I am stepping out for lung cancer at the annual GO2 for Lung Cancer San Francisco Walk/Run!

The funds I raise will advance GO2's mission to increase survival by improving the lives of those vulnerable, at risk, and diagnosed with lung cancer. Help me support this much-needed effort by making a contribution to my fundraiser and sharing this page with your family and friends.

For those unfamiliar with the story - Jill Costello graduated from St. Ignatius and went on to Cox for the Cal Women's Rowing Team. In her senior year, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. Despite Jill's fatal diagnosis, she was determined to be more successful than ever. She achieved the pinnacle of academic success, emerged as an unparalleled coxswain of remarkable prowess, and set her sights on triumphing over the formidable adversary of lung cancer. Jill took what life gave her and did her best with it, even through her treatments. Her team will forever remember her gritty personality and dedication to her team and their goals. Jill teaches us how to be the ultimate teammate, what it means to persevere, and how to truly trust the people in your boat. As a team, we strive to be the kind of teammate that Jill was:  A symbol of courage and determination, Jill's name graces our racing shell, constantly reminding us of the fearless women who define our team's identity. Jill's final goal was to beat lung cancer – we will forever be grateful to learn from her; we are honored to continue her legacy and keep pushing to make that goal a reality. 

One way we can do that is to continue our longstanding partnership with the Cal Women's boathouse and  come  together for "Jog for Jill" – an annual 5k run/walk supporting the Go2 Foundation for Lung Cancer, which aims to create life-saving treatments and care for those with lung cancer. Last year, the Cal Women were able to raise a total of $2,000 in a very short amount of time. This year they aim to go much higher in honor of the 15th anniversary of the Jog for Jill. Their team's dream is to raise $15,000+ and to have 150 people sign up as members of Team Jill. I hope that with our united support, we can make this happen! But we cannot reach this goal without help. We are recruiting all SI and Cal alums, parents, families and friends to join us to honor Jill and her legacy.

Team Jill Fundraising Page: Team Jill/5k Run Walk Go2.org

Here is a YouTube video and a Podcast that will offer greater insight into this remarkable Ignatian. 

In memory of Jill Costello

Dave O'Neill, of Texas Women's Rowing shares a very special story about Jill Costello and the incredible impact that her battle with cancer had on her team and all of Cal Rowing.

The Rowers Podcast - Dave O'Neill "The Legacy of Jill Costello"

Jill's legacy is a testament to the power of the human spirit. Her remarkable courage continues to fuel our aspirations, setting the standard for what we can achieve together. Her story is not just an inspiration but an ongoing legacy that fuels our determination to make a difference.  I think it is the start of a beautiful tradition to share with the Cal Women’s Rowing, and I want to see our team in numbers!