Overview
- Jill Martin was surprised with cupcakes and champagne during the 3rd Hour on Wednesday, prompting tears and a toast on live TV.
- The on-air salute came from Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Laura Jarrett, and she turns 50 on April 14.
- Martin was diagnosed with aggressive stage 2b breast cancer in 2023 and underwent a double mastectomy, removal of 16 lymph nodes, four months of chemotherapy, reconstruction, three weeks of radiation, and preventive removal of her ovaries and fallopian tubes.
- After an eighth, urgent surgery in January to repair treatment-related skin damage, she told viewers her cancer had not returned.
- She credits a positive BRCA2 genetic test with speeding her diagnosis, urges people to discuss testing and MRI screening with their doctors, and continues at-home preventive therapy that causes joint and bone pain.