Jill Stenzler-Engelman devoted 15 years to Hadassah's Check It Out® breast cancer awareness program in St. Petersburg, Florida. She taught breast self-exam and early detection at high schools, jails, and more. Her husband, Dr. Greg Engelman, said, “Jill loved to teach and loved educating young adults and adults on being proactive about their health.” Sadly, after a courageous 10-year battle, Jill died of ovarian cancer at age 53.

Jill’s memory served as a catalyst and inspiration for her family and community to continue her mission. In Lake Seminole Park, Florida, on January 10, 2016 -- almost exactly one year after Jill’s passing -- they hosted the We Will for Jill First Annual Walk/Run Fundraiser. Robin Post, Jill’s sister, chaired the event, raising over $36,000. Proceeds went to create the Jill Stenzler-Engelman Health Education Fund set up at Hadassah National.

The lively event attracted 300 people, young and old, from across the community. Speakers included Seminole Mayor Leslie Waters, Pinellas County Commissioner Janet Long, Kathy Cordero from FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered) and, of course, her husband and sister, Greg and Robin. Hadassah Florida Central President Susan Lafer linked the program to the impact that Hadassah Medical Organization has had in women’s health and cancer. In addition to walkers raising money for the Health Education Fund, several corporate sponsors contributed to the day, including FORCE, L. Ortega & Associates of Tampa Bay, LCC, the Sembler Company, HCA Palms of Pasadena Hospital, Florida Cancer Specialists, and the University of Florida College of Pharmacy. The event was marketed widely. Attendees participated in a 2 mile walk/run, a health fair, diabetes and blood pressure screenings, free massages, and a raffle.

Greg said they created the Jill Stenzler-Engelman Health Education Fund to bring more educational programming in her memory. “The purpose of the fund is to ensure that the work she started continues on in perpetuity.” 

Thanks to the creation of the Jill Stenzler-Engelman Health Education Fund, Hadassah’s Health & Wellness team is distributing these funds to units across the country. This will include creating a state-wide breast cancer initiative in Florida that works to reach the same populations to which Jill dedicated so many years. Hadassah has revised its Check It Out® programming materials, in consultation with HMO, our Nurses and Physicians Councils, and additional experts. Hadassah units nationwide can now bring that education to public school classrooms, synagogues, JCCs, and other neighborhood venues across the country. This is just another example of the Power of Women Who DO. 

Read more about We Will for Jill here: http://www.jewishpresspinellas.com/news/2015-12-18/Organizations/We_Will_for_Jill_walkrun_on_Jan_10_to_honor_memory.html

Learn more about Hadassah's breast cancer awareness efforts.

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