Meet the Models: Jillian Black
Meet Jillian Black: Five Years of Fierce Resilience
In October 2020, Jillian Black was in survival mode. Newly divorced, parenting three kids in 1st, 3rd, and 6th grade during a global pandemic, and juggling remote work and school, she recalls feeling like “someone treading water with just one nostril above.” Cancer, she thought, couldn’t possibly be added to her plate. But cancer, as it turns out, had other plans.
That month, thanks to a simple and timely Facebook post by a friend, Denise Henneberry, Jillian scheduled a mammogram that had previously been delayed due to COVID. The post encouraged women to take care of themselves during Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a reminder Jillian says quite literally saved her life. Two mammograms, an ultrasound, and a biopsy later, Jillian was diagnosed with Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.
“I remember getting the call at 9:15 p.m.,” Jillian shared. “You don’t get calls at that hour unless it’s bad news. And I just knew.”
The Power of Community
Jillian’s world, already spinning, tilted further. She began six months of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, another six months of biologics, and additional surgeries—all while continuing to work and raise her children. “Life doesn’t stop. Not even for cancer,” she said. “Looking back, I don’t know how I got through it.”
What helped carry her through was the unrelenting support of those around her. Her mother lived just down the street. Her girlfriends organized meal trains, card nights, rides, childcare, and endless encouragement. “I don’t know what I would have done without them.”
One of the most meaningful relationships to emerge during this time was with April Goodman—another local mom who had been diagnosed with breast cancer within days of Jillian. Though they didn’t know each other previously, the principal of their children’s elementary school introduced them, and the two became immediate lifelines. They had the same chemo regimen, underwent double mastectomies within five days of each other, and supported each other every step of the way.
“We became sisters,” Jillian said. “It’s incredible to have someone who just gets it. And this year marks five years for both of us.”
Finding Joy on the Runway
Jillian walked in her first Runway for Recovery event last year and was surprised by the joy, energy, and connection she felt on stage. She described it as a beautiful celebration—not focused on individual stories, but rather a collective spirit of survivorship.
“It wasn’t about being defined by cancer,” she said. “It was about laughing, dancing, and being surrounded by people who love you.”
This year, Jillian returns to the Runway with April and Denise by her side, celebrating their five-year mark together. It’s a full-circle moment: a celebration of life, friendship, and the power of showing up—for yourself and for others.
The Lingering Impact of Cancer
Five years out from her diagnosis, Jillian acknowledges that cancer never truly disappears. It lingers in the background—sometimes in subtle ways, sometimes in sharp bursts of anxiety. “I still wonder if a headache means something more,” she said. “I still feel the emotional and physical toll.”
The impact has rippled outward. Her mother still watches her closely. Her daughter, now 16, worries about her own future risks. Her son, now 11, recently revealed he had only just realized she could have died.
“No, I’m not the same person I was,” Jillian admits. “But the new person I am is stronger, more focused, more loving. I love more deeply and invest in people who matter. I’m raising kids who see that we can survive hard things.”
A Message for Others
Jillian wants people to remember that you never know how your actions may impact someone else. Denise’s social media post saved her life. The school principal’s introduction to April changed her experience. And the community around her helped her feel supported, seen, and celebrated.
“Cancer takes a lot. But somehow, through all of it, I gained so much as well.”
This year, Jillian walks in honor of five years of survival—and in celebration of the village that carried her through. Her journey reminds us that while cancer can reshape lives, it can also forge unbreakable bonds and uncover unimaginable strength.
