I was 32 when diagnosed with breast cancer & had a double mastectomy. My battle has been brutal but I see myself as survivor. All I want is to help others.
Jill’s story has spread fast across the globe and she is overwhelmed by the support she’s received from so many. This site was created so those who love Jill and are praying for her, can share her journey, and for Jill to share with you, her story. It’s a place for Jill to help others. This remarkable young woman will change the way you live.
Jill Brzezinski-Conley was diagnosed with Stage IIIC invasive breast cancer one day before her 32nd birthday on July 15th 2009 – just 6 months after she married the man of her dreams. Her journey began with the most progressive form of treatment available. Contrary to what most people think, the younger you are, the more aggressive breast cancer can be. Jill’s treatment included 16 rounds of grueling chemotherapy, 31 rounds of radiation and 4 surgeries including a double mastectomy with additional surgery ahead. During her treatment she suffered a broken rib and endured serious complications after her reconstructive surgery. However her strength and determination proved pivotal, and after 2 years Jill was in remission and now considers herself a survivor.
Unfortunately 12 months later Jill found out she had developed bone cancer and at 35 years old, the prognosis is terminal. Through all of this, Jill has kept her wit, determination, and never ending smile, with no room for self pity, while frequently making jokes about her baldness, lack of eyebrows and eyelashes. Her sense of humor, courage, positive attitude and inner beauty is truly remarkable. Anyone who has ever met Jill will tell you that she leaves you with a lasting impression. The room lights up upon her arrival.
In September 2012, Jill’s best friend Nikki Closser reached out to world acclaimed portrait photographer Sue Bryce. Sue was so overwhelmed with Jill’s story and the message she wanted to share with the world, that she was instantly determined to help this beautiful girl spread that message. Sue arranged for Nikki and Jill to meet her in Paris where she would photograph Jill, capture her incredible beauty and help to tell her story to inspire others and educate the world about Breast Cancer. In Jill’s own words, to help women – even one woman. A fabulous documentary was filmed in Paris by Hailey Bartholomew and soon after Sue and Hailey had created The Light That Shines.
“There are two ways of spreading light. To be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it.” – Edith Wharton.
You truly are a Very Special Person! I’m sure that you are helping a lot of other women & men that are going through what you & you Husband are. All I can say is “Keep fighting for as much ‘Quality Of Life’ time that You & Your Husband can share together!!”
Send With Caring & Love from a Husband on Staten Island,NY, Married for almost 37 years.
I forwarded the link to a number of Close Friends.
I just saw your stunningly beautiful photos in Paris and read about your story. I just had to leave a note to say what a beautiful woman you are and that even in the midst of your struggles you still want to think of and inspire others. I’m sending you strength and love and prayers from Oregon.
Hello, Jill. Your story has touched my heart and made me cry like a baby during “The Light That Shines”. I can confidently say that I will never forget you and your story.
- Eva
Just watched the video and you are an inspiration and have made me grateful for what I have and you’re such a beautiful and strong woman so thank you for putting your story out there. There aren’t really words for how much you’ve affected me today, encouraging me to live life to the fullest x
Jill…WOW…I am blown away by your beauty. I saw your interview on the Today Show and I went straight to my computer to see your full story. You have touch my heart by sharing your story. You are SO brave and I appreciate you sharing your life with me through your video. You have TRUELY touched my heart! I am going to share this link with a couple of friends and I am sure it will touch their hearts the same as you have touched mine. I rally with you and hope that Victoria Secret does allow a women that is or has had Breast Cancer to wear the Million Dollar Bra in their next show. Please keep up the wonderful work that you are doing. Hats off to your WONDERFUL husband that has been by your side! I wish the best for you and your family…You are a BEAUTIFUL young lady and your smile is breathtaking.
Best Wishes,
Theresa G
I seen you on the today show today and must I say you are a beautiful woman I’m so happy for what you are doing. I’m sure you will inspire a lot of women all over the world. Your pictures are amazing,very stunning.
Jill, just watched you on the today show. You are truly an inspiration to me. I was diagnosed with a rare aggressive form of bc in May of 2011, stage 3b. Like you, had chemo, surgery (bilateral mastectomy) & radiation. I try to focus on here & now, & from day one have prayed for strength. Thank you for your strength, & for reminding me to be grateful for each day in life. Someone said they wanted to pray for me, but they didn’t know what to pray for. I didn’t know how to answer that, but after seeing you, I would pray that everyone going through difficult times in life, would have your love, strength, & courage, & be surrounded by people like you to get them through it. Thank you Jill!
Jill, seeing you on the Today show, I went immediately to view this incredible story which captured your essence so beautifully. You are and will always be a shining light in this world. You have gone far beyond your goal of affecting one woman’s life. I suspect by now you have impacted millions of women and men. In prayer on a spiritual retreat almost a decade ago, I kept continually hearing, “It’s all about the Light.” I have prayed about that thought; and here and there, I have seen the truth of it. Today, you were that truth, “It’s all about the Light.” Your light I sense comes from God, and you are palpably radiating love, life and light. You will remain in my prayers.
Jill~
You are truly an inspiration……and beautiful, inside and out…. Thank you, for you courage to share your story….
May you be blessed and know the healing touch of God’s hand upon you!
Love and light,
~D
Adrienne would love an opportunity to Chat with you….
She spoke with Debbie Barret this week and we are doing something for her. Would like the opportunity to do the same for you..
You and your loved ones are in my prayers. You are a blessing and I wish you peace and comfort. Lisa from Orlando.
I just watched your video. You have blessed me and truly you are a Angel. You are the most beautiful person inside and out. Your story will help a lot of people going thur this. Cancer is a monster that touches everyone in some way. Watching this I found myself looking at you as the beautiful person that you are, and not someone that has this label of having Cancer. I think it would be amazing if you were the Victoria Secret Model wearing that bra! God bless you! Thoughts and prayers to you and your amazing husband. Linda, from Greenville, Ky
There are no words to begin to even describe the kind of woman you are. Your smiling face will never leave me, you have made me feel beautiful even with this ugly disease. I was diagnosed this past year at 23 and I really needed this message from you. You are beyond beautiful and strong. You will constantly be in my thoughts and prayers. Sending lots of love your way. Exodus 14:14
I, too, am a recently post mastectomy cancer “survivor”, twice your age (at the beginning of your journey) with much less treatment needed. My diagnosis came 3 days before my youngest son’s wedding. I am in support of your venture, for in “looking good-we feel better” and continue our journeys in repair and recovery. May you have continued faith in the future and keep your effervescent smile.
Beautiful and awesome as usual!!!! Praying and thinking of you often. Miss & love you!!
Jill, you are one of the greatest women I had the chance to read about in my entire life. As an independent woman and photographer from Canada, I congratulate you for having used photography to convey your beautiful message. You are a beautiful person, inside out. I’m sending you so much love from Montreal, Quebec!
You are beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing your story. I, too have had a double mastectomy Nov. 2010. I wish you the best!
February 23rd marks the 17 year anniversary of my sisters death. She was 42 years old! Thank you for honoring her with your grace. If she had lived long enough, she would have wanted to go with you to Paris. Thank you for honoring all the women who have died from breast cancer. you are a gem! May light & love surround you….Susan North
Beautiful woman, beautiful video. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us. Keep shining your light! You will be an inspiration to many, many woman going forward. It is about the beauty on the inside that matters most. And Victoria’s Secret take note!!
Thank you.
I’m 32 yrs old – stage IIIA triple positive – and am so encouraged by your bravery and the light that shines out of you.
xx
Lisa
Jill-You are an inspiration! As I watched the documentary I was so touched by your courage, perseverance, beauty and the joy that exudes from you. My aunt had breast cancer and I witnessed her trials, so THANK YOU for being a light for the cause and reminding women what true beauty is! I worked for VS; perhaps things will work out. You have my support, I would love to see you rock the runway! Remain encouraged. God bless you; you’re in my prayers.
Much love…Takeshia
Hi Jill, my name is Alexandra, and I also was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1998, which had emergency surgery and on remission until today, and for that I am so grateful and blessed. My dear friend Martha “Cubanarama” introduced me to your story and asked me to promote your story on my Facebook “Hanavi Adonai”, which I was honored to do. You are a truly beautiful woman, your smile says it all. God blessed you with a wonderful husband right on time for you not to be alone in this situation, he did the same with me. I married my soul mate and best friend , and six months later I found out about my cancer, My husband was my strength and the man that has stood next to me threw everything. God bless you both, keep your head up, keep hope alive, and live everyday like if it was your last, that is the way I live life after my battle with cancer. God is good, and if you don’t know him personally, I would love to introduce Him to you, for He is my strength , my Lord and my Savior , He is real. Only He knows who can be a light among all the darkness in this world, and it takes a special lady like you to Brighton up any dark room with your beautiful smile. May God bless you and I will be praying for you everyday , to give you the peace, love and joy you give to others.