Christine Handy

We all have the ability to be the architect of our own life. Too often we allow others to dictate who we are and our self worth. I went back as a model after my chest was excavated from breast cancer and breast implant illness at the age of 50 to show that my beauty was not dissected because I had scars and no chest. I became a model for Victoria's Secrets, I partnered with the largest swimmer line to walk in Miami Swim week to showcase what an unstoppable self esteem looks like. 

After a devastating diagnosis, I believed my life was changed for the worse. 15 Months of chemotherapy and 28 non elective surgeries tried to steal my joy. But no illness and no thing can steal your joy. We go through seasons of life continuously, but it is our reaction to the season that dictates our future. Ask yourself daily, “Am I mediating on fear or on hope?”

Christine's book Walk Beside Me became a success after it was published in 2017. Her novel is a fictional depiction of her life as a model that turned into a harrowing battle with multiple illnesses. After the completion of her chemotherapy, she decided to show the importance of women showing up for each other. Christine chronicles her transformation from being externally motivated and dependent on society, to refocusing on faith over everything. There are so many take aways from her vulnerable and honest tale of trauma into triumph.  

Christine's career as an International model ended quickly with her breast cancer diagnosis. After years of illness, Christine returned to modeling to help other women understand that true beauty is from within. She was told no by several modeling agents when she attempted to go back to work. That didn't stop her. She engaged her manager, flew up to New York for New York Fashion week, pushed her way into some shows and asked the designers to let her walk in the next season of New York Fashion Week. Ultimately, many said yes. She then partnered with Victorias Secrets to become a breast less model for their brand. Christine went on to sign with one of the largest modeling agencies in the USA, she has walked in NYFW for several seasons and just walked in Miami Swim Week for Cupshe at the age of 54 and no chest. Christine's unstoppable attitude is awe inspiring. 

Christine's story of resilience is a remarkable testament to the human spirit. Christine battled cancer at a young age. During her diagnosis she looked for stories of hope. When she didn't find them, she wrote her own book. She also sought out film and media about breast cancer stories. When she found that most Hollywood illness stories ended in a funeral, she set out to get her own story made into a film. When Christine lost her chest to cancer and subsequently to breast implant illness, the messages she received on her social media channels from other women who felt devastation, loss, and unshakeable self esteem issues, she then went back to modeling in New York Fashion Week, Miami Swim week and she partnered with huge brands to showcase her unstoppable self esteem. Christine's motto is, there is always purpose in pain. There is no pain that should be wasted. Listening to Christine's story of grace is life changing.