Joy Watkins-Jones
MAY 2026 CALENDAR
My name is Joy Watkins-Jones and this is my story.
I’m the President and Founder of the JHR Breast Cancer Foundation and a dedicated advocate for breast cancer awareness and early detection. I’m originally from Jamaica and have been a professional cosmetologist since 1984, serving the community through hair restoration and care. I spent 22 years working in Jamaica before immigrating to the United States, where I continue my passion for helping others as the owner and operator of Joy's Hair and Repair Salon.
In 2017, at age 52, my life took a dramatic turn when a routine mammogram revealed suspicious calcifications. Further testing, including additional mammogram images and an ultrasound, uncovered a hidden mass. A biopsy confirmed that I had stage 2, HER2-positive breast cancer, a diagnosis that deeply impacted me, my family, and my clients.
Under the guidance of St. Francis Hospital, I underwent eight weeks of chemotherapy followed by another 12 weeks. The treatments took a tremendous toll on my body. I lost my appetite, my hair, and my nails, and developed painful oral ulcers. Yet, through God’s grace, steadfast prayer, and the unwavering support of my family, friends, and medical team, I persevered.
In September of that same year, I made the carefully and prayerfully considered decision to undergo a double mastectomy as a preventative measure against recurrence. While the surgery brought emotional challenges, including the impact on my body image, it also strengthened my faith and my determination to help others.
After five years of being cancer-free, I felt compelled to give back by educating and supporting others facing similar battles. In 2022, I founded the JHR Breast Cancer Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting women emotionally and spiritually while raising awareness about breast cancer among both men and women in the community. Through partnerships with Hartford Hospital, Trinity Health, UConn Health, and the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the foundation hosts educational workshops and provides resources for early detection and screening.
I remain committed to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their financial situation, has access to breast cancer screenings and vital healthcare resources. I encourage those in need of assistance to reach out to the JHR Breast Cancer Foundation for guidance.