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Borrowing Courage, Finding Your Self Worth After Loss & Overcoming Chemo Brain with Christine Handy

Borrowing Courage, Finding Your Self Worth After Loss & Overcoming Chemo Brain with Christine Handy


Hope Facilitator, Film Producer and Breast Cancer Survivor


Hello Beautiful's, Christine Handy shares her powerful journey as a breast cancer survivor, author, and filmmaker. She discusses the importance of survivor stories, the impact of illness on family dynamics, and the need for hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Christine emphasizes the significance of self-worth and identity, especially after a life-altering diagnosis. The conversation also highlights her film 'Hello Beautiful,' which aims to portray a hopeful narrative about cancer, contrasting the often grim depictions in media. Christine's insights on collaboration, grace, and borrowing courage resonate deeply, offering inspiration to those facing their own challenges.



A little bit about Christine Handy


Christine Handy is an international print and runway Model. Christine is the author of the book Walk Beside Me, a fictional depiction of Christine’s life. Christine became a Key-Note Speaker after her book was published in 2016. Christine is a mentor, a breast cancer advocate, a public figure, a Social Media Influencer, a Nationally recognized Humanitarian and a Mother of two sons. Christine serves on the board of three non-profit organizations: People of Purpose, the Break Free Foundation and the Wonder Women Initiative. Christine’s first novel was made into a film called Hello Beautiful and will be released spring of 2026.


"Illness is a family disease."

"I try to give hope to whomever."

"Grace is a muscle."

Christine Handy


Key Takeaways:

takeaways

  • Christine Handy is a breast cancer survivor and author.

  • She wrote 'Walk Beside Me' to share her story.

  • The film 'Hello Beautiful' aims to show hope in survivorship.

  • Survivor stories provide truth and connection during illness.

  • Illness affects not just the patient, but the entire family.

  • Self-worth is not tied to physical appearance or illness.

  • Grace is a muscle that we need to exercise for ourselves.

  • Collaboration among women is essential for success.

  • You can borrow courage from others to face challenges.

  • Navigating identity after illness is a complex journey.


Full Episode On: YouTube 


Everyone’s voice matters—men, women, survivors, family members, and even those just starting the journey. Their conversation is a testament to women supporting women, and the exponential power of community-driven action.


Add Hello Beautiful to your watchlist: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9018874/ 


Follow CHRISTINE HANDY


LEARN MORE: Given the fact that nearly 50% of women being screened for breast cancer have dense breast tissue, the mission is urgent. It's time we clear the pathways and barriers to care to ensure everyone receives the benefit of early detection.


The Clear Pathways Program: https://www.breastdensitysummit.org/ 




This interview was recorded for The Clear Voices Of Hope Series powered by For The Love Of Cups and The Clear Pathways Program learn more and join our Task Force to end the disparities in early breast cancer detection or join The Advisory Board




Thank you for being part of Clear Voices of Hope—together, we can turn powerful stories into real change.



With gratitude, The Clear Voices of Hope Team


P.S. Don’t forget to tell a friend and share this important message today.


Lisa Malia Norman smiling and walking, facing foward in a green dress. She is a caucasian woman with blonde hair.

Meet your host - Lisa Malia Norman, CEO & Founder For The Love Of Cups and Clear Pathways Program, Founder Evoke Feminine Leadership Institute & Sacred Purpose Podcast Host


Supporting women is my life's work, first as a midwife and later as a breast cancer survivor, advocate and nonprofit founder. 


Having dense breast tissue and learning about the inherent risk factors that compounded my breast cancer diagnosis became the catalyst behind my purpose today. 


At my mammogram the year prior to my breast cancer diagnosis. My mammogram was clear, no signs of breast cancer. However, I was one of the rare people to be informed at the time that I had dense breast tissue. An ultra sound was recommended but not covered by insurance and I'd have to pay $350 for the screening

I was a single mom at the time and soccer registration was due for my daughters team.


I couldn't do both and so I didn't get the additional screening and I signed up my daughter for soccer. I never want another woman to have to make that choice who may even be facing a more dire decision like food or putting gas in the car. At the time I didn't understand how important the adjunct screening was for dense breast tissue nor did understand just how dangerous the choice I made was.


The next year I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I consider myself incredibly lucky that we were still able to treat it early. But, knowing how many women are still falling through the cracks in our health care system and missing keeps me up at night. Sharing my story and advocating for them and for our children's future is what drives me.


Lisa, is a women's health advocate, Midwife and Feminine Wisdom Embodied Leadership Coach, Nonprofit CEO, For The Love of Cups, breast cancer survivor and mother of three incredible young women and daughter of a two time breast cancer survivor.

 
 
 

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