Our Foundation
Jill’s Hope was founded by Jill Heckman and her family and friends. Jill was diagnosed with Stage 3 Triple Negative breast cancer in her left breast and Stage 2 Her-2 positive breast cancer in right breast in June 2014. Throughout her battle with cancer, she learned the power of a strong support system and positive mindset. As a former college athlete and coach she knew the importance of mental toughness and positive attitude during any type of competition.
Jill experienced and loved multiple holistic therapies and started a community of people to support each other. She spent her days with a passion to help others who were fighting cancer and helping them LIVE better. She would say, “If I can help just one more person feel better, I’m going to do it!!”
Jill passed away on August 24th, 2017, but her legacy lives on. Jill’s Hope is a 5o1c3 organization. Our goal is to support others going through a cancer diagnosis of any type. This includes the fighter/survivor and their caregivers.
Want to know about our Founder?
Jill was given a coaching exercise to write what she would want people to remember about her and what she stood for. This is what she wrote.
“I would want people to remember that I was a happy, fun-loving and giving person. I want to be remembered for putting others first and recognizing the needs of those less fortunate. I like the idea of making other feel better off after they have met you (even if it’s by giving them a simple smile). I believe life stands for many things, but mainly the relationships you create while you are here. Letting those you care about know how you feel about them and not letting opportunities pass by without communicating of sharing your feelings. I would want to people to remember that although I was strong, I was even more loving and compassionate.”
Cancer is a battle of one’s life!
Jill was introduced to many holistic therapies during her treatment that reduced her anxiety and strengthened her immune system. Most of these therapies are not covered by insurance and can be pricey. Jill and her support group have created Jill’s Hope in order to assist those in need and provide hope to the fighters, survivors and their caregivers.
The foundation will assist financially with various therapies that include (but are not limited to): Pilates that is specialized for breast cancer patients, reiki, reflexology, massage, acupuncture, wellness coaching, benefits of essential oils, nutrition classes, and meditation. There is medical evidence to support that these therapies have shown benefits with those battling cancer. Jill’s personal experience supports these findings and she wants to give others the opportunity to be their best selves during and after a very trying circumstance.
Every cancer patients journey is unique and we all handle stressors in our life differently, but if we can help a few or lots of fews than we will have impacted a life or lives.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
Kicking Chemo Buckets
Providing cheerful gift baskets to those undergoing chemo treatment. The buckets are intended to lift spirits, help individuals feel connected and loved by others and provide gifts and necessities helpful for chemo treatment. They include items such as; lotion, dry mouth products, scarves, fuzzy socks, journals, books, gum, adult coloring books, inspirational cards, thank you notes, etc. The buckets are made with love and filled with hope. We want everyone cancer fighter to know that they are not alone.
Online Facebook Community
Did you know that social connections are a huge part of beating cancer? You want to have as many tools in your toolbox and connecting with others is a BIG one! We have an online support community open to anyone who would like to join including Fighters, Survivors, Caregivers and Supporters. Within our community members lean on one another for support, share resources and inspiration. If you would like to join, follow this link, or go to Facebook and search “Jills Hope Community”.