On October 1, 2024, I got news that changed my life. On March 19, 2025, I got the call I had been hoping for — I am in remission! I had not planned on sharing this publicly, but I realize that I need to share this journey to be a support person to others who find themselves going through something similar.
In September 2024, while having a surgery to remove fibroids, it was found that one of the fibroids was actually diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), or in short, cancer. In that moment, my life changed forever. I was referred to an amazing oncologist and team who told me, “You have work to do, but you are going to be okay.” That work included six rounds of chemotherapy.
Chemo wasn’t easy, full days, fatigue the following days, and the eventual hair loss. Constantly questioning and hoping the meds were working, praying I was going to be okay, trying so hard to find the reason in this, and constant reflections on what I was learning from this. And tears . . . lots of tears. But I always ended those tears with something positive; it had to end thinking positively.
On February 17, 2025, I had my last round of chemo and rang that bell with my family by my side (minus my brother-in-law and youngest niece, who were with me in spirit). On March 6, 2025, I had my final PET scan and then a follow-up biopsy. On March 19, 2025, the call came in that I was in remission!
The work is not over. I will continue to have appointments, and I will ensure I don’t take for granted this reset my body has gone through. I learned a lot during this and have a different perspective on life.
The most overwhelming thing during this whole journey (for the good) was the amount of support I received from family, friends, colleagues, and my company . . . it chokes me up just thinking about all the love I was shown. You know the support is there, but when you go through something like this, WOW. From my family finding ways to be in Florida through the entire thing, to the countless texts, calls, cards, flowers, food deliveries, gifts that people sent me, my amazing boss and his wife who made constant visits, to having zero concern about having to be away from work because I knew my amazing team would hold it down while I was gone, and the company being so flexible in whatever I needed to just get healthy — so positively overwhelming.
My amazing sister found a way to get 100 green #JRTStrong bracelets to so many people who had been there for me during this all across the country. These were worn on my last day of chemo, and pictures of support came pouring in all day, and that gave me that final push to the finish line. I can’t thank everyone enough for being there for me. You don’t know what that meant for me, my well-being, and it helped me stay positive and fight!
Then, in September 2025, my sister put together a team for the Light The Night (LTN) walk. The walk was exactly one year after the surgery that ultimately found my cancer. Again, the outpouring of support was unbelievable, with donations to this organization. The night of the walk was emotional, but I never felt so strong as I did that night, standing in the center holding up my white lantern and being able to explain what that meant to others walking with me.
I felt the need to share my story here. I committed to myself that I was going to pay it forward to others going through a cancer journey, whether it be a resource, a support system, or just needing a little extra encouragement — you got me!
As I am closing in on my one year in remission, I never stop reflecting. I still find days that it is difficult to comprehend what I went through, and the anxiousness and fear of it returning is still there. At times, I struggle to even say the "C" word out loud, stating "when I was sick" instead. But I snap myself out of that darkness and realize I'm stronger than ever, I'm more intentional in my life, and I continue to live each day to the fullest. I laugh. I love. I am grateful. And most importantly, I appreciate and am thankful for all of my family and incredible friends for all of their continued love and support!
Jill
diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
