How a Wellness Fair Changed Jill Williams' Life

When Jill Williams attended Good Samaritan’s Women’s Wellness Fair in June 2023, she thought it would be like any other event — an opportunity to ask a few health questions and pick up information. What she didn’t expect was that it would set her on a life-saving journey.

“I wasn’t taking very good care of myself at the time,” Jill admitted. “But I felt like it was important to go. I’m so thankful I did.”

At the fair, Jill spoke with staff from Good Samaritan’s Breast Care Center. She mentioned that she hadn’t yet had her yearly mammogram, thinking it might be acceptable to go every other year. But the team quickly corrected that misconception, encouraging her to get screened annually. They even offered to call her to schedule an appointment — a call that ultimately changed everything.

“I scheduled it for my son’s first day back to school,” Jill said. “And that’s when everything progressed from there.”

The screening revealed something unexpected, leading to further testing and, ultimately, a breast cancer diagnosis. Because the cancer was caught early, Jill was able to begin treatment quickly.

“It’s very hard to describe what it’s like being told you have cancer,” she said through tears. “But the team at Good Samaritan was so supportive. One of the nurses told me, ‘I know this is alarming, but we’re going to take it one day at a time.’ And that’s exactly what we did.”

Jill emphasized how different the Women’s Wellness Fair felt compared to a typical doctor’s visit.

“I know it might sound odd, but I felt more free to talk there. It wasn’t intimidating like a doctor’s office can be sometimes,” she explained. “I could ask questions openly. It made a huge difference.”

While Jill’s life has changed drastically since her diagnosis and treatment, she feels a renewed sense of purpose.

“I think I have a stronger faith now. And I’m much more active in taking care of myself,” she said. “As women, we tend to put everyone else ahead of us. But you have to take care of yourself first.”

Jill now encourages everyone — especially women who might be putting off screenings — to take that first step.

“Go get the screening. Take advantage of the Women’s Wellness Fair. It’s so easy. It doesn’t take much time, but it could truly save your life,” she urged. “You can go before work, after work — just go. It’s life-changing.”

And you’ll find Jill at this year’s Women’s Wellness Fair too.

“You’ll find me there on June 3,” she said with a smile. “Probably in the morning — early, like always.”

Good Samaritan is offering the Women’s Wellness Fair on Tuesday, June 3 at the Highland Woods Community Center in Vincennes, with two convenient times available: 7 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. (EST).

The free health screenings will include blood pressure checks, pulse oximetry, non-invasive iron testing, bone density, colorectal take-home kits, and a lab draw testing blood sugar, cholesterol (LDL and HDL), and glomerular filtration rate (kidney function). Fasting for 10 to 12 hours before these screenings is recommended, but not required.

To participate in this year’s event, women must make an appointment online by clicking here or by calling 812-885-3336. Registrations will be accepted until May 23.