Spotlight Model Boston: Christine Handy
Model Spotlight: Christine Handy
“Lending courage until others find their own.”
Christine Handy is no stranger to the runway. A professional model since childhood, she’s graced the catwalks of major fashion houses, represented global brands, and stood confidently under the glare of countless lights. But this fall, when Christine takes the stage at the Boston Runway show, it won’t just be as a model. It will be as a beacon—of survival, of transformation, and of grace.
From Diagnosis to Determination
Christine’s breast cancer diagnosis came on October 1, 2012—a date etched into memory. Her battle was long and grueling: 15 months of intense chemotherapy, a mastectomy, implants, and later, life-threatening complications from breast implant illness that led to a MRSA infection, emergency surgery, and the permanent removal of her implants.
“I woke up in 2020 with a concave chest and no chance of reconstruction,” she recalls. “But instead of hiding, I decided to step back into modeling—not for myself, but for the women who felt lost after losing their breasts.”
Christine didn’t just go back to modeling. She returned with a mission.
Back on the Runway—For a New Reason
Armed with experience and purpose, Christine approached her former agency after recovery. When they didn’t understand her vision, she let them go with grace. Eventually, she signed with one of the largest modeling agencies in the country and began working with brands like Victoria’s Secret, Cupshe, and walking Miami Swim Week—all while proudly showing her concave chest.
“I wasn’t doing it for money or self-esteem anymore,” Christine explains. “I was doing it to lend my courage to other women—so maybe they’d choose not to wear a prosthetic that day. Modeling with purpose is a different kind of grace.”
A Story Told on Screen
Christine’s mission is bigger than fashion. Her book Walk Beside Me has been adapted into a feature film, Hello Beautiful, and she is now on an Oscar-qualifying campaign, with screenings across the country. But the road hasn’t been easy. Independent films require community backing, and Christine is tirelessly traveling, speaking, and pushing for media coverage.
“We’re the small fish in this Oscar race. It’s not about having the most money—it’s about visibility and showing the world that there’s beauty in brokenness, courage in concavity, and power in vulnerability.”
She’ll be walking in Boston just before heading to LA for her film’s crucial Oscar-week screenings. (Want to help? Let Olivia know—Christine is looking for LA-based community support!)
Advice for the Newly Diagnosed
Christine’s message to someone newly diagnosed with breast cancer is direct and deeply felt:
“You can focus on fear or you can focus on hope. Both exist, but whatever we focus on, we become. Worry never adds a second to your life—hope can transform it. Become the hope, and then pass it on.”
Modeling with Purpose
Christine is the first professional model in the 19-year history of the Boston Runway show—but her presence is not about perfection.
“Everyone thinks modeling is about being flawless. But the most powerful modeling I’ve ever done has been post-mastectomy. It’s about presence, honesty, and lending light to those who need it.”
She’ll walk this October in a LoveShackFancy suit, possibly with her jacket open to reveal an ace bandage—a subtle but powerful symbol of healing and pain.
Runway Is a Community, Not a Competition
Christine’s words echo the heart of the Runway mission:
“I’m sick of highlight reels. I want to show people the real story—the pain, the joy, the hope, the courage. Because if we show up with honesty, we remind each other: you are not alone.”
And in her own words, that’s what this work is really about.
