People Magazine: Penguin Cold Caps helped Jill Martin preserve her identity

PHOTO: Courtesy of Jill Martin

Beloved Today show contributor Jill Martin has opened up about her deeply personal battle with breast cancer — a journey that included an unexpected diagnosis, intensive treatment, and a powerful decision to share her story to help others.

Among the many brave choices she made during treatment, Martin opted to use Penguin Cold Caps, a breakthrough scalp cooling system that helped her retain her hair during chemotherapy.

“I’m allowed to want to save my life and keep my hair,” said Martin. “Those two things can go together.”

Her journey began with a surprising discovery — a BRCA2 gene mutation from her father’s side — leading to a preventative double mastectomy, only to find an aggressive cancer already growing in her breast. What followed was a harrowing course of chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and resilience. Through it all, Martin remained committed to her career and personal mission: to educate others and offer hope.

The photo of her donning the cold cap — shared in PEOPLE’s exclusive — captures not only a tool for hair preservation but a symbol of empowerment. Penguin Cold Caps gave her a sense of control in a time that felt uncertain and overwhelming.

Now cancer-free, Jill Martin is channeling her strength into advocacy, health, and bringing “sparkle and magic” into other people’s lives. Her courage — and the innovation that helped her hold on to a key part of her identity — is inspiring thousands.

For those beginning their own fight, Jill’s story is a reminder that even in the hardest times, hope, technology, and community can make all the difference.

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If you are about to start your cancer journey and want to know if cold capping is right for you, complete the form below and a representative in your area will be in touch to answer all of your questions.