The American Cancer Society has enlisted ambassador and survivor, Simone I. Smith, and her husband, LL Cool J, for their latest campaign, which aims to “empower, uplift and encourage millions to face their biggest battles like a boss.”
For additional support to help further drive the initiative home, the campaign features Mary J. Blige, Remy Ma, Salt N’ Pepa, Jhene Aiko, Offset and more.
According to the American Cancer Society, the African American community has maintained the highest death rate and lowest survival rate of any racial or ethnic group for most cancers in the United States for decades, further adding to the urgency behind the importance messages this movement is working diligently to spread.
“Boss is battling cancer my finding your inner strength,” Smith can be heard saying in the campaign’s accompanying promotional video. “Cancer left its mark, but it couldn’t beat the boss within.”
In 2004, Smith, who has been married to LL for 24 years, was diagnosed with stage III chondrosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. Today, she celebrates nearly 15 years of being cancer-free and is dedicating to inspiring others to power through.
“With the help of ACS and a few friends, this campaign was created to empower women to lean onto their support system and tap into their strength to ‘Beat Cancer Like a Boss,’ a message I carried with me throughout my journey to recovery,” Smith added in a statement.
As the selection of hip hop and R&B legends share various messages of encouragement throughout the campaign video, Meek Mill‘s “I’m A Boss” helps soundtrack the promotion, adding to the motivational air surrounding the concept of channeling one’s inner boss to overcome any and all challenges.
Learn more about the “Beat Cancer Like A Boss” campaign in the video below, as well as visit cancer.org for more information.