In the wake of a devastating cancer diagnosis, it was suddenly sink or swim for the thriving business Jillian Jackson had built from nothing.
A respected figure in St. Augustine’s marine industry, Jackson expressed heartfelt gratitude to her local community this for rallying behind her as she begins treatment for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
The single mother and owner of a successful boat detailing and management company underwent emergency surgery last week to remove a large tumor between her heart and lungs the size of a softball.
Now preparing for months of chemotherapy, she is leaning on the support of family, friends, and donors to help cover medical bills and sustain her business while she wages a difficult fight.
As of Tuesday, a GoFundMe campaign had already raised more than $20,000.
“I don’t think anyone understands how much you all made treatment possible, while maintaining my personal finances,” she said. “With what had been raised so far I can be assured a few months of treatment and bills will be covered. I’m taking everything day by day.”
In a June 7 update, Jackson wrote that she would soon be starting chemotherapy.
“This community has given me hope when I needed it most,” she wrote. “Shaved my head, chemo port is installed, bone marrow biopsy done! One week before chemo starts!”
Jackson, according to the fundraiser’s organizer, humbly began her business by washing boats at local marinas.
Through years of hard work, she built it into a full-service operation with a loyal clientele and trusted crew.
Known for her drive and mentorship, she’s guided others—particularly young women in the marine industry—through tough times, according to the GoFundMe post.
With her crew now managing day-to-day operations, donations are helping Jackson focus on recovery without sacrificing the business she worked so hard to grow.
