The Jill Foundation Recipients
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.
The Brave Women Below Have Similar Stories & The Jill Foundation Has Helped These Women In Jill’s Honor
Who We Have Helped
Elisa Griego
Elisa was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and has 2 daughters, Gabriela and Angelina. She is in the process of chemotherapy and her surgery is scheduled for this month.
Lola Riker
Lola Riker and she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer on January 8, 2013. She is 37 years young and newly married. They are both unemployed due to her illness.
Bonni Bailey
I never met Jill, but she sure did a wonderful thing by wanting this foundation to exist. As for me, I will be forever grateful for their help. I am trusting in the Lord and taking one day at a time.
Adriana Lopez
In July 2012 Adriana’s world came to a sudden halt. She was diagnosed with breast cancer. Having a mammogram only a year earlier, She faced the horrible reality of having cancer.
Sylvia Vidal
In 2002, Sylvia was diagnostic with breast cancer were they perform a mastectomy, chemotherapies and radiation. Sylvia was in her last year of remission when The Jill Founation first met her.
Cynthia Mitchell
Cynthia was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in June 2015. Miracles happen and she found the “The Jill Foundation” and were ready to open our hearts and help her during this very difficult time.
Deborah Barcus Salazar
Debbie was a beautiful woman who lost her battle to breast cancer New Years Eve of 2015. Debbie was in the beauty industry for 25 years and spent 16 of them at Adianas Salon & Day Spa.
Jennifer Ruelas
Fighting this cancer has been a challenging road for Jennifer. Not having the physical energy to care for her son or do for her husband and still work to take care of clients.
Sulmara Amezquita
Sulmara a recurrence of breast cancer and lost her husband to a heart attack in May of this year. She has been a cosmetologist for over 10 years and loved cutting men’s hair!
Shasta Segal
Shasta is the single mom of Madisyn, a full time hairstylist at The Parlour Off Grand in Escondido, CA and she is the niece of Jill Etzold Kester, whom the TJF was named after.
Lisa Salazar
Lisa is a single Mom who was diagnosed with breast cancer this past Jan. 18th. She has been a hairstylist for many years and is currently working at Fantastic Sam’s in Diamond Bar.
Julz Coda
Julz Coda with Sutra Salon In Hawthorne, CA. Julz was recently diagnosed with breast cancerand it has turned her world upside down. TJF is honored to be a small part of her journey.
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.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 friend Barbara Nolasco inspired by Jill’s life and friendship.
Derek and Jill met in 1984, by chance, when he 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.
Derek also enjoys spending time with family and friends and travels when he can get away.
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
