Remembering Jill Cohen

Jill Cohen was a daughter, a sister, wife and former nonprofit fundraiser who was initially diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in 1999 at 39 years old. In August 2002, she visited an orthopedist to learn why her recent rounds of physical therapy for what she believed was a sports-related injury hadn't worked. Following an X-ray, she discovered that her cancer had returned and metastasized to her bones.

Some of Jill's favorite hobbies included dancing and singing, being an active leader in her synagogue and an avid reader of sci-fi and fantasy novels. She also enjoyed cooking for her extensive support network and attending an in-person weekly support group for people living with advanced types of cancer. Jill was active on social media and frequently updated her blog, Dancing with Cancer. The blog was named after the dance principle of learning to lead and follow and applied to her life with cancer. In August 2015, Jill celebrated her 13-year "Bat Mitzvah" living with metastatic breast cancer (mBC). Jill shared her story with people who were newly diagnosed with mBC to let them know that there is hope for living and doing well with the disease.

Sadly, on August 11, 2016, Jill Cohen passed away from mBC at the age of 56.

Photographed by Ben Heath and Angelo Merendino

Jill Cohen was a daughter, a sister, wife and former nonprofit fundraiser who was initially diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in 1999 at 39 years old. In August 2002, she visited an orthopedist to learn why her recent rounds of physical therapy for what she believed was a sports-related injury hadn't worked. Following an X-ray, she discovered that

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Live in abundance.

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Jill was a kind soul with a heart of gold. The energy she radiated brightened every room she walked into.

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In loving memory of Jill Cohen.

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Jill dealt with all the pain and complications that went along with her mBC diagnosis.

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It was important for Jill to have a healthcare team who understood her and her goals and wishes.

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Jill discusses her life, passions and career.

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A portrait of strength.

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Life can be a delicate balance with mBC. But, there's always people to support and hold us up when we need it. Jill's husband, Rik, never failed to lift her up.

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Jill with her best friends, Boychik and Bob, who stood by her side through the worst of times.

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Hand-in-hand, Jill and her family faced mBC together.

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If Jill could be described with one word, it would be "selfless". She did everything possible to bring joy into others’ lives.