Jennifer Ruelas’ Story | The Jill Foundation - Helping Hairstylist Battle Breast Cancer

My name is Jennifer and I am a mommy and wife as well as hairdresser of 15 years. I have had a love for the beauty industry since I was a little girl. Being diagnosed with breast cancer was one of the toughest things to swallow. I have always had a passion to help and make people feel good in my chair by bringing out their inner beauty to reflect on the outside. Fighting this cancer has been a challenging road for me. Not having the physical energy to care for my son or do for my husband and still work to take care of clients.

Fighting cancer and taking the treatments and still living to thrive is tough, but giving up my authority is much tougher, and I refuse to do that. I am a fighter, I am a survivor and the Jill Foundation has given hairdressers like myself, hope and help to get through rough times so that we can continue to live life to our fullest, with a little less stress over finances. Thank you Jill Foundation for your heart to consider helping a woman like myself in this difficult and challenging time in my life. I would be eternally thankful for your blessings and assistance.

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.

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

Register With The Jill Foundation

Hairstylists Shouldn’t Fight Breast Cancer Alone

Contact The Jill Foundation For More Information On How You Can Help

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(714) 504-7153

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info@thejillfoundation.org

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960 N Tustin St - #342 Orange CA. 92867

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