On Sunday, September 22, the St. Ignatius Women’s Rowing team proudly joined the Cal Berkeley Women's Rowing Team to honor our alumna, Jillian Costello. Each year, we participate in the "Jog for Jill," an annual 5K run/walk supporting the GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer, which is dedicated to creating life-saving treatments and care for those battling the disease. This event holds special meaning for us as we continue to honor Jill with a rowing shell bearing her name.
Last year, we raised over $24,000 and had 235 participants join Team Jill. This year, we are pushing to surpass those achievements, driven by the belief that our collective efforts can lead to breakthroughs in the fight against lung cancer. Your presence and support are vital in helping us fulfill Jill's ultimate goal—beating lung cancer!
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.
Remembering Jill
Here is a YouTube video that will offer greater insight into this remarkable Ignatian.
The Rowers’ Podcast sat down with Dave O'Neill, of Texas Women's Rowing who 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.
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.
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