in improving future standards of care.
According to the organizations, clinical trials remain one of the most important drivers of innovation in oncology, helping researchers evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new therapies while advancing precision medicine approaches. However, many patients are not informed about clinical trial opportunities early enough during treatment planning. Maricia Cole emphasized that clinical trials should be introduced to patients at the beginning of treatment discussions to ensure they fully understand all available care options. The campaign is designed to foster greater trust between patients and the healthcare community while reducing misconceptions that may discourage participation in medical research studies.
Collaboration Targets Barriers to Clinical Research Participation
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The partnership between Tigerlily Foundation and BMS is specifically aimed at identifying and reducing barriers that limit access to oncology clinical trials. The organizations stated that educational resources developed through the initiative will help patients receive simplified and culturally relevant information about research participation, eligibility, and available support systems. The collaboration also seeks to improve engagement between physicians, advocacy organizations, and underserved communities that historically have had lower representation in breast cancer research.
Maimah Karmo stated that increasing diversity in clinical trials is essential for improving scientific understanding, developing more effective therapies, and advancing health equity in oncology. She added that broader representation in research can help ensure future treatments are evaluated across more diverse patient populations, ultimately improving treatment accessibility and outcomes. The organizations clarified that the collaboration is focused on education and awareness and does not endorse any specific therapy or clinical trial. Patients are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals regarding treatment decisions and available research opportunities.
Breast Cancer Advocacy and Research Access Remain Key Priorities
Breast cancer continues to be one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers globally, with significant disparities still affecting minority communities. Advocacy groups have increasingly emphasized the need for improved healthcare access, early detection, and broader inclusion in research studies to address outcome gaps among different patient populations. Triple-negative breast cancer, in particular, disproportionately affects Black women and younger women while often presenting more aggressive disease progression and fewer targeted treatment options.
Tigerlily Foundation stated that expanding education around clinical research can help empower patients to become more active participants in their healthcare journey. The nonprofit continues to focus on advocacy, support services, awareness campaigns, and patient empowerment initiatives designed to improve cancer care experiences before, during, and after treatment. Through collaborations with industry partners such as Bristol Myers Squibb, the organization aims to accelerate progress toward more equitable healthcare systems and improved access to innovative cancer therapies for underserved communities.
Source: Tigerlily Foundation press release
