NBA and Jill Martin Collaborate for Breast Cancer Awareness Sherpas
A Special Launch for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The TODAY Plaza is dressed all in pink this October 1, thanks to a special event organized by Shop TODAY contributor and breast cancer survivor Jill Martin. Jill’s new clothing brand, By Jill Martin, is launching an exciting collaboration with the NBA and WNBA to raise awareness of breast cancer and genetic testing, especially for cancers related to the BRCA gene mutation.
The Exclusive Collection
The collaboration includes Jill’s sherpas featuring the NBA and WNBA logos turned pink, available for purchase starting October 1, with proceeds going to the Basser Center for BRCA.
NBA and WNBA The Best Lounger In The World by Jill Martin Breast Cancer Awareness Lounger and Hoodie Collection
Jill Martin sherpa. (Fanatics)
Kicking Off the Campaign
To kick off the campaign and the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month on October 1, the NBA and WNBA provided sherpas with pink logos for TODAY show attendees. The TODAY show is also airing its Pink Power special, featuring Jill sharing even more about her breast cancer journey, NBA and WNBA players speaking out about how the disease has affected them, and more information on who should undergo genetic testing to reduce cancer risk.
The TODAY show attendees wearing Jill Martin’s pink sherpas provided by the NBA. (Nathan Congleton/TODAY)
Jill’s Personal Journey
The message of knowing your breast cancer risk is especially important to Jill, who was diagnosed at Stage 2 in 2023. Jill found out she had breast cancer because she tested positive for a BRCA gene mutation – despite getting a clear mammogram the same day as her diagnosis and a clear sonogram just months before. She underwent a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction, the removal of her ovaries and fallopian tubes, chemotherapy and radiation, and is now considered cancer-free and taking two medications to reduce her risk of recurrence.
Importance of Genetic Testing
BRCA gene mutations are inherited from either the mother or father, according to the National Cancer Institute. They can increase a person’s risk of several types of cancer, such as breast, ovarian, and prostate. BRCA mutations also increase a person’s risk of developing cancer at a younger age. More than 60% of women with a BRCA mutation will develop breast cancer. Some groups are higher risk for BRCA mutations, including those with a family history of the mutation, people of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, and people with a personal or family history of breast cancer before age 50.
Conclusion
The collaboration between NBA, WNBA, and Jill Martin aims to raise awareness of breast cancer and genetic testing, especially for cancers related to the BRCA gene mutation. If you are concerned about your risk of having a BRCA mutation, talk to a healthcare provider.
FAQs
* Who is Jill Martin?
Jill Martin is a breast cancer survivor and Shop TODAY contributor.
* What is the purpose of the collaboration?
The collaboration aims to raise awareness of breast cancer and genetic testing, especially for cancers related to the BRCA gene mutation.
* What is a BRCA gene mutation?
A BRCA gene mutation is a genetic alteration that increases a person’s risk of developing breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers.
* Who is at higher risk for BRCA mutations?
Some groups are higher risk for BRCA mutations, including those with a family history of the mutation, people of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, and people with a personal or family history of breast cancer before age 50.
