I never say, “I kicked cancer’s ass,” even though it’s been 10 years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer with NBC cameras rolling during a “buddy mammogram” shoot with my former boss, Meredith Vieira. I say, “I’m still cancer-free today. Knock wood. Fingers crossed. Shhh…”
When I saw my former NBC “TODAY” show colleague and pal, Jill Martin, on television recently talking about her breast cancer diagnosis, I knew we had to connect.
Jill is not only a well-known lifestyle contributor and former NBA correspondent, she originated the popular “Steals & Deals” segment on NBC. Last year, genetic testing revealed her BRCA2 mutation, which led to her Stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The ordeal has changed her life and her purpose.
Now, Southampton’s fierce and creative entrepreneur has a new mission: to raise awareness about the importance of knowing your family history. Through her partnership with the NBA, the WNBA, Fanatics, and colleges and universities, Jill has launched her popular loungewear collection and Sherpa hoodies, personalizing the items with bedazzled and colorful sports logos. The products are available for purchase on Jill Martin’s official website (jillmartin.com) and through Fanatics, select Lids Stores, select NBA team stores, and Saks Fifth Avenue online. Prices range from $89 to $200.
“I’m making sports a whole lot cozier,” said Jill. All NBA and WNBA proceeds will be donated to the Basser Center for BRCA, the first center solely devoted to the research, treatment, and prevention of BRCA-related cancers.
How do you survive and thrive after cancer? How does it change you? What do you learn? Read on…
What’s been the most challenging part of this journey?
JM: I feel like I’ve been in a fog for a year. I was fighting for my life, and now I’m fighting to get my life back — whatever form that is. I’m beginning to look like a version of myself. And I think I look good —
You look great —
JM: But it doesn’t look like me… very hard to keep your hair during the “red devil” (Doxorubicin chemo) — so even though I lost 70 percent, this is all new hair — my hair’s different, my body’s different. Imagine waking up and you have Farrah Fawcett hair, and then you have a bob. The cut was not an option — it’s the chemo cut. But I like the way it looks. I feel very grateful.
My surgeon said, “A year after you are done with your treatment, you are going to feel so much better.” And he was right.
JM: There are a lot of silver linings… I’m much slower, and anything that was out of focus is now in focus. I feel like I’m more confident than I’ve ever been. My decision-making skills are better… I think my higher mission now is to educate and advocate, so I feel like that’s a blessing. Because I know I’ve saved so many lives. But I can’t see a year from that yet.
What do you wish you had known when you were first diagnosed?
JM: No one told me three weeks after treatment stopped that I would lose my eyelashes and eyebrows, and I was not unhappy to not know that — they grew back. And so it’s day by day.
Truth. I found almost a comfort in being treated, so when it ended, it was like, ‘Now what?’ A lot of it becomes a mental thing, right?
JM: Every day. When I wake up, I make the decision to get up, or I pull the covers up over my head… Right now, I’m striving for calm. And to be healthy. Calm is good. Boring and soothing is exciting to me.
My dad, a radiologist, gave me the best advice when he said, ‘You must learn to manage your thoughts. The only way you are going to feel better is with time.’ How have your relationships been affected by cancer?
JM: You learn how key your support system is… but you also learn — and this is not easy — that not everything, not every place, not every person, deserves to make it into the new life.
Sometimes, it’s the people closest to you who can’t accept cancer or handle your diagnosis. You find comfort in odd places.
JM: Right now, I feel very grateful. My support system is so strong. I’m in a good, solid place, and I think that is the most I could ask for.
What’s the most exciting part of your new line at JillMartin.com?
JM: We were the number one item on Fanatics the day we launched in October, and we are close to selling out of many colors because the item is great — the Sherpa.
We also have lounger animal buddies, two-foot pillows, and a family blanket (10 x 10 feet). These are items I know work. They will take people on adventures, through heartache, through beautiful times, and keep them warm and cozy.
We’re doing a special for “SNL.” We’re doing something with the Rockettes. By next year, we will be in every sport.
If a breast cancer diagnosis had to happen, it is good that you’ve had the platform.
JM: It’s the only thing that got me through — I never ever said, “Why me?” I know I’ve been given this platform and the tenacity and the guts to fight for other people, and that’s what I think my mission is — it’s much higher than me.
Cancer, to me, is more powerful than anyone. I’m working actively in my lifetime on finding a cure to the gene — meaning this part of the disease could be eradicated through screening and testing — so that’s what I’m advocating for.
To shop Jill’s collection, visit JillMartin.com. On social media: IG: @jillmartin, TikTok:
@jillmartintodayshow. Angela LaGreca is an Emmy-winning producer and writer. She currently works at CUOMO on NewsNation. Email AngelaTVmedia@gmail.com.