Every four minutes, someone is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and every 9 minutes, someone dies from it.¹ Yet despite how common it is, it remains one of the least talked about, and most preventable, cancers today. 

This year, we honor the resilience and advocacy of Bryce Ramsey, a nurse, survivor, and the reigning Mrs. Mississippi Plus America, who is turning her personal battle into a powerful platform to save lives. 

The Silent Shift: CRC is Hitting Younger Adults 

Colorectal cancer (CRC) was once thought to be an “older adult’s disease.” However, according to Dr. Shyam Thakkar, a professor of gastroenterology at West Virginia University, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., with around 50,000 lives lost each year. While rates in older adults are declining, he notes a troubling rise in cases among adults under 50, thus prompting a shift in screening guidelines and a renewed urgency in prevention.² 

Bryce’s Story: Listening to Her Body, Defying the Odds 

At just 33 years old, Bryce noticed blood in her stool. Like many, she first chalked it up to hemorrhoids, which a common issue for nurses who are on their feet all day, and for women post-pregnancy. But as a trained nurse, Bryce knew that blood in the stool can also be a red flag for something far more serious. 

Her doctor listened. And that colonoscopy? It saved her life. Bryce was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer, an advanced stage that many don’t survive. She immediately began treatment: surgery followed by chemotherapy. Doctors warned her that the chemo could affect her fertility. But Bryce is a believer, and God had other plans. Just three months after completing treatment, Bryce found out she was pregnant. Today, she’s the proud mother of a healthy, thriving four-year-old: her “miracle baby.” 

A Crown with Purpose 

Now nearly five years in remission, Bryce has transformed survivorship into leadership. As Mrs. Mississippi Plus America, she’s using her crown to fight for prevention, education, and early detection. Her mission is especially urgent for communities like her own in Mississippi, where access to care, stigma, and misinformation still create deadly delays. 

Screening Saves Lives 

Here’s the truth: colorectal cancer often grows silently. By the time symptoms show up (like blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, or persistent fatigue), the disease may already be advanced. That’s why screening is essential. 

There are several screening options: 

• Colonoscopy: Considered the gold standard. It allows doctors to remove polyps before they turn into cancer. 

• FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test): A non-invasive stool test done at home. 

• Stool DNA tests (e.g., Cologuard): Another at-home option that looks for altered DNA and blood in your stool. 

Not all tests are the same, but something is always better than nothing. This March, make the call. Ask your doctor about your risk. Share this blog with a loved one. And if you’re 45 or older, schedule your screening. It’s not just your health, it’s your life. And it’s worth protecting. 

Conquering Cancer with Science: Athari BioSciences 

At Athari BioSciences, we are pioneering a precision-targeted approach to treating aggressive cancers like colorectal cancer. Our platform uses engineered nanoparticles to deliver gene-modulating therapies and chemotherapeutic payloads directly into tumor cells, targeting cancer at the molecular level while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. Our goal is twofold: to improve survival rates and to enhance quality of life for patients, particularly in communities that face disproportionate cancer burdens. By investing in next-generation cancer therapeutics, we hope to not only improve outcomes for patients diagnosed with CRC, but also change the standard of care.  

Special thanks to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance for sharing Bryce Ramsey’s powerful survivor story. As a national nonprofit dedicated to ending colon and rectal cancers, the Alliance plays a key role in raising awareness, supporting patients, and advancing prevention efforts. For more patient stories and resources, visit colorectalcancer.org. 

References: 

1. Benson AB 3rd. Epidemiology, disease progression, and economic burden of colorectal cancer. J Manag Care Pharm. 2007;13(6 Suppl C):S5-S18. doi:10.18553/jmcp.2007.13.s6-c.5 

2. Biese A. Raising Awareness for Colorectal Cancer, On the Rise in Younger Adults. Curetoday. Published March 25, 2025. Accessed March 25, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/raising-awareness-for-colorectal-cancer-on-the-rise-in-younger-adults 

Athari BioSciences stands at the intersection of biotechnology and innovation, driven by a team of forward-thinking researchers and problem-solvers dedicated to pushing the boundaries of science and technology. But what is the essence of working at Athari Bio? To uncover this, insights were gathered from three of our exceptional Associate Research Scientists Mahaniya, Gideon, and Sanskruthi, who shared their experiences, perspectives, and the qualities that make Athari Bio a truly distinctive environment for growth and innovation. 

A Pathway into Biotech: Internships that Open Doors 

For many young professionals, stepping into the life sciences industry can be daunting due to the highly specialized knowledge required, the fast-paced evolution of technology, and the competitive nature of securing meaningful research opportunities. Athari Bio actively cultivates opportunities for emerging talent, providing a space where young professionals can gain hands-on experience and grow within the field. Mahaniya first learned about the company while applying for internships in college. “I ended up getting the internship and interned from June – August 2023. Hands down one of my favorite summers ever!” she shares. 

For Gideon, his journey to Athari Bio was shaped by his passion for research and technology. With a degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry from VCU, he had already gained extensive experience in cancer research, molecular biology, and cell culture. However, his growing interest in coding and computational applications led him to biotechnology. “My combined background in medicine, research, technology, and biotechnology ultimately led me to Athari Biosciences, where I saw an opportunity to apply my skills in a cutting-edge research environment.” 

Sanskruthi, who completed her bachelor’s in biology and a master’s in molecular biology from George Mason University, was drawn to Athari Bio for its impact-driven research. “It’s often people ask me what I’m racing to finish, but I don’t see why I should take my time when I know exactly what I want to do—which is to make a significant influence on today and the future’s public health issues. And what better way to collaborate and work with a team like Athari’s who are already making a huge impact with their work?” 

The Dynamic Nature of Work at Athari Bio 

One of the most exciting aspects of working at Athari Bio is that no two days are the same. The company fosters a multidisciplinary approach where employees can engage in both scientific research and business development. 

For Mahaniya, her day-to-day work involves proposal planning, data analysis, and lab procedure optimization. With her bioinformatics background, she also works with specialized software to tackle complex problems. “Athari Bio has given me a perfect way to venture into the world of biotechnology as a very recent college graduate! I am able to get accustomed to both the lab work and the business development aspects of the company.” 

Gideon, on the other hand, plays a critical role in lab operations. His responsibilities include inventory management, lab maintenance, and overseeing quality control in research processes. “I am responsible for supply chain documentation, meticulously recording each sample’s size, volume, lot number, catalog number, and more to ensure proper organization and traceability within the lab.” Beyond logistics, he also works on cell culture maintenance, cell-based assays, and molecular biology techniques, ensuring high experimental accuracy. 

For Sanskruthi, her daily routine revolves around designing and optimizing experiments. “Thinking about experiments, running experiments, optimizing experiments, analyzing experiments, and repeating that entire process perpetually. With little in-between snack times, of course.” Her structured and methodical approach plays a crucial role in advancing Athari’s research initiatives. 

A Culture of Mentorship and Growth 

What sets Athari Bio apart is its commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Mahaniya, Gideon, and Sanskruthi emphasized how the company fosters a collaborative environment where mentorship plays a key role in career advancement. 

“Athari Bio ensures that employees have the tools they need to develop their skills and advance in their careers. The emphasis on growth, mentorship, and collaboration makes it an inspiring place to work,” says Gideon. 

Additionally, Athari Bio fosters a culture of adaptability and collaboration, ensuring that employees have the resources and support they need to thrive in both their personal and professional journeys. “Everyone at Athari Bio is down-to-earth, approachable, and genuinely invested in helping each other succeed, which creates a strong sense of teamwork and support,” Gideon shares. 

Bridging Science, Technology, and Innovation 

Both Mahaniya and Gideon highlight how their work at Athari Bio allows them to bridge multiple disciplines. Whether it’s using bioinformatics for data analysis, maintaining laboratory efficiency, or integrating computational techniques into research, these Associate Research Scientists at Athari Bio are constantly engaged in cutting-edge scientific exploration. For Sanskruthi, one of the most exciting aspects is drug discovery. “We go from screening or testing hundreds of drugs and don’t even realize one of the drugs may be the solution to a significant health challenge” The potential to contribute to groundbreaking solutions keeps her motivated, and the integration of experimental and computational approaches makes this work even more impactful. 

As a launchpad for scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers, Athari Bio’s culture and values focus on curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning. Our employees aren’t just part of a company; they’re part of a mission. The mission to make an impact, just as the name Athari means. 

Our name Athari embodies our purpose: to make a meaningful impact on the world through groundbreaking biological solutions. Come join the impact movement by learning more about open positions and opportunities to partner with us. 

At Athari BioSciences, the Swahili word for impact drives a relentless commitment to advancing global health through groundbreaking discoveries. Founded to forge connections between cutting-edge research and accessible healthcare, Athari BioSciences operates at the vital intersection of technology, diagnostics, and public health. This pioneering small business transforms the healthcare landscape by empowering communities, developing life-saving solutions, and inspiring the next generation of STEMM leaders.

Four visionary leaders kindle Athari’s progress, each bringing distinctive expertise and passion to the company’s mission. From redefining cancer therapeutics to revolutionizing immunosurveillance and vaccine delivery, Susan Mitchell, Dr. Tammey Naab, Dr. Tshaka Cunningham, and Jeannett Jackman unite as a dynamic team that sparks ingenuity and systematic efficiency. Together, they breathe life into Athari Bio’s mission of transforming lives through science, mentorship, and trailblazing advancements.

Why Athari Bio? A Shared Commitment to Impact

For Susan Mitchell, founding Athari BioSciences represents the culmination of a journey shaped by faith, ingenuity, and purpose. Reflecting on her mission, she says, “I have to do this work because my mentees, colleagues, and community are relying on me.” Her vision for Athari Bio emerged from her determination to strengthen STEMM training and advance translational research and technology transfer across sectors. She notes, “There are a lot of organizations providing young people with experiences that usually take up a day, but nobody is willing to address the root challenge – over 2.5 million unfilled biomedical jobs that threaten our nation’s health security and scientific workforce.” Athari Bio serves as the catalyst for STEMM workforce development, streamlined execution, and cross-sector collaboration. Through strategic partnerships between academia, industry, government, and American citizens, she forges pathways that accelerate scientific discoveries from laboratory to market, ensuring breakthroughs benefit those who need them most.

Dr. Tammey Naab sees Athari as an opportunity to merge her extensive clinical expertise with her commitment to pioneering research. Drawn to the company’s culture and thought leadership, she says, “Susan’s dynamism, her government connections, and Tshaka’s genius make this a very interesting intellectual endeavor for me.” Athari Bio empowers Dr. Naab to develop advanced clinical trials and transformative diagnostic solutions, enhancing precision in medical research.

For Dr. Tshaka Cunningham, Athari Bio’s mission to advance scientific excellence resonates deeply. He envisions the company as a catalyst for transformation: “What inspires me most is how we embody our name through action – creating jobs locally, training tomorrow’s scientists, and developing technologies that improve human health globally.” This vision aligns perfectly with his lifelong passion for biomedical research and revolutionizing healthcare delivery.

Jeannett Jackman discovers in Athari the perfect fusion of her expertise in government contracting and breakthrough biotechnology solutions. Describing her role, she says, “What makes my role particularly interesting is how it connects scientific advancement with business success. At Athari Bio, I get to help build something meaningful.” Athari empowers her to apply her skills to a mission-driven organization that champions systematic efficiency and real-world impact.

The projects led by the Athari BioSciences team showcase their collective expertise in creating solutions that matter. From cancer therapeutics to oral vaccines and genomic education, each initiative demonstrates their commitment to advancement. Dr. Tshaka Cunningham, who leads the development of “Cancer Targeting Nanoparticles,” shares, “The potential impact of the work we’re doing here… the net result is saving lives. It is an incredibly noble cause.” Dr. Tammey Naab’s contributions to the oral vaccine platform stem from her meticulous attention to safety and efficacy, as she explains, “Any time you develop a product for humans, you must be totally transparent with results and constantly refine it for the best possible outcome.” As COO, Jeannett Jackman brings these projects to life by creating operational structures that support growth, noting, “I ensure our operational excellence matches our scientific ambition.” Together, the team’s unique skills and unwavering enthusiasm propel Athari Bio’s mission to deliver transformative healthcare solutions.

Excellence powers every aspect of Athari BioSciences, a value that CEO Susan Mitchell places at the core of the company’s mission. “The value that resonates the most is excellence because when you put excellence on all these activities, all goals are met,” Susan shares. Her leadership ensures that every project reflects this principle, from pioneering infectious disease countermeasures to launching initiatives like the Genomic Education Mentors & Scientists (GEMS) program. She finds deep motivation in the impact Athari Bio creates for STEMM mentees, colleagues, and community, adding, “When I get discouraged, I look at the young people in our ecosySTEMM… they’re watching and waiting for me to show them a way.” Under her guidance, merit serves as a catalyst that drives the company’s inventive spirit and transformational achievements.

The Road Ahead: Where Science Meets Purpose

The future of Athari BioSciences shines as bright as the team that is driving it forward. With groundbreaking research milestones on the horizon, the company stands ready to spark rapid growth and global impact. Dr. Tshaka Cunningham envisions a future where Athari Bio’s technologies reach commercialization, saying, “I am excited to see the company meet its product development goals and move forward with some of the exciting research. Once we hit those milestones, I see us growing at a rapid pace.” For Dr. Tammey Naab, the focus remains on refining processes and delivering excellence: “The finish line is completing validation, so it is easy enough to do in a clinical lab, high-throughput, and without adverse effects.” Together, the team charts Athari’s course toward a reimagined healthcare landscape.

2024 marked a transformative year for Athari Biosciences that solidified our position at the intersection of healthcare innovation and social impact. As we reflect on our milestones and growth, one thing remains constant: our unwavering belief in forging a new path towards more equitable, effective, and accessible healthcare solutions. Our CLIA-certified BSL2 diagnostic, research, and training laboratory in Sterling, VA continues to serve as a hub of innovation, where our team of scientists and experts collaborates to develop next-generation therapeutics, vaccines, and diagnostics. We’re not just a biotech company; we’re a community partner committed to improving health outcomes for all, advancing scientific knowledge, and cultivating a more skilled workforce in the life sciences. Our three interconnected lines of business—federal contracting, STEMM workforce development, and a fully operational CLIA, BSL2 lab—constitute a robust pipeline encompassing product commercialization, population health strategies, and clinical services.   

Transforming Cancer Therapeutics

Central to our mission is developing next-generation cancer therapeutics that address urgent and unmet medical needs, particularly in historically underserved communities. Athari Bio’s chief technical officer and nationally-renowned molecular biologist, Dr. Tshaka Cunningham, is pioneering “Cancer SMART PARTICLES”— a proprietary targeted molecular therapeutic that selectively target biomarkers commonly found in breast cancer cells. Our approach leverages nanoparticle engineering to deliver anti-cancer genes and chemotherapeutic payloads directly into tumor cells, sparing healthy tissue and thereby minimizing adverse effects. Our goal is to improve survival rates and quality of life, particularly for individuals who often face disproportionate cancer burdens.  

Reimagining Immunization with an Oral Vaccine Platform

Another critical initiative we’re undertaking is the development of an innovative oral vaccine development platform. With this platform, we’re reimagining vaccine delivery, stability, and accessibility. Our proprietary nanoparticle-based formulation is designed to survive stomach acid conditions, deliver immunogens to the small intestine, and promote both mucosal and systemic immune responses. Our oral vaccines have the potential to dramatically simplify distribution, bypass the need for cold chains, and strengthen the global fight against infectious diseases by rapidly protecting populations during outbreaks. 

Neutralizing Antibody Platforms for Rapid and High-Throughput Immune Assessment

Beyond preventing disease, Athari BioSciences focuses on strengthening our response capabilities through advanced viral immunosurveillance and neutralizing antibody platforms. Our research leverages nonreplicating hybrid alphavirus-SARS-CoV-2 to rapidly quantify neutralizing antibodies against evolving viral variants. This enables high-throughput screening and immunological insights, guiding public health agencies, pharmaceutical developers, and research institutions in their fight against emerging pathogens. Ultimately, our platform bridges critical knowledge gaps, accelerating the evaluation of vaccine efficacy for proactive global health preparedness. 

Empowering the Next Generation through Workforce Training

At the heart of Athari BioSciences’ vision is the unwavering commitment to fostering an  accessible and dynamic life sciences workforce. Through the “Future STEMM Leaders” program, we accelerate the careers of STEMM students and emerging professionals entering the life sciences industry, allowing them to gain meaningful employment, and drive impactful health innovations. Our students receive hands-on training in our CLIA lab, working on impactful research and acquiring capabilities that are highly desirable to future employers. Our partner employers benefit from access to a highly skilled, distinctive talent pool, while learners find fulfilling career pathways that ultimately contribute to better population health outcomes.  

Complementing this initiative, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of Genomic Education Mentors & Scientists (GEMS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing genomic science through education, mentorship, and research. GEMS is transforming the future of healthcare by building the next generation of genomics leaders. Through intensive mentorship and hands-on training, GEMS empowers promising students to become pioneering scientists capable of addressing humanity’s greatest health challenges. From tackling devastating diseases to enhancing biosecurity measures, GEMS ensures that genomic advances benefit all communities equitably. This effort aligns with Athari BioSciences’ broader mission of bridging healthcare disparities and fostering innovation. 

By weaving together pioneering research platforms, targeted therapeutics, innovative vaccine technologies, and dynamic educational programs like Future STEMM Leaders and GEMS, Athari BioSciences exemplifies a holistic approach to health innovation—one that propels science forward, lifts communities, and paves the way for a more resilient global healthcare ecosystem. 

November marks Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to a disease that affects millions and ripples through families, communities, and the healthcare system. Alzheimer’s disease is a complex condition that strips away memories, independence, and often, the sense of self. At Athari BioSciences, we are committed to exploring innovative solutions to the challenges of Alzheimer’s through the lens of genomics, while also amplifying the human stories behind the science. 

To deepen our understanding, we spoke with Vania, a nurse manager who works closely with Alzheimer’s patients, and Michelle, a granddaughter who has been at the heart of her family’s caregiving journey. Their insights offer a vivid picture of the emotional, physical, and societal impact of this disease, as well as the resilience it demands from everyone involved. 

Understanding Alzheimer’s 

Alzheimer’s is more than just forgetfulness—it’s a neurodegenerative disease that progressively damages the brain, leading to cognitive decline, memory loss, and ultimately, an inability to perform basic bodily functions. It’s a terminal condition, and its impact is profound not only for the individuals diagnosed but also for their families and caregivers. As Vania explained, “Alzheimer’s is one of the dementias that is ultimately terminal. So, the challenge is to keep the quality and richness of life for as long as possible while addressing their health and engagement.” This delicate balance of preserving quality of life while navigating the inevitability of decline defines much of the caregiving experience. For families like Michelle’s, it’s a journey filled with tough decisions, sacrifices, and moments of bittersweet joy. 

The Challenges of Caregiving 

For Michelle, caring for her grandmother meant stepping into a role she never anticipated. The transition wasn’t easy, particularly when it came to honoring her grandmother’s wishes while prioritizing her safety. “She always told us, ‘If you want to kill me, put me in a nursing home.’ So doing this was really hard. But we knew we had to, for her own good.” Michelle and her family delayed the decision as long as they could, ultimately placing her grandmother in a nursing home only after a severe fall, which occurred four years after she had initially moved in with them.  

Placing a loved one in a care facility can bring feelings of guilt and doubt, as Michelle shared, “Now that she’s in a facility, we rely on others to care for her, but it’s hard not knowing if she’s being treated as well as we would treat her. We do random pop-in visits just to check,”. This level of vigilance reflects the emotional toll caregiving takes. Families grapple with letting go of the person they once knew while adapting to a new reality—a painful yet necessary process. Vania observed, “Families often struggle with letting go of the version of their loved one they remember. They have to adapt and accept the new reality, which is really hard.” 

But even amidst these struggles, moments of connection remain. Michelle recounted how her grandmother’s humor shines through, offering a glimpse of the person she’s always known. “Even now, she’ll still give jokes and make us laugh. She can look at me and still switch a pen in my left hand to my right because she thinks being left-handed is wrong”, Michelle shared. 

A Holistic Approach to Caregiving 

Until science offers a cure, caregiving remains the cornerstone of Alzheimer’s management. Vania emphasized the importance of a patient-centered approach: “We’ve learned that reorienting them isn’t the way to treat them. Now, we go to where they are. If they think they need to go to work, you say, ‘Today you have the day off.’ If they ask for their car keys, you say, ‘Your car’s in the shop.’ It causes much less distress.” Such strategies require empathy and creativity, but they can significantly improve patients’ well-being. Caregivers must also learn to interpret nonverbal cues, as agitation or confusion may signal unmet needs. “When they become agitated, you have to ask yourself: Are they hungry? Are they in pain? Are they tired? Sometimes it’s as simple as giving them a snack to make them content.”  

Policy and Support 

Both Vania and Michelle highlighted systemic gaps that make Alzheimer’s care even more challenging. Vania pointed out the limitations of existing insurance structures: “Many patients don’t qualify for long-term care insurance because they can still dress or feed themselves, but they still can’t be left alone. It’s a terrible gray area where families are stuck.” She also called for more resources to support caregivers. “Families need more support. It would help if Medicare provided subsidies for care, like adult daycare programs, so caregivers could get a break”, Vania explained. These insights underscore the need for advocacy and reform to ensure that families don’t face these challenges alone.  

Michelle and her family had to rely on a loan due to the expenses required. “My mom was retired and took the days, I handled evenings, and my sister helped at night. We worked in shifts, but it was mentally, physically, and financially taxing. We converted part of our house to make accommodations so that she would have all her needs in one room”, she explained. 

A Message of Gratitude and Hope 

Despite the heartbreak, both women found meaning in their experiences. Vania expressed deep admiration for those working with Alzheimer’s patients: “Shout out to all the caregivers and those working with this population. It can be exhausting and heartbreaking, but it can also be very rewarding.” Michelle urged others to treasure the moments they still have. “Just be grateful you still have them here. Take it one day at a time and focus on the memories.” 

As we observe Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, let’s honor the caregivers, families, and patients who face this journey with courage and compassion. At Athari BioSciences, we are committed to driving innovation in Alzheimer’s research, offering hope for a future where this disease no longer defines so many lives. While the disease is influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors, genetics also plays a critical role. We are leveraging our expertise to explore how genomic insights can inform precision medicine. Our goal is to develop therapies that address the root causes of Alzheimer’s rather than just its symptoms, offering hope for earlier interventions and better outcomes. Together, through science and humanity, we can make that vision a reality. 

Breast cancer is a complex and deeply personal battle, one that’s more than just a diagnosis. For many, it becomes an unexpected shift in their identity, a challenge that compels them to face fears, navigate medical ambiguity, and find strength in the face of uncertainty. Stephanie Alexander and Katrece Nolen, both resilient women from Northern Virginia, shared their individual stories, providing us with a unique insight into the emotional landscape of this journey—marked by struggle yet uplifted by resilience, determination, and the essential support of those around them.

Seeking Answers and Medical Uncertainty

When Stephanie Alexander first received her recommendation for a biopsy, her radiologist’s choice of words struck her. “He never actually said the words ‘breast cancer’… he’s very clinical,” she remembered. This vague language left her in a fog of worry as her mind filled with questions about what might come next. Before she received her diagnosis, Stephanie entered a phase of waiting—spending 24 days between first noticing something was wrong and finally consulting with a medical professional to discuss the next steps. Living in Northern Virginia, she was grateful to have access to a robust network of healthcare providers, a medical necessity not accessible to all women. She’d heard from others who had to drive hours just to see a doctor, adding a physical and emotional toll to an already overwhelming situation.

Despite her proximity to quality care, Stephanie was frustrated with the disheartening lack of guidance from her doctors. “No doctor will actually tell you what to do; they are basically like, here are your options, and it’s what you think you should do,” she shared. As a patient facing an unfamiliar world of medical jargon and choices, Stephanie found herself frustrated by the medical professionals she was counting on to have the answers. The vague replies—”it depends”—were meant to acknowledge every patient’s unique reaction to treatment, but they left her alone navigating unexpected symptoms on her own. Even more challenging was Stephanie’s responsibility to balance transparency with leadership in her professional life. “You have to lead with humanity and compassion… People put folks on a pedestal, but we’re all human,” she said, emphasizing the delicate balance of showing vulnerability while reassuring those she leads. 

Katrece Nolen’s story reflects similar difficulties that many face in navigating the medical system for diagnosis and treatment. After first noticing breast swelling, she underwent a mammogram, which detected only thickening of the skin. Still, her doctor prescribed antibiotics to treat what was assumed to be an infection. But within two weeks, the swelling had worsened significantly, prompting further concern. When her doctor referred her to a breast surgeon, she was told there were no available appointments for months—a delay that felt impossible to accept as her symptoms intensified. Determined to find answers, Katrece sought an appointment with a different doctor, only to run into another barrier: the office required a physical mammogram film rather than the CD she had brought. “I explained all they gave me was the CD, not the film… so they said, ‘well if we don’t have the film, we’ll have to reschedule you,’” she recalls. Rescheduling meant waiting weeks or months, which wasn’t a feasible option with her worsening symptoms. Finally, after persisting, she met with the doctor, who, upon reviewing her records, delivered the news: Katrece likely had inflammatory breast cancer, a rare and aggressive form that begins at Stage 3.

This revelation left Katrece grappling with a daunting reality. “Learning about how it’s rare, aggressive, and that I had little chances of survival was shocking and very disheartening.” But despite her fear, Katrece resolved to fight. With three young children at home, she felt a profound need to persevere not only for herself but for her family. “I had to fight. I had to figure it out and get the best resources possible,” she recalled, a mindset that got her through the rigorous treatments of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. She became her own advocate, an “information junkie,” diving deep into research and reaching out to others who had faced similar diagnoses.

Creating a Network of Strength Through Transparency

For both Stephanie and Katrece, openness played a critical role in managing their diagnoses. Stephanie, who chose to share her experience publicly, found that talking about her journey on LinkedIn became an unexpected source of strength. Her transparency brought support and sparked conversations with others who had walked similar paths, creating a network of shared experiences and insight. “There is some subsection of the population dealing with cancer at any given time that you don’t even know about. It’s very silent… spouses, moms, sisters. There are so many people impacted by it, and people don’t talk about it,” she explained. By opening up, Stephanie saw firsthand the importance of breaking this silence, creating space for genuine connection and understanding.

Katrece’s experience echoed this. She also made the decision to be open, which introduced her to resources that proved essential as she moved through treatment. “It was a chain reaction,” she recalled. “Doors opened, and the information accessible to me from people who had the disease or are experts in it made a huge difference.” Alongside these new connections, Katrece had the steadfast support of family members who rallied together, some even traveling from out of state to help her through the hardest moments. Their presence allowed her to take on each step of treatment knowing she was not facing it alone.

Being transparent about their experiences allowed both women to build strong support networks—communities of friends, family, and others who became vital to their journeys. In each conversation, they found understanding and solidarity. Both emphasized that while every breast cancer journey is unique, having people to lean on can make a real difference in facing the many challenges along the way. Their advice for others: reach out, share your story, and build a network you can rely on. In doing so, you open the door to a community ready to support and guide you, building strength together.

Lingering Impact of Breast Cancer’s Emotional Toll

One of the most difficult aspects of breast cancer is its lasting emotional toll.  Stephanie found that after treatment ended, she was constantly bracing herself for the “other shoe to drop.” It took some time before she could fully move forward, held back by the lingering fear of recurrence. This worry is something Katrece knows all too well. She explains that breast cancer doesn’t end with remission—it requires lifelong vigilance. Every follow-up scan and check-up comes with the haunting possibility of a return, and each appointment carries its own set of anxieties. “You have to be monitored for the rest of your life. It’s not just your physical health, it’s also a mental game,” she shares, emphasizing the importance of having a compassionate and consistent care team for support.

Athari BioSciences: Together in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Katrece and Stephanie’s stories remind us that breast cancer is not an isolated battle but one fought with the collective support of family, friends, experts, and communities. At Athari BioSciences, we believe that every patient deserves better answers, clearer options, and treatments that truly support their lives. This commitment drives our work toward patient-centered innovations in breast cancer treatment.

As part of our ongoing efforts, we’re developing groundbreaking nanoparticle immunotherapy technologies, targeting cancer cells with remarkable precision. These virus-like particles are engineered with tumor-targeting peptides, delivering therapeutic compounds directly to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue—a design that aims to reduce the often-debilitating side effects of conventional treatments. With these advancements, we’re working toward a future where patients like Stephanie and Katrece face fewer unknowns and can feel empowered in their treatment journey.

In time, we hope that stories of resilience will be matched by stories of breakthrough and recovery—proof of what can be achieved when science and humanity unite in the fight against breast cancer. Every survivor’s journey is unique, each one defined by its own challenges and triumphs. Together, these voices form a powerful reminder that no one should face cancer alone. Through compassion, transparency, and relentless dedication to innovation, we strive to create a world where fewer people will have to.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. knew that a healthy, equitable society brimming with hope and opportunity for everyone required two key components.

The first is scientific and technological progress. Speaking in 1964 in his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance lecture, Dr. King marveled at innovation in computing, infrastructure, and air and space travel. He called the pace of technological advancement “an awe-inspiring threshold of the future…a dazzling picture of modern man’s scientific and technological progress.”

Dr. King, however, also understood that not all problems can be solved in a lab.

“The solution of [racial injustice, poverty, and war] is…dependent upon man squaring his moral progress with his scientific progress, and learning the practical art of living in harmony,” observed Dr. King.

The second key component—our ability to respect and empathize with others—lies within each of us, in what Dr. King referred to as “the internal realm.” He argued that our internal emotional and spiritual needs must be nourished and balanced with the enrichments and pursuits of the “external realm,” even when the pursuit is as noble and important as curing disease.

When we allow “the internal to become lost in the external,” he wrote, “we [allow] the means by which we live to outdistance the ends for which we live.”

Athari was founded on the idea that organizations driving scientific innovation through products and services (the “means by which we live”) should also support their communities (the “ends for which we live”) with education, career opportunities, mentoring, and other kinds of personal investment.

It is important for us all to remember that, though we are each one small part of a much larger community, we all have a responsibility to take an active role in nurturing each other and ourselves.

Dr. King’s lessons are especially poignant to us as a Black-founded company. One way we honor Dr. King’s legacy, and do our part to strive for equity, is by investing in Black communities and other communities of color that have been historically underrepresented and underserved. We provide educational, career, and mentoring opportunities through both our own initiatives and through partnerships with for-profit, non-profit, and government organizations.

In 2023, we will keep that progress going, with several planned mentoring and support initiatives to be announced in the coming months.

Stay connected through socials (@atharibio), and sign up on our website to receive occasional email updates about our work

At Athari Bio, we lead by example and we actively employ empathy in every stage of our growth. This testimonial speaks to the leadership qualities of our CEO Susan Mitchell. Beyond being a good boss, it’s about being a good human, and the good work follows naturally.

Several years ago, I needed some guidance and support as our organization began developing new programming for our community. Today, my organization continued to step into new work and efforts. In all those varied and exploratory steps, Susan Mitchell and her team have supported our efforts as thought-leaders and change-makers.

Susan Mitchell is a steadfast source of ideas, support, and forward thinking.

It has been rewarding to be part of the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce and see her commitment to its programs and programming. From the Gov Com Committee, to the Chamber’s growing and emerging work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and its various subcommittees dedicated to generating action-oriented products that advance our community and the Loudoun Chamber.

I am honored to support and applaud the work of this local leader.

Sincerely,
Amy E. Owen, President & CEO
Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties