2019 started off like any other year, I wrote out my goals, plans and all the things I planned to accomplish. I never thought that Cancer and Covid-19 would be part of those plans.

November 19th, 2019, I was diagnosed with HER-2 Positive Stage 3 Metastatic Breast Cancer. It was said to be an aggressive and invasive form of carcinoma. I was devastated and emotionally bereft. During that same week, my mother-in-law passed away and I decided to keep the news from friends and family until after her funeral. It was difficult to carry that burden alone.

I was immediately scheduled for a port insertion and my chemotherapy treatments began December 20th, 2019. It was a Christmas that I will never forget, I was weak and sick and miserable.

Shortly after, the world was shut down due to the global pandemic of COVID-19. My family could not come and visit, my friends could not come and visit, and I had to go through all my treatments and procedures in isolation due to the strict protocols in place for COVID-19. It was a lonely & isolating experience, but it was also a time of self-rediscovery.

I took the time to sit with myself and learn more about me and what events led me to this point. I completed the genetic testing to determine if I had the BRCA gene so that my husband and I could make informed decisions regarding our 2 daughters. Thankfully, I did not have the gene. My cancer was the result of “environmental factors and stress”. It was after hearing those words – that I had a monumental epiphany. I made God a promise, that if he would allow me to survive and live through this ordeal, then I would live my life as a new woman.

I made a vow, that I would help others, share information, and do my part to encourage others who are going through a battle with not only cancer but any difficulties in life. I vowed to be a beacon of light and strength.

In 2021, I launched my fashion, beauty & lifestyle blog and social media pages – Christy’s View. Christy’s View is not only a platform for fashion; it is a narrative of empowerment, versatility, and sustainability in style. I intertwine my love for 2 fashion, lifestyle, and beauty with profound personal insights. I invite my audience to partake in my colorful world, drawing inspiration from my Nigerian heritage and my personal journey of battling breast cancer. My goals are to inspire, uplift and encourage and be a beacon of strength and advocacy in the fight against cancer.

In 2022, I launched Lola’s House Chicago, an online resource to offer support through resources and information to underserved women in the Chicago area. I look forward to being a part of the American Cancer Society Community as a Portraits of Hop Ambassador and use my voice and platform to bring awareness.