Christina Clements’s Story

How has breast cancer affected your life?

Christina Clements was living far from home when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

She and her family were stationed on the island of Guam. Her children were just 8 and 5 years old.

“We were so far away from everyone,” Christina says. “I was in shock. I was devastated.”

Being diagnosed so far from family added another layer of fear. Christina was facing cancer while trying to care for her children, understand her options, and make decisions from thousands of miles away.

 

Who helped you find care?

Even from a distance, help found its way to Christina.

Her cousin’s husband, Ray, is a radiation oncologist at Brigham and Women’s. He helped Christina set up a team at Dana-Farber when she returned to the States.

He also showed up in person when COVID restrictions made treatment even more isolating.

“He even sat with me during radiation and hospital stays when COVID restrictions kept my family away,” Christina says.

Her mother also stepped in with appointments, meals, and child care.

One of Christina’s friends knew she would never ask for help, so she set up a meal train anyway. She included DoorDash gift cards, which turned out to be exactly what Christina needed.

“I’m not one to accept help easily,” Christina says. “My friend knew I would say no, so she just did it. I love her for that.”

For Christina, not having to think about meals made a real difference.

 

What did you learn through treatment?

One of the biggest lessons Christina learned was that cancer care is not the same for everyone.

Her treatment plan in the States was very different from the plan she would have had if she stayed in Guam. That experience taught her how important it is to find the right team and the right plan for your own body.

“Everyone’s cancer and everyone’s body is different,” Christina says. “What works for one person won’t always work for another.”

Having a team she trusted helped Christina feel steadier.

“I didn’t start to feel better until I had a plan,” she says. “Once that was in place, I could breathe again.”

 

Why do you walk?

Christina walks because she knows breast cancer does not end when treatment ends.

She has been in and out of appointments, hospital stays, and setbacks. Through it all, she has kept showing up.

Runway gives Christina a place to be honest about that. It is a space where people can celebrate, but also tell the truth about what this experience asks of them.

“Sometimes we just need to get all those feelings out,” Christina says. “No judgment. Just love and support.”

That is part of why returning to the stage matters.

For Christina, Runway is a place to stand beside others who understand the path of survivorship because they are living it too.

We can’t wait to cheer her on and all those she walks beside when she takes the stage in October!