Sylvia Vidal’s Story

The Fifth Recpient Of Support For A Hairstylist From The Jill Foundation Was Sylvia Vidal.

Sylvia was a strong, happy, positive, lovely mother of two Valente and Joel and wonderful partner. On 2002, she was diagnostic with breast cancer were they perform a mastectomy, chemotherapies and radiation she was in her last year of remission when I first met her. In less than a year of being together the cancer came back on her liver, she was devastated but never once give up; she did every single chemotherapy that was available.

We always pray for her cure and even though she was in pain, weak or sick Sylvia never stop working; her career as a hairstylist was for 26 year, her love to do hair her passion to make people beautiful, having two boys that she love very much and not tell them what to do but showing them with her action never to give up of feel sorry because things are perfect or they way we want them to be. She just want them to be happy and be the best they can be for they’re own future.

I was bless to shared my life with Sylvia for eleven year we share great moments and found the meaning of true love. I miss her every second of my life but I know she is in heaven and her suffering had stop and now she is looking upon her boys and me. I love her very much and I know we will meet again.

She was love by many client that become friends they will travel many mile to see her because she had the light of God in her heart and saw the good in people. She will always be remember and I know her boys are proud of they’re mom, coworkers, clients and friend had nothing but admiration for her. As for me she is the blessing of my life I will love her forever. She work one week before her doctor put her in hospice. She love her job so much. that when the put her on hospice she was asking if after two weeks of resting she could go back to work. Her heart wanted to keep going but her body couldn’t keep up and she had to rest and she did leaving earth with her beautiful smile. She was 52 years old. Thank you for help me, the Jill Foundation contribution will help to have a beautiful celebration of life in Sylvia’s honor. Please feel free to share story you heard from her clients and coworkers on the salon. Also let me know if you have any question.

Thank you – Noemi Acuna

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

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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