Christina’s Story

Meet the Models: Christina Clements

When Christina Clements received her breast cancer diagnosis, she was stationed thousands of miles from home on the remote island of Guam, with her children just 5 and 8 years old. The news was devastating—and isolating. But Christina’s resilience, bolstered by the people who showed up for her, carried her through one of the most challenging chapters of her life.

From Shock to Strength

The initial reaction was pure heartbreak. Far from her support system and caring for young children, Christina faced a frightening diagnosis in relative solitude. But soon, a bridge of support began to form—starting with her cousin’s husband, Ray, a radiation oncologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Ray quickly helped her transition her care from Guam to Boston, guiding her through assembling a care team at Dana-Farber and being present during hospital stays when her own family couldn’t be, due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Her mother became her rock—driving her to appointments, cooking meals, and helping care for her kids. "She was always there, in the little and big ways," Christina shared. The practical support, paired with emotional steadiness, made a significant difference in helping Christina feel less alone in the process.

Treatment, Choices, and Trust

Christina's journey highlighted something many patients quickly discover: every cancer journey is different. While undergoing treatment in Boston, she learned how vastly different her experience might have been had she remained on Guam. Options, access, and protocols varied widely—but what remained consistent was her instinct to advocate for herself and trust her intuition.

"You really have to trust yourself, as well as your team," she explained. "There isn’t one path—there are many. And the right one is the one that feels right for you."

Let Love In

For Christina, one of the most meaningful gestures of care came from a friend who didn’t wait to be asked. Knowing Christina was the kind of person who wouldn’t easily accept help, this friend set up a meal train without asking for permission—and included DoorDash gift cards so meals could arrive without extra coordination. "It was such a gift to not have to think about meals," she said.

What she learned during this time continues to shape how she shows up for others. “Don’t try to fix anything,” she says. “Just listen and be there. Sometimes we just need to get all those feelings out with no judgment—just love and support.”

Wisdom Worth Sharing

Now, as Christina looks back, she reflects with clarity and compassion. Her advice to others is both grounded and gentle:

“A cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. Take it one day at a time. Advocate for yourself, do your research, and surround yourself with a care team you trust. For me, the turning point was having a plan—something to hold on to in the chaos.”

Christina’s journey—from isolation to advocacy, from fear to fierce love—is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we lean into connection and trust our inner strength. This October, she’ll walk the runway in Boston as a celebration of survivorship, community, and all the invisible threads that carried her here.