Jill Martin is the TODAY lifestyle contributor and founder of By Jill Martin. In 2023, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. Now, she’s raising awareness about genetic testing and helping to fund breast cancer research through her brand, “The Warrior Effect.” Ahead of the Pink Power Day on the TODAY Plaza Oct. 1, Martin opened up to TODAY.com about her life now as a cancer survivor.

As soon as I received the diagnosis of Stage 2 breast cancer in July 2023, I immediately went into fight or flight mode.

My life was suddenly centered around beating cancer and what I needed to do. I agreed to the recommended treatments, including a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, two reconstructive surgeries and surgery to remove my ovaries and fallopian tubes to prevent ovarian cancer. I focused on ticking each therapy off the list, and that dedication carried me through cancer treatment.

Today, the intense and terrifying treatment is over, and I am cancer-free. Yet, my fight is now focused on a new goal. I’m still undergoing treatment to prevent breast cancer from returning, but it’s focused on medications I can take at home. I’m on a hormone blocker to stop my body from producing estrogen, as well as a targeted therapy that helps prevent the recurrence of cancer cells.

While not as intense as some of the other treatments I received, these medications still cause side effects, including extreme joint and bone pain, which I continue to navigate.

This past spring, I also had a revision to my reconstructive surgery. Radiation changes the skin, so I experienced some complications after the first surgery. It was my sixth surgery in two years. Luckily, my doctor said I am finished with surgery — and now, I can focus on healing.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

Finally, I have the space to process all of the emotions that I felt throughout my breast cancer treatment. At times, it’s tough to grapple with what I’ve been through. When I reflect on that time, I remember constantly going from treatment to treatment, feeling as though I was fighting for my life. I also have quiet moments when I confront the emotions of being a cancer patient and now, a survivor. While thinking about what I’ve overcome helps me feel resilient, it’s also overwhelming.

I choose to be the victor, not the victim.

I’m living in my new body, and I am grateful for the way my body fought for me. But it will never look the same. This part of my body that I used to think of as sexy is now the badge of honor from a battle I fought and won. I’m glad that I’m not in pain and I don’t have cancer, but my body is a reminder that I am a changed person.

I’ve also learned to balance my life. I dedicate 33% of my time to work, 33% to giving back and 33% to Jill time. When it’s my time, I might take a walk or call a friend — just do something that nourishes me. I live with more intentionality, and I ask myself whether something serves me before I decide to pursue it. This transformation has been one of the unexpected gifts I received from having cancer.

From Fighting Back to Giving Back

Today, I am focused on launching the Warrior Effect, a brand that highlights the cancer journey by donating proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Fund (BCRF). Every day when I wake up, I have to decide between pulling the covers over my head, or moving forward. I choose to be the victor, not the victim. Every time I face a difficult moment, my strength improves, and I become more resilient. To me, that is the “warrior effect” that we all have. But for many of us, we need to learn to embrace it and let it carry us through our days.

I wanted to create a brand that honors the cancer journey and the strength of people going through it while also giving back. Beginning October 1, 2025, all month, a portion of proceeds from every item sold — including exclusive Warrior Collection essentials and select officially licensed NBA and WNBA pink logo products — will be donated to BCRF.

Research saves lives, and I’m honored to be helping in my way.

I’m alive and sharing my story thanks to research. Every new advancement in breast cancer screening and treatment comes from research. Research saves lives, and I’m honored to be helping in my way.

While the Warrior Effect will help scientists studying breast cancer, I’m also passionate about genetic testing. So to encourage others to learn everything they can about their health, I’m hoping to bring people together to sign up for genetic testing for Pink Power Day on Oct. 1 on the TODAY Plaza.

Knowledge is power. I believe it’s essential that women understand their breast cancer risk and undergo genetic testing if they can. If I had known I carried the BRCA 2 mutation earlier, I could have avoided chemotherapy and radiation and ongoing treatment. Early detection doesn’t simply save lives; it changes them. I hope others can avoid the challenging treatments I experienced after my diagnosis by finding out about their breast cancer risk early.

My life has changed in both earth-shattering and beautiful ways. At times it’s felt catastrophic. But I’m still here, focused on enjoying life and helping others.