Kris Hallenga, survivor of incurable breast cancer, discusses her journey and the founding of CoppaFeel!, a charity promoting breast cancer awareness in young people. They also touch upon trusting instincts in medical decisions and the transformative power of a body-positive music festival.
Kris Hallenga started the charity CoppaFeel! to raise awareness about the importance of checking for breast cancer in young people.
Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Kris Hallenga remains hopeful and embraces life to the fullest, encouraging others to seize opportunities and live in the moment.
Deep dives
Creating a Charity From Personal Experience
After being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 23, Chris Helenga decided to start a charity called Copperfield to raise awareness about the importance of checking for breast cancer in young people. Chris saw a gap in education and wanted to create a movement that encouraged young people to be aware of their bodies and to seek medical help if they noticed any changes. Despite the challenges of her own cancer journey, Chris found purpose in starting the charity and it has grown significantly, making a national impact through campaigns and initiatives targeting young people.
Seeking Adventure and Embracing Life
Despite facing multiple challenges and setbacks, including numerous brain tumors, Chris Helenga remains hopeful and embraces life to the fullest. She believes in living in the present and not putting off experiences or dreams. Chris has traveled to places like Hawaii and Sri Lanka, pursued adventures, and even moved to Cornwall. She believes in making every day count and not taking anything for granted. Chris encourages others to seize opportunities and live in the moment, emphasizing that happiness and fulfillment are within reach, even in the face of adversity.
Finding Strength and Coping with Fear
Living with cancer has taught Chris Helenga coping strategies and helped her develop resilience and strength. She acknowledges the fear and uncertainty that come with a life-altering diagnosis but chooses to focus on positivity and hope. Chris seeks support from loved ones and positive stories, and she explores holistic therapies to find comfort and reassurance. While fear can be crippling, Chris believes in taking control of her situation and remaining an active participant in her health. She copes by embracing distractions, enjoying time with friends, and engaging in activities that bring her peace and happiness.
Lessons from Cancer and Living with Purpose
Cancer has given Chris Helenga a unique perspective on life. She views it as an opportunity to make a difference and is grateful for the impact she has had through Copperfield and the connections she has made with others. Chris has learned to appreciate every moment, not to postpone happiness, and to prioritize what truly matters. She believes that everyone has the strength within themselves to overcome difficult situations and encourages people to live authentically, pursue their dreams, and make the most of each day.
When Kris was just 23 years old, she was told by doctors that she had an incurable breast cancer.
You'd be forgiven for thinking that this is Kris' story ends... but, ten years on, she tells Fearne that whilst it changed her life in many ways, some of them were for the better.
If you would like to find out more about the charity Kris set up, CoppaFeel!, visit their website: coppafeel.org
Thanks to Kris, and to the sponsors of this episode, Fiit. Discover their new offering, Fiit Free, and more about their classes at fiit.tv/blogs/get-fiit-with-fearne/