Are You A Hairstylist Struggling To Battle Breast Cancer?

“There is nothing in our industry right now where a hairstylist diagnosed with breast cancer can apply for a gift of up to $5,000 to help with their financial burdens that (the disease) can cause. We want to make a difference in their lives and we can’t do it without the help of (the many) salons and hairstylists.” – Barbara Nolasco, Director

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“I met Jill in the summer of 1984, when she was working at a salon across the street from my work,” explains her best friend, Derek Benson. “I wandered in one day to get a haircut, and Jill happened to be the stylist I got. We talked and laughed while she cut my hair and we seemed to have an immediate bond. When I went back for another haircut a few weeks later, I got Jill again. By the time she finished, I knew our life-long friendship had begun.”

According to Jill’s brother Jerry Grinstain, “Family and friends were the two most important things in Jill’s life. Jill was happiest when she was spending time with her family. She always looked forward to any time we were all together or just one-on-one with one of her brothers. To her nieces and nephews she was known simply as ‘Auntie,’ a name she loved.

It also seemed that everyone was her best friend, and she treated everyone as if they were. Once you met Jill you were part of her life and she would do all she could to make sure you were happy. She had many friends that were friends for life.” Adds Derek, “Jill knew no stranger. She was warm and friendly to everyone she came in contact with. She had a great relationship with her family, her co-workers and her clients. She was caring and giving to everyone in her life.”

Jill spent the last 15 years of her career at Artistic Hair in Orange, California. In 1996, the Artistic Hair family (including Jill and owner Barbara Nolasco) started raising money to fight breast cancer through their annual “Cut-A-Thon,” with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society.

“Shortly before she died, Jill and I were together alone in her hospital room. She was adamant about me starting a foundation for hairstylists in her condition. She had been a constant supporter of the Cut-A-Thon, and felt the proceeds could instead be used to benefit hairstylists diagnosed with breast cancer. Our 2004 Cut-A-Thon was our most successful to date, raising $12,000. A week later, Jill lost her battle with the disease," remembers Barbara Nolasco

“In 2008, I called Derek and Jerry and we got the ball rolling on creating The Jill Foundation,” continues Barbara.

“On February 19, 2010, we received our designation as a nonprofit, 501(c) 3 organization. Our annual Cut-A-Thon event, along with other fundraisers coordinated and sponsored by those who loved Jill, is now benefiting local hairstylists battling breast cancer through The Jill Foundation.”

Meet Our Directors

Now with a network of 10+ local salons, the fundraising efforts continue for The Jill Foundation. The proceeds are pooled and gifted to local salon professionals who find themselves in need when in the crosshairs of this terrible disease. For the nine women who have received gifts so far, The Jill Foundation has been a lifesaver, to others it’s a beacon of hope, and to those who knew Jill best, it’s a reminder of her caring nature and dedication to the cause.

Barbara Nolasco

Barbara and her husband have owned and operated their salon, Artistic Hair, in the City of Orange for over 30 years.

While visiting Jill in her hospital room in 2004, Barbara worked with Jill to find a way to help hairstylists in her condition. A constant supporter of the Cut-A-Thon, Jill felt the proceeds could be used to benefit hairstylists diagnosed with breast cancer. The 2004 Cut-A-Thon was the most successful to date, raising $12,000. A week later, Jill lost her battle with the disease.

In 2010 Barabara co-founded The Jill Foundation with her friend, Derek Benson

“I am so humbled and honored to be a part of TJF from the beginning. I am so moved when I take a check to a recipient and I see the impact that TJF can have on a stylist. My passion is to make TJF available for any illness that strikes a hairstylist, esthetician or manicurist.” – Barbara Nolasco

Derek Benson

Derek is native to Orange County and currently lives and works in the City of Orange, CA. He works in human resources for a multinational bank.

Derek Benson and Jill Kester met in 1984, by chance, when Derek stopped by her salon for a haircut one day after work. They became fast friends, and were close over the next 20 years, until she passed away from breast cancer in 2004.

In his free time, Derek gives back to his community through various volunteer organizations. He is presently on the boards of two local non-profits.

In 2010 he co-founded The Jill Foundation with his friend Barbara Nolasco; inspired by Jill Kester’s life and friendship.

If, and when, Derek can get away he also enjoys spending time with family and friends and traveling as much as possible.

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