Every year, as fairy wings flutter and laughter fills the air at the 5K for Kelli , we are reminded of the incredible woman who inspired this event — our sister, Kelli James . The 5K for Kelli isn’t just a fun run or a community gathering; it’s a celebration of life, resilience, and joy . It honors the memory of a woman who brought sunshine into every room she entered and who lived each day with curiosity, kindness, and courage. This is Kelli's story. A Life Filled with Adventure and Creativity Kelli was born in Akron, Ohio  to Karen Snyder  and Woody Clough . From the very beginning, she radiated a sense of adventure and creativity. She married her high school sweetheart, Barry James , just before her 21st birthday, and together they traveled the country during his fighter pilot training with the Air National Guard. Eventually, they settled in Dayton, Ohio , where Kelli pursued her education at the University of Dayton , graduating magna cum laude  with a Visual Arts degree . As a graphic designer, Kelli had an eye for bright colors and bold, contemporary designs. She loved creating beauty in everything she touched. But her creativity didn’t stop with art — she was also an incredible cook  who delighted in experimenting with new recipes and sharing them with family and friends. Kelli's kitchen was a place of warmth, laughter, and unforgettable meals. Nature was Kelli’s happy place. She found pure joy in hiking through the woods, camping under the stars, rock climbing, waterskiing, and basking in the sunshine. She believed in living life to the fullest — a belief that guided her through even the toughest times. A Diagnosis That Changed Everything In 2001 , at just 35 years old , Kelli received a diagnosis that would change her life: an aggressive form of breast cancer . The timing was especially heart-wrenching — she had just given birth to her son, Michael . With her characteristic optimism, she underwent a lumpectomy, and for a while, we all believed that everything would be okay. In 2002 , she gave birth to her daughter, Aliisa , and decided to stay home to embrace motherhood. Kelli poured her heart into raising her children and cherished every moment she had with them. Determined to stay healthy, she became passionate about organic food, juicing, and holistic wellness . Her kitchen soon became the headquarters for daily wheatgrass shots — even her kids learned to drink and enjoy the earthy, vibrant green juice. But breast cancer is relentless. Despite her optimism, a routine scan revealed that the cancer had returned. This time, the doctors recommended a mastectomy . Once again, Kelli faced the challenge head-on with courage and grace, and we all believed she would be okay. Finding Strength in Community Cancer is often a lonely road, but Kelli found a source of strength in the Noble Circle Project , a Dayton-based support group for women with breast cancer. Founded by her Qi Gong teacher, Jan Lively , the group became Kelli's safe haven — a place where she could share, connect, and find comfort in the company of other women who understood her journey. The sisterhood she found in Noble Circle  was invaluable, especially when, in April 2006 , a devastating scan revealed that the cancer had spread beyond treatment. We were heartbroken, but Kelli remained steadfast. She refused to give in to despair, choosing instead to embrace her warrior spirit . For the next six months , she fought with everything she had. Her days were filled with love, hope, and the unwavering belief that joy can exist even in the darkest moments. On October 15, 2006 , at Hospice of Dayton , Kelli passed away at the age of 40 , leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and unbreakable spirit. Why We Created the 5K for Kelli Losing Kelli left a void in our lives that words cannot describe. But in our grief, we found a purpose: to honor her memory and spread the joy she so passionately lived by . The 5K for Kelli  was born out of this mission. It’s more than a run; it’s a tribute to Kelli’s zest for life, her love of nature, and her deep belief in the power of community . 💗 Why Fairies? If you’ve been to the 5K for Kelli, you’ve probably noticed a lot of fairy wings, tutus, and flower crowns . Kelli adored fairies. She loved the idea of magic, wonder, and the unseen beauty of the world. So, we invite everyone — runners, walkers, kids, and adults — to embrace their inner fairy  and join us in a day of fun, laughter, and giving. 🌸 Why Fitness? Kelli believed in living a healthy, active life. Through the 5K for Kelli , we hope to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity, healthy eating, and self-care  — all of which can contribute to breast cancer prevention and improved well-being . 🎗️ Why Giving Back? All proceeds from the 5K for Kelli  go to the Breast Wishes Foundation , an organization we founded to bring joy to individuals living with breast cancer . Wishes granted have included: Spa days Family vacations Shopping sprees Dinner dates Yoga retreats These moments of joy don’t cure cancer, but they do lighten the emotional load  and create beautiful, lasting memories  for patients and their families. Join Us and Be Part of Kelli’s Legacy The 5K for Kelli  is more than just a run — it’s a celebration of life, love, and resilience. It’s an opportunity for our community to come together, honor the memory of those we've lost, and support individuals currently facing the challenges of breast cancer. Whether you choose to run, walk, volunteer, sponsor, or cheer from the sidelines, your participation helps us continue Kelli’s legacy of spreading joy . With every step we take, we get closer to granting even more wishes for those in need of a bright moment during a difficult time. Here's how you can get involved: Register to Run/Walk : Lace up your shoes and hit the trail with us! Sponsor the Event : We’re always grateful for businesses and individuals who want to support our mission. Volunteer to Help : From setting up fairy gear to handing out water, volunteers make this event possible. By joining us at the 5K for Kelli , you’re helping to provide unforgettable moments of joy for breast cancer patients — one step, one smile, one wish at a time. To learn more, register, or get involved, visit:   https://www.breastwishes.org/5k-for-kelli

By Diane Erwin – Dayton Daily News Leigh Ann Fulford works on many issues, including suicide prevention, breast health and inclusion Leigh Ann Fulford has many causes that are dear to her, including suicide prevention, breast cancer awareness, inclusion and the environment. Although at first glance they may seem disparate, the Oakwood woman says there is a common thread: Equity. “I just feel the world needs to be more equitable for all,” she said. Her volunteerism reaches youth. She founded the GEM Project Dayton Art Contest for Suicide Prevention, for example, to spread hope and help to students. Submissions to the contest, which is in its third year and is open to middle school and high school students, begin Nov. 1. And she reaches adults too, such as with the CARE Walk that she organized for 20 years, raising thousands of dollars to fight breast cancer and support breast health throughout the Dayton area. The walk has ended, but she continues to support the cause as part of the board of the Breast Wishes Foundation. Her efforts also have brought people together and helped them feel connected, through her work on the board of the Oakwood Inclusion Coalition and as a member of the founding committee of David’s Place, a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth located at Daybreak. “I don’t like to be reactive. I prefer to be proactive,” Fulford said. “I feel like that makes a better outcome.” Fulford, 63, grew up in Nashville, worked as a technical writer, editor and substitute teacher and retired primarily to focus on suicide prevention. Her sister died by suicide, and now Fulford helps others spark conversations and watch for risk factors. “Anytime someone’s behavior changes drastically, that’s cause for alarm,” she said. Sometimes youth are too scared to talk about suicide because of the stigma attached to the issue, she said. The art contest started as a way for students to reach other students, but it also has resulted in conversations between parents and their children, she said. Fulford and her husband, Joe, also are involved in environmental issues, promoting electric vehicles and solar panels. In fact, it was at a solar event several years ago that Masha Kisel first met Fulford. “If there’s something good going on helping others, Leigh Ann is there,” said Kisel, who nominated Fulford as a Dayton Daily News Community Gem. Since then, their paths have regularly crossed. Kisel has seen how Fulford values others, spreads hope and remains optimistic. She brings a “certain light” and helps to create a happier, safer place for those who struggle, Kisel said. “I feel inspired and encouraged to do more by her example,” said Kisel, also of Oakwood. Fulford helps to fund many of the causes she is involved in with stained glass mosaic windows she creates in her South Park studio. She sells, donates and fulfills commissions for her artwork to support a variety of issues. Puzzling together broken pieces in order to make something of beauty is fulfilling and cathartic, she said. The problems of the world can seem overwhelming, but Fulford knows that she can’t just ignore them. “If I can get myself busy and work on the problems I know I can work on and make a difference, it makes me feel like I’m doing something that will help future generations,” she said. Story Credit: https://www.daytondailynews.com/community/community-gems-oakwood-woman-promotes-equity-through-volunteer-work/JUADYKNDAJA2HKVM4JBXTSXOUQ/

2013 Foundation Champions Past recipients and new friends joined at Coco’s Restaurant to honor Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation – Dayton’s 2013-2014 Donor Champions. Each year the Board of Trustees gather to recognize individuals, businesses and organizations that make a significant impact by supporting and partnering with the Foundation. The Foundation Champion award is presented to the foundation that makes possible, significant improvements in equipment, patient care, services, employee education, medicine, nursing, or programs at Good Samaritan Hospital. The support provided by Breast Cancer Fund of Ohio is noteworthy for a number of reasons, the most certain of which is the way their goals and ours so closely align. With their help our patients have been given assistance with medications, rent, utilities, travel and other shortfall needs during their treatment. Read Full Article: Page 28, PDF linked below.

Northridge Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony By Milan Michael Tomlinson August 26, 2018 The Northridge Hall of Fame is excited to induct seven influential Northridge graduates and community members at the 21st Annual Northridge Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The following individuals will be inducted into the Class of 2019: Pat Coleman Milan Pantelic Elesha Snyder and Mandi Snyder Moore Mary Ann Sturgill-Coyle Dorothy Hall Thorpe Michael Tomlinson The inductees will visit all of the Northridge schools on October 4 to share their educational journeys and career paths with the students. On Friday, October 5, at 4:45 p.m., a buffet dinner will be followed by a formal recognition ceremony. This event will take place in the Community Room at Northridge High School. The newly inducted Hall of Fame members will also participate in the Northridge Homecoming Parade on Sunday, October 7. For more information about the Northridge Hall of Fame, the induction dinner, or to nominate someone for future recognition, please contact the Northridge Board of Education at 937-278-5885 or visit northridgehalloffame.info. Read the full article here: https://www.pressreader.com/usa/dayton-daily-news/20180826/282054802893419

By Nancy Bowman The Breast Wishes Foundation wants to help "shine a little light" into the lives of women as they deal with the effects of cancer on their daily lives. The organization works to fulfill a wish that will bring joy to each woman’s life — whether it's a shopping spree, new doors for a house, or a project put on hold by a diagnosis or the need to pay pressing bills. The foundation, which granted its first wish in January 2017, was started by Montgomery County natives Elesha Snyder and Mandi Snyder Moore in memory of their sister, Kelli James, who they lost to breast cancer. Although the foundation is statewide, it grants most of its wishes in the Miami Valley area, said Snyder, who owns George’s Restaurant on North Dixie Drive, Dayton. The main foundation fundraiser is the 5K for Kelli Run/Walk held each August at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. The 5K was held a few years before the foundation’s creation to raise money for other organizations, Snyder said. Eventually, the women decided to start their own foundation so they could choose where to provide joy to the recipient. “Kelli was so full of joy,” Snyder said of her sister. “I think what helps us stand out is that we are really bringing joy into an otherwise joyless time, a really dark place for most people.” That joy doesn’t have to be something expensive. So far, Breast Wishes has sponsored more than 40 wishes with a goal of more than 50 for this year. For Jonda Wilkin of Butler Township, breast cancer resulted in the loss of everything. She learned about the foundation through the women’s office at Miami Valley Hospital North. Her wish was fulfilled with a shopping spree during which cleaning and other needed supplies were obtained along with clothing. “That trip,” Wilkin said, “was the first time she had not thought about her cancer.” “We are just shining a little light in their lives when they really, really need it,” Snyder said. Breast Wishes cannot grant a wish because of its size, it will work with the recipient on filling another need, she said. The organization's work received local support late last year with a $3,000 grant from the Tipp City Foundation for wishes of women in Tipp City and Bethel Township. It was also the site recently of a coffee cocktail event, a new project Breast Wishes supporters are undertaking to spread the word of the organization, its fundraising, and its work, said Jan Hillman, a Tipp City resident, breast cancer survivor, and volunteer helping with fundraising. At those events, a breast cancer survivor, board member, and wish recipient are among participants. Wilkin was the wish recipient at the Tipp City gathering and now helps the organization in the office. “A grant request by Breast Wishes caught the eye of the Tipp City Foundation,” said Heather Bailey of the foundation. “It was a new organization that hasn’t served the community,” she said. “We are excited to award them support.” Bailey said, adding Breast Wishes was one of five new organizations receiving funding for the first time last year by the foundation during its 75th year. More information on Breast Wishes Foundation can be found on its website BreastWishesFoundation.org. The site includes information on how to make a wish and how to donate.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Planned Gift Generous Donation from Board Chair Jan Hillman Transforms Lives of Breast Cancer Patients and Expands Foundation's Impact in the Miami Valley Dayton, OH -- The Breast Wishes Foundation, established in 2015, is thrilled to announce the first planned gift in the organization’s history. A generous $100,000 planned gift will significantly enhance our ability to grant more wishes to individuals battling breast cancer throughout the Dayton region. The donor of thistransformative gift is our esteemed Board Chair, Jan Hillman. Jan hasfaced breast cancer three times, including her current diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Reflecting on her gift, Jan shared, “It brings me joy to bring joy to others with breast cancer, who, like me, are fighting for their lives. The Breast Wishes Foundation’s mission to bring joy to those with breast cancer resonates with me strongly. I can think of no better way to invest funds that will bring hope at a time when it is needed the very most.” Vice Chair and Co-Founder Elesha Snyder expressed her gratitude, stating, "Thanks to Jan's leadership, we are one step closer to granting wishes to 500 breast cancer patients by the end of 2025. The Breast Wishes Foundation is blessed to have Jan’s guidance, support, and determination to bring JOY to hundreds of women with breast cancer fighting to survive." One recent beneficiary of the foundation, Yashanda, shared, “I have never been on a vacation before, and my husband and I never got a honeymoon 20 years ago. Having this amazing trip to look forward to was the only thing getting me through my grueling chemotherapy treatments. We had the greatest time of our lives!” Since its inception, the Breast Wishes Foundation has granted over 300 wishes, raised $700,000 in funds, and positively impacted the lives of countless individuals. Our ongoing goal is to expand our reach to grant even more wishes and provide greater assistance. Community Recognition: Additionally, we are proud to announce that the Miami Valley Hospital Foundation has recognized Jan Hillman as a 2024 Champion of Hope. This honor highlights her unwavering commitment to the cause. Upcoming Events: Join us for our annual 5K for Kelli on Saturday, August 3, 2024, where we will celebrate and honor the life of Kelli James and all the survivors, thrivers, and loved ones we've lost. This event is a cornerstone of our fundraising efforts and a powerful reminder of our mission. Together, we will continue raising fundsto bring joy and hope to breast cancer patients. For event details and registration, please visit www.breastwishesfoundation.org/5k-for-kelli . Call to Action: The Breast Wishes Foundation is funded by grants, event sponsorships, corporate donations, individual donors, and ticket sales. For more information on volunteer opportunities, fundraisers, events, and gift options, visit www.breastwishesfoundation.org . ### About Breast Wishes Foundation: Founded in 2015 by Elesha Snyder and Mandi Snyder-Moore, Breast Wishes Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing joy and hope to breast cancer patients throughout the Dayton region. Our mission is to grant meaningful wishes to those battling breast cancer, providing emotional support and uplifting experiences during challenging times. Through the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and community partners, we have positively impacted the lives of countless individuals and families. We are committed to continuing our work and expanding our reach. For more information about our programs, events, and how you can get involved, please visit www.breastwishesfoundation.org .

Youngest recipient so far was in her teens. By Nancy Bowman VANDALIA – The Breast Wishes Foundation is stepping up its efforts to bring joy to women and men living with breast cancer. The nonprofit foundation was founded by sisters Elesha Snyder and Mandi Snyder Moore to honor their sister, Kelli James, who died in 2006 during her third battle with breast cancer. The foundation, founded in 2015, has granted more than 200 wishes so far. Wish requests are accepted on behalf of breast cancer patients in Montgomery and contiguous counties who are receiving cancer treatment. Wishes can be for up to $1,500 and have included requests for furniture, spa days, a vacation and home repairs among many others. One woman wanted a walk-in tub while another wanted an electric bike so she could still enjoy a nearby bike path. “You never know what somebody wants. Our tagline is, ‘we grant wishes that bring joy to the recipient’,” Snyder said. “Hope is so critical,” said Jan Hillman, a longtime volunteer and new foundation board chair. The youngest recipient so far was in her teens while others are in their 30s, 40s and into their 80s. Breast Wishes doesn’t grant financial wishes such as paying bills. It does, though, refer those in need of that assistance to other organizations who do provide that relief. “The things we do, I think, bring a little more lasting joy,” Snyder said. Anyone who would like to support a wish can make tax-deductible gifts online, and, if desired, designate the community to which they would like to direct this gift. The foundation remained active granting wishes during COVID-19 but not as many and held no events and few meetings, said Snyder. As Breast Wishes emerged from the pandemic, its foundation chair since 2016 Ken Herr of Dayton, decided to retire at the end of 2022. Hillman of Tipp City was elected as new board chair effective Jan. 1. The foundation also has moved operations from Snyder’s home to 115 E. National Road in Vandalia. The building has space for meetings with wish recipients, donors and others including those wanting to learn more about the foundation. So far this year, the foundation has added Bonnie Baker as marketing committee chair and Leigh Ann Fulford, diversity, equity and inclusion task force chair. Interns from the University of Dayton are being hired to help out this summer. “We have been meeting with a lot of people, bringing people into the organization,” Snyder said. “Jan and Bonnie have a lot of contact, which was a missing piece.” The biggest event of Breast Wishes each year is the Run for Kelli. Among organization goals is granting 500 wishes by 2025. It is looking for more volunteers and more board members, in addition to more recipients and donors, Hillman said. Wish applications and other information are available at www.breastwishesfoundation.org. The phone number is 937-793-9474. Contact this contributing writer at nancykburr@aol.com Story Credit: https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/foundation-brings-joy-to-those-with-breast-cancer/COJQJG45FZCCLGE46XHMAMPIMM/

The Miami Valley Hospital Foundation is honored to host Champions of Hope, an inspiring and uplifting recognition ceremony saluting four inspiring individuals for their achievements in the battle against cancer. The 2024 honorees included: Jhansi Koduri, MD, as the Person of Inspiration; Robin Robbins are the Caregiver; Jan Hillman as the Survivor; Selyne Samuel, MD, FACS, as the Medical Professional; and Walter Burnell as the Honorary Person of Inspiration. Watch the full video here: https://vimeo.com/1012100482

Jan Hillman serves as chair of the Breast Wishes Foundation while battling breast cancer Even as Jan Hillman battles breast cancer for the third time, she refuses to call herself a survivor. She is a thriver. “‘Survivor’ to me has sounded like I’m hanging on by my fingertips,” she said. The Tipp City woman is doing anything but that, advocating for others with breast cancer and serving as the chair of the Breast Wishes Foundation, a nonprofit organization that grants wishes to those who have been diagnosed with the disease. The organization has granted 327 wishes since it was founded in 2015, and it is on track to reach its goal of fulfilling 500 wishes by the end of next year, she said. Hillman, 71, was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time in 1986, and then again 11 years later. Through the years she has undergone a lumpectomy, mastectomy and reconstruction. Her latest diagnosis came last year in the form of metastatic breast cancer, first found in her stomach and also discovered in her skull, clavicle, thoracic spine, rib and pelvis. Her latest PET scan showed no visible metastatic breast cancer; however, it is prevalent in her bone marrow. She has decided to decline further chemotherapy and instead focus on living life to its fullest. “This is something I’m going to live with for the rest of whatever life I’m given,” she said. That life has been dedicated to helping others. Hillman was the founder and chief executive officer of Hillman Associates, through which she offered fundraising, strategic planning and board development services for nonprofit organizations for 37 years before retiring and closing the business in 2020. She also was recently named caregiver of the year by the Miami Valley Hospital Foundation, and last year she was named the outstanding volunteer fundraiser by the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Greater Dayton Region Chapter. Even as Hillman fights her own battles, she finds joy as she helps others, said Amy Suber, who serves on the board of the Breast Wishes Foundation and nominated Hillman as a Dayton Daily News Community Gem. “It’s part of her life and so important for her to help others and give back, to be the shining light that she is to the community and others,” Suber said. Suber, of Dayton, also said that Hillman has done much to further the reach of Breast Wishes, helping the group reach its own goals and grant more wishes. Hillman said she was attracted to the organization’s mission of bringing joy to those with breast cancer locally. The foundation serves those in Montgomery and surrounding counties, granting wishes that average about $1,500. That wish could be anything from a trip to renew wedding vows to a remodeled bathroom to a new dining room table to create memories around. “To be able to find that hope amidst all you’re going through in treatment is really a critical component of feeling better,” she said. Detection is helping to find breast cancer earlier, she said, and breast cancer found early is very treatable. “Get your mammogram,” Hillman said. “That’s the bottom line.” Story Credit Dayton Daily News: https://www.daytondailynews.com/what-to-know/community-gem-advocate-brings-joy-to-others-with-breast-cancer/HPIQNQDMNNEN7OUUSCQMFK4NXY/?fbclid=IwY2xjawF2PZVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHS9X5C9rwspSQUlDyo895kAHjdPnwA-_PBUzjHW6ayVZBHek_TM9SlAEBg_aem_tTrNqJmtaid_ylovfdg-1g

By Hannah Poturalski – Managing Editor, Dayton Business Journal Oct 5, 2023 Jan Hillman lives life in full color. She flits about from an impressive flower garden in bloom, to picking goodness from her vegetable garden, all with rock tunes wafting in the air. And even larger than her gardens is Hillman’s heart for philanthropy and giving back. She founded Hillman Associates in 1983 and provided fundraising and advancement services for over 35 years. She’s had a hand in helping to raise over $1 billion since her fundraising career first began in 1978 at University of Toledo. Her passion areas include health care, the medically underserved, higher education and K-12 education. Hillman, 70, is also on her own health care journey. She’s facing stage four metastatic breast cancer in her stomach. Her cancer journey first began in 1986 and again in 1997 when she beat breast cancer diagnoses. “I’m not done and my medical team knows it,” Hillman said. Hillman is the new board chair of the Breast Wishes Foundation, a local nonprofit that grants wishes to patients going through breast cancer. “My wish is to grant wishes,” Hillman said. “I want to help grant 99 wishes.” The organization has a goal to grant 500 wishes by December 2025. The nonprofit has granted over 250 wishes as of now. The average cost of a wish is $1,500. “I want to do as much as possible,” Hillman said. In November, Hillman will be awarded the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Dayton Chapter. “It really drives me and I look at it as part of my healing to raise money to make wishes,” Hillman said. The Breast Wishes board is at seven members now, which Hillman said she will be growing. Hillman said she’s “laser focused” on fundraising for Breast Wishes. The organization had its most successful 5K for Kelly fundraiser this year, which is the nonprofit’s largest source of funding. “Jan wants to make sure that anyone going through this journey, gets an opportunity to have some joy and some time away from thinking about breast cancer,” said Bonnie Baker-Tattershall, a Breast Wishes board member and director of diversity, equity and inclusion for Kettering Health. Elesha Snyder, co-founder of Breast Wishes, said she first met Hillman during Jan’s capacity as president of Good Samaritan Foundation. The Breast Health Center at Good Samaritan Hospital was the recipient of funds from the 5K for Kelly fundraiser that year. “This was before Breast Wishes was even created,” Synder said, which Hillman assisted in developing the board for. “Having Jan on the board is icing on the cake.” Since joining the board in January, Snyder said Hillman already has been instrumental in growing the organization into the future. “She knows how to organize a strategic plan, marketing plan and get us to where we see Breast Wishes,” Synder said. Breast Wishes now has a physical office in Vandalia where donors and wish recipients can come. It features an event space downstairs for hosting free monthly workshops for wish recipients. “We need more donors, more gifts, more wish recipients, and to go into underserved areas,” Snyder said. And if that’s not keeping Hillman busy enough, her social calendar is filled with everything from an upcoming vision quest in Sedona, Arizona; a sound bath in California; being in a fashion show in November; a concert in Phoenix, Arizona; speaking engagements and fundraising events. “I need a social secretary,” she said. Hillman calls herself an “equal opportunity healer,” and says she’ll try anything. She gets her energy from doing activities like Chinese meditation, yoga, reiki, gardening, prayer and seeing a chiropractor. “I have a desire to be outside and commune in nature,” Hillman said. She’s also a new proponent of afternoon naps. And of course, spending time with family and friends. She has four grandchildren, ages 10, 6, 5 and 3. She’s been putting messages in envelopes for her family members. Jan’s words of wisdom for life : “Think of things bigger than yourself.” “Love each other.” “Live for something bigger than yourself.” “Show the people you love that you love them.” “I don’t see the glass as half full or half empty, I see it as overflowing.” “Worry causes wrinkles and creates stress. Horses and dogs can sense it and I think cancer can too.” Jan’s specific advice for entrepreneurs: “Don’t grow too fast; you can’t be all things to all people.” “I learn by making mistakes.” “Hire people smarter than you and have a strategic plan.” “Not every client or customer is for you.” “Under promise and over deliver.” Story credit Dayton Business Journal linked below.

By Nancy Bowman A Tipp City resident has been named the new chair of the Breast Wishes Foundation , a nonprofit organization granting wishes to breast cancer patients in the Greater Miami Valley , including Miami County. Jan Hillman , founder of Hillman Associates, was elected as the new board chair, taking over from Ken Herr . She assumed the role with the organization in 2016  and officially retired on December 31, 2022 . “It is an honor and pleasure to serve as the Breast Wishes Foundation's board chair . I thoroughly embrace the foundation’s vision of granting 500 wishes by 2025 ,” Hillman said. Hillman Associates was founded in 1983  and closed at the end of 2020 . Hillman served as company CEO, providing advanced development and fundraising strategies, strategic planning, and board development services for nonprofit organizations — including hospitals, universities, and K-12 schools. Additionally, Hillman held leadership roles in hospitals and universities, including positions as vice president and chief integrating officer , vice president of advancement , and foundation president . Hillman, a two-time breast cancer thriver , describes herself as having a "strong, long-time passion for bringing awareness about breast cancer, advocating for breast cancer patients, and educating others about breast cancer detection." The Breast Wishes Foundation , founded in 2015 , works to bring joy to individuals living with breast cancer across Montgomery County  and surrounding areas. The organization grants wishes of up to $1,500  to patients in need. So far, the foundation has granted more than 200 wishes  and continues to build partnerships within the breast cancer support network. Herr, who is from Dayton, has worked in sales, marketing, promotion, human resources, consulting, and executive leadership . He also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Dayton MBA program . Hillman expressed her excitement about stepping into her new role alongside the foundation’s dedicated board members and volunteers. “We unite around the foundation’s mission of bringing joy to women living with breast cancer. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but with the generous support of our donors and grantors, I am confident that we will exceed our vision of 500 wishes granted by 2025 ," she said. For more information about the Breast Wishes Foundation , visit www.breastwishes.org . Story PDF Credit Below.

Miami Valley Hospital Foundation is honored to host Champions of Hope, an inspiring and uplifting recognition ceremony saluting four inspiring individuals for their achievements in the battle against cancer. The 2022 event took place at The Steam Plant in Dayton, Ohio, on October 11. Watch full video here or below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bjnbj5U4mw