Jill Etzold Kester’s Story
She continued her fight until that October, when she lost her battle.
She left behind two young daughters, extended family members and countless friends.
She was just 43 years old.
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.
“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
“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
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.
Are You A Hairstylist Struggling To Battle Breast Cancer? Know Someone Who Is?
“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
