In Memory of Jill Costello

"Life is all about how we handle the challenges we are given." — Jill Costello, June 14, 2009

"My promise to Jill is to work harder, faster and more furiously to find an end to this disease and I know that Jill will be by my side and in my heart the whole way." —Bonnie J. Addario, June 24, 2010

"Because of ALL OF YOU, Jill didn't spend her last year dying...she spent it living." —Mary Costello, Jill's Mom, June 24, 2010

June 24, 2010—A little over one year ago, 21-years-young—Jillian Costello came into all of our lives, through a shocking diagnosis of Stage IV Lung Cancer. The meaning of courage has never been so profound. With unbearable sadness, we must let you know that Jill is now an angel watching over us and she continues to lead the way from a much more peaceful place. It is not what she wanted. It is not what we wanted. But, God had other plans. In her short time here on Earth, she has done more than anyone has done in the last 40 years. Lung Cancer belongs to all of us--it is our problem to fix. There was never one moment, not even one--that Jill gave up fighting this horrific disease...her own, and all of ours. And, we made her a promise...her fight is not over. It's ours, ALL of ours--now—and we will continue to make her dream come true...to end Lung Cancer.

Jill's accomplishments are too many to mention in this post. She graduated with the highest honors from UC Berkeley in May. She led her team, as coxswain on Cal Women's rowing crew to second place at the NCAA Women's Division I Rowing Championships. We have a saying here at the Foundation...it's not always good to be #1. Lung Cancer is the Number 1 Cancer Killer. Perhaps the world will now know through Jill's legacy that we all must cherish and embrace her dream and fight with the determination that she gave us to understand what is needed. Just last week, Jill was writing to us from her tiny break at home from the hospital, with her idea for the next Lung Cancer campaign. She wants to call it Take 2.

We would like to invite you to join in her campaign. To never forget that Jill will end Lung Cancer as the unforgivable disease it is right now. It doesn't have to be this way.

A letter from Bonnie J. Addario:

FOR JILL...


I met Jill about a year ago when she was first diagnosed with Lung Cancer...


She had me at "Hello"....


A tiny young lady with more courage and verve than I have ever seen in such a young one. I watched her endure hours, weeks and months of chemotherapy with an attitude I have never before witnessed. She was always convinced that her next scan would bring positive news of NED (No Evidence of Disease). When the outcome wasn't what she hoped for, she would just roll up her sleeves (literally and figuratively) and continue to battle the disease.


Lung Cancer finally took her little defenseless body but it did not take her Spirit.

When people remember Jill they will remember the coxswain that led her team to win the finals in Crew...they will remember the first Jog For Jill, which she named and spearheaded with Darby Anderson on February 7, 2010. Jog for Jill led over 900 young students, friends, sorority sisters and fraternity brothers and family to walk and run for her on Super Bowl Sunday at UC Berkeley. Jog for Jill led to all the people following her journey to love their lives just a little bit more because of knowing Jill.


My promise to Jill is to work harder, faster and more furiously to find an end to this disease and I know that Jill will be by my side and in my heart the whole way.


Jill has already taught the entire world that "Anyone Can Get Lung Cancer"...


I love you Jill...


I had to ask a higher power how this adorable young girl could be afflicted

with such a horrible and insidious disease.


I have yet to have an answer.


--Bonnie J. Addario

On behalf of everyone at BJALCF and all of you...let's do this for Jill. Jill chose to come and work for the Foundation after she graduated. She asked for the title of Director of Public Awareness. Let's finish her job. Please be sure to read Jill's letter on CaringBridge or Facebook. Written on Sunday, June 20th...four days ago. For further information, please call Sheila at 415.357.1278 or email sheila@lungcancerfoundation.org.

And finally...here is part of a message Jill wrote to Diane Sawyer on May 11, 2010.

"I would be so honored and appreciative if you could help me tell my story to the world."

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Jill Costello
• lung cancer
• Cal Crew Women's Team
• coxswain
• Matisyahu

[BonnieJAddario]

Thank you to everyone who responded so kindly and lovingly to Jill's story.  Tomorrow is the 2nd Annual Jog for Jill in her memory. We miss her so much but know that she will be with us! With love, Nicolle for BJALCF

[diograzie]

First of all, I want to thank SI for publishing Jill's story. That story led me to this site, -and others about her-. Being a cancer survivor myself, -so far-, I must say that I find Jill's journey to be an powerful inspiration. Thank you Jill. And to her parents, you must be very proud of her. Her drive and dedication will certainly benefit other cancer patients. J.H. in Ontario.

[zotmania]

Jill passes away from lung cancer and doesn't win the championship and yet this is one of the most uplifting SI stories (Nov 29, 2010) I've ever read. Why? To read about someone persevering against all odds to reach a team goal while knowing her life was nearing an end is truly one of the most unselfish things I have read. God bless the Costello family.

[gumdokim]

I cried when I watched this vid and the others related to Jill. I too have cancer. In Jan of this year I was diagnosed with stage 3c ovarian cancer.

[jlama19]

what a tremendous inspiration this young lady is. I just got done reading the SI article in a past issue I just happened to pick up from over a year ago. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Jill's family and friends.

[gopher3737]

@zotmania I've read Sports Illustrated for like 17 years and her story is the best one I've ever read in that magazine. I might have to read it again this week or next...Just amazing courage and strength.

[xrangerx]

cancer sucks

[jmonti33]

Jill was one of the most inspirational people I have ever read about. Jill had so much courage, strength and was a fighter till the very end. I did not know Jill, but at the end of the story, when i finally learned she passed away, it felt as if i knew her..My prayers and thoughts go to her family and friends..Just know she is looking over you guys in a much better place, and one day you guys will all see each other again...Be strong guys! She's in gods hands..

[figger123]

cancer is a disease that should have never excisted and sometimes I wander how a world without cancer would look like, dont u guys never wonder what if those people that died of cancer would be still alive.

[rjregnier]

to all Jill's Family & Friends, God Bless You all. Jill's story is so powerful. The article in SI lead me to Jill's story. I lost my Father & Sister to Cancer & found Jill,s strength uplifting. You all must be very proud of her. May you all live in JOY for the life you have together. JILL LIVES ON through you. Make her proud.

[Roc28210]

I just read the article and I cried just thinking how courageous and unselfish she was.. I know have a new hero and her name is Jill Costello!

[The4WallsInKaty]

I read the article this week and was touched by Jill's strength. I have two boys and pray that I raise them so they have the strength, courage and faith that Jill showed. To be this type of witness to others is inspiring. I wish the best to Jill's family and friends.