Jill Martin has a deeply personal motivation behind her new charitable initiative.
Despite receiving clean bills of health from regular mammograms and sonograms, the author and 12-time Emmy Award winner was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in July 2023.
Genetic testing later revealed that she inherited a BRCA2 gene mutation from her father’s side of the family.
After undergoing a double mastectomy and chemotherapy, Martin used her recovery time to brainstorm ways to raise awareness about early genetic testing for breast cancer.
The outcome is a collection of loungewear and outerwear featuring the logos of the NBA and WNBA in pink. “This past year has been earth-shattering for me,” Martin shared.
“The support I have received from the NBA and WNBA has been overwhelming. I am so honored to use my platform to raise awareness for testing so that other families do not have to go through what mine did.”
The collection, titled By Jill Martin, includes comfort essentials, with several pieces reinterpreted in pink to support the cause. Items range from sherpa loungers and hoodies to 10 x 10-foot family blankets and oversized plush toys.
The products are available for purchase on the Jill Martin website, as well as through Fanatics, select Lids stores, select NBA team stores, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Prices range from $89 to $200, with all proceeds from the NBA and WNBA products being donated to the Basser Center for BRCA, the first center dedicated solely to the research, treatment, and prevention of BRCA-related cancers.
On Tuesday, marking the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the NBA and WNBA transformed the “Today” plaza pink by donating coats featuring the pink logos to attendees. Martin shared her breast cancer journey on air, which contributed to a strong start in sales for the breast cancer-related products, according to a spokesperson from Fanatics.