Rihanna is making headlines for uplifting a fan suffering from cancer, but those close to her know this is nothing new.

While her recent gesture put her compassion on full display, the singer and businesswoman has long backed up her words with meaningful financial support for people living with the debilitating disease.

Much of that work has been carried out through her Clara Lionel Foundation, which she established following the death of her grandmother, who died from cancer-related complications.

Rihanna’s Kind Words To Cancer Patient Go Viral

Rihanna’s recent gesture of support toward a fan battling cancer has once again highlighted her long-standing compassion for people living with the ailment.

In videos that have gone viral on social media, the singer was approached by a cancer patient who, while asking to take a picture with her, apologized for her appearance, saying she looked “terrible.”

Rihanna immediately reassured the fan, responding, “You don’t look terrible.” When the woman continued to express her insecurity by explaining that she wasn’t wearing her wig, the singer remained warm and encouraging.

“You know what I live for? A good hairline, honey. This is what I like to see. Anytime you meet anybody, don’t do that s-it. You’re fire just like that,” the “Work” crooner remarked.

The Singer Donated $1.75M After Grandmother’s Death

As far back as 2012, Rihanna donated $1.75 million to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados to purchase medical equipment for its radiotherapy unit.

The donation was made in memory of her grandmother, Clara “Dolly” Braithwaite, who died earlier that year after a long battle with cancer.

At the time, the musician said she hoped the donation would make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.

“I believe that this will have a huge impact on the people of Barbados. This was all done to save lives or at least extend them,” the singer said of the donation during a visit to the hospital alongside her mother, Monica, and grandfather, Lionel Braithwaite.

Rihanna Spotlighted Cancer Survivors Through Savage X Fenty

Rihanna has also shown a commitment to ensuring inclusivity for the cancer survivors whose lives she touches.

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 2020, Rihanna used her Savage X Fenty brand to share the moving stories of three survivors: Cayatanita, Ericka, and Nykia. The campaign helped customers understand the importance of self-advocacy and strong support systems while also raising awareness of the ailment.

The three women also modeled Savage X Fenty’s Breast Cancer Awareness lingerie collection, which included muted loungewear and soft cotton underwear sets designed to work for different women.

A portion of the net proceeds also went to the Clara Lionel Foundation to support members of the Black community who had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Rihanna’s Foundation Powers Her Giving Mission

These days, Rihanna’s philanthropy is carried out through the Clara Lionel Foundation, which was inspired by her grandparents, Clara and Lionel Braithwaite.

Over the years, the singer has partnered with UNICEF to help raise $5.5 million for HIV/AIDS programs and awareness initiatives.

She also teamed up with DKMS to fight leukemia, a campaign that helped register more than 3,000 potential bone marrow donors in a single night.

In addition, the beauty mogul partnered with Hard Rock International to raise more than $200,000 for the Clara Lionel Foundation’s education and arts programs.

Her humanitarian efforts were recognized in February 2017 when she was named Harvard University’s Humanitarian of the Year by the Harvard Foundation.

The Pop Star Believes Charity Should Keep Growing

For Rihanna, philanthropy should be spread across different causes, a sentiment she shared during an interview at her fourth annual Diamond Ball in New York seven years ago.

“In the past, I wanted to support so many causes and go to one foundation for this and another foundation for that. I don’t think it’s fair to turn your back on someone else who needs help just because it doesn’t fit into your mold. I don’t think charity should be molded like that, not for me, anyway,” she said.

Explaining further, the pop star said that while some people may be comfortable focusing on specific causes, she personally “can’t sleep knowing that I can’t help someone with AIDS because my charity is about cancer.”

“Everybody needs help,” she added. “We will always reach out and support people, so this is going to be an ever-growing charity.”