BREAST CANCER AWARENESS: HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF KIM JACOBS, AND NOT JUST OCTOBER

Since the month of October is breast cancer awareness month, I knew I had to honor the life and legacy of Kim Jacobs and Not Just October, a nonprofit organization. I reached out to Lavar Jacobs, son of Kim Jacobs and founder of Not Just October. Kim Jacobs transitioned at the age of 49 years old on February 7, 2009. Lavar Jacobs utilized my formula: Pain + Passion = PURPOSE. He merged the pain of losing his beloved mother and his passion for helping others and founded Not Just October in 2014. Lavar believes that breast cancer is an issue worthy of attention all year around, not just in October. Lavar and NJO has and will continue to have a significant impact and influence on breast cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones in Akron, Ohio.

Lavar Jacobs, founder of Not Just October

Lavar is a prime example of someone who turned their lemons into lemonade. His vision is to change the way that our communities think and talk about breast cancer while stressing the importance of regular health screenings, as early detection saves lives! Not Just October offers education, aid, awareness and research. In regards to giving back NJO offers transportation service, lawn mowing, massages, life coaching, snow plowing/shoveling, custom wigs, and home and carpet cleaning free of charge to women currently battling breast cancer. Lavar Jacobs’s objective is to expand NJO into areas outside of Akron, Ohio.

Kim Jacobs was born and lived in Akron, Ohio. Kim graduated from John R. Buchtel high school. Kim lost both of her parents at the age of 18. Kim was employed at Lockheed Martin for 28 years as a secretary in the Procurement Department. Kim married Larry Jacobs and they had 2 sons, Larry and Lavar. Some of Kim’s favorite hobbies were to collect dolls of all nationalities, quilt, and make jewelry. She also operated Kim’s Corner, a jewelry shop! Kim was a devoted and caring wife, mom, and grandmother.

I reached out to Lavar to learn more about his mom, Kim Jacobs. Kim’s favorite color was purple. Her favorite flower was tulip, and her favorite dish to cook was lasagna. Her favorite holiday was Christmas. Her favorite season was summer. One thing that Lavar did as a child that would make his mom upset is hiding his progress report because he didn’t like his grades.

Kim’s strengths were being very organized, well spoken and creative. If she won a shopping spree at any store, she would’ve chosen Joann Fabric. Kim’s favorite drink was Pepsi. Her favorite television show was All My Children.

Lavar wishes that he knew more about his mother’s childhood. Kim loved that all the neighborhood kids played outside where she grew up. The Jacob’s family vacationed in San Diego. Kim’s favorite musician was Celine Dion. Lavar would say the best thing about his mom was her smile. The best lesson his mom taught him was to never give up! Lavar’s smile reminds him of his mother. Among Kim’s family and friends, she was known for making others happy. Lavar isn’t sure what country his mom had hopes of visiting, but he believes they spoke about visiting Paris, France before.

If Kim’s life was a book, the title would be, The Good Die Young. Kim went through chemotherapy and radiation. After approximately 2-3 years, the breast cancer came back more aggressively and metastasized to her brain. Kim didn’t want to go through treatment again. She was an avid believer of the Jehovah Witness faith, and was prepared and alright with going to be with the Lord.

I’d like to thank Lavar Jacobs for allowing me to honor his mom, Kim Jacobs’ life and legacy. Kim was a remarkable woman indeed, and she raised an amazing son! I would also like to commend Lavar for his strength to persevere after his mom’s passing and to found Not Just October, a nonprofit organization that undoubtedly positively impacts all the women they serve with passion! You can learn more about and support Not Just October at http://notjustoctober.org/.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/notjustoctober

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notjustoctober/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/notjustoctober11659/

Email: info@notjustoctober.org