Ill, But Still a Boss.
Texas Nonprofit Corporation | EIN obtained | 501(c)(3) status in progress
Follow us: @illbossorg on Instagram, TikTok & Threads
Chronically ill, not incapable
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Rare, not forgotten
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Chronically ill, not incapable • Rare, not forgotten •
Ill Boss™ is a movement — and now, an official organization.
What started as a brand born from a rare diagnosis is becoming something bigger. Ill Boss is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to educating, empowering, and advocating for individuals living with chronic and invisible illness — with an intentional commitment to rare disease patients, conditions that disproportionately affect women, and the conditions that disproportionately and specifically affect Black women.
We believe in Sustainable Sovereignty — the idea that illness should not strip you of your ability to build a dignified, self-determined life. And we're building the programs, tools, and community to make that real.
At 26, I was diagnosed with Essential Thrombocythemia, which progressed to Polycythemia Vera — a rare, chronic blood cancer — just a year later. The day I was diagnosed, I went home and scoured the internet for answers. I found nothing in plain language, nothing relatable, and no one who looked like me telling their story.
For most of that journey, I navigated it without adequate insurance — paying out of pocket, going without care, going without medication. I built the fund I wish had existed. And then I kept building.
Ill Boss exists because no one should have to navigate chronic illness alone, dismissed, or without resources. Especially not the ones who've always been told their pain isn't real.
Founder: Ashlee’s Story
The Unseen Journey Program:
Campaign with Incyte & Voices of MPN
"Embracing Chronic Illness":
Instagram Live Chat w/ Nikita Williams
Our Programs
WHAT WE'RE BUILDING:
Ill Boss Education Initiative
Accessible education spotlighting rare, underrepresented, and disproportionately affecting conditions.
The Boss Community
Peer support with dedicated spaces for rare disease patients and Black women navigating illness.
The Boss Advocate Program
Patient advocacy training, including modules on medical racism and rare diseases.
My Health Advocate
A free health tracking and self-advocacy app, funded by grants so it's always free to users.
The Ill Boss Business Lab
Entrepreneurship support for chronically ill business owners built around sustainability, not hustle.
The Ill Boss Creative Fund
Micro-grants for chronically ill creatives, artists, and entrepreneurs.
We're Building the Team
Ill Boss is currently recruiting its founding Board of Directors. We're looking for people who bring expertise in healthcare, law, finance, nonprofit governance, or lived chronic illness experience — and who are genuinely aligned with what we're building.
Support Ill Boss Directly
Make an impact today!
Not ready to shop? You can give directly to support the Ill Boss programs currently in development — including our free health tracking app and the Ill Boss Creative Fund.
50% funds the Community Emergency Relief Fund — real copays, medications, and urgent care costs for community members. 25% supports rare disease research donations. 25% supports the Founder's Medical Fund, because this organization was built while navigating this same system without adequate insurance.
Community Resources
Wear the Mission. Fund the Movement.
Whether you’re resting between flares or just need a boost of comfort, this Boss Energy pillow brings softness with a side of strength. Perfect for your bed, couch, or cozy corner, it’s a daily reminder that rest is resistance—and powerful.
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This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
Purchases directly support the chronic illness community: 50% goes to our Community Emergency Fund, 25% to the Founder’s Medical Fund, and 25% to Research Donations.
100% polyester case and insert
Fabric weight: 6.49–7.37 oz./yd.² (220–250 g/m²)
Perfect for fine print on both sides of the pillow
Hidden zipper
Machine-washable case
Shape-retaining polyester insert included (hand-wash only)
Printed, cut, and hand-sewn by our in-house team
Running on low energy but high impact. This tee was made for the days when your body says “nah,” but your spirit says “still going.” Soft, breathable, and bold enough to speak even when you’re too tired to. Because fatigue might slow us down—but we’re still the boss.
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This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
Purchases directly support the chronic illness community: 50% goes to our Community Emergency Fund, 25% to the Founder’s Medical Fund, and 25% to Research Donations.
100% cotton
Sport Grey is 90% cotton, 10% polyester
Ash Grey is 99% cotton, 1% polyester
Heather colors are 50% cotton, 50% polyester
Fabric weight: 5.0–5.3 oz/yd² (170–180 g/m²)
Pre-shrunk jersey knit
Open-end yarn
Tubular construction
Taped neck and shoulders
Double seam at sleeves and bottom hem
Tear-away tag
Blank product sourced from Honduras, Nicaragua, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Bangladesh, and Mexico
Low energy? No problem. This sleek and durable crossbody is designed to carry your essentials—meds, snacks, stim tools, whatever your spoonie self needs—without weighing you down. It’s stylish, functional, and fits the mission.
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This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
Purchases directly support the chronic illness community: 50% goes to our Community Emergency Fund, 25% to the Founder’s Medical Fund, and 25% to Research Donations.
100% polyester
Fabric weight: 9 oz./yd.² (305 g/m²)
Bag size: 5.7″ × 7.7″ × 2″ (14.5 cm × 19.5 cm × 5 cm)
Capacity: 0.37 gallons (1.4 l)
Water-resistant and durable
Sturdy fabric with fusible backing to add firmness
Inside and outside pockets
Adjustable strap
Two-way zipper
