Christine Handy

Oct 24, 2024

Christine is wearing the Diane Knit Top and Samuel Pant.

Model, author, and mother of two Christine Handy shares with us what it means to be a Cancer Disruptor and her journey with self-confidence.

Tell us a bit about yourself! You are a model, author, and mother. How did you get to where you are today?

I always dreamed of being a mother. From my earliest memories, I can recall thinking about baby names for my future children. I feel so lucky to have two adult sons, Luke and Noah.

I started my modeling career as a child, and it blossomed into a lifelong profession throughout my college years and into my motherhood. I paused modeling around age 35 to focus on my sons. However, after my journeys with breast cancer and breast implant illness, I returned to modeling. Those serious, life-altering experiences taught me that my value isn’t dependent on my external looks. My self-worth wasn’t diminished by losing my chest. Through deep introspection, I realized what truly matters: it’s not about pretty pictures but about showing women the strength of my self-esteem, even with scars and a concave chest. Decades ago, when I started in the modeling world, I wouldn’t have been allowed to model with scars. I remember being sent home from photo shoots if my hair color didn’t perfectly match my comp card. Today, I try to disrupt the modeling space by embracing my concave chest.

I also wrote a book about my life and diagnosis. My book, Walk Beside Me, is a fictional depiction of my journey. It has been adapted into a feature film called Hello Beautiful, which I hope will be in theaters soon.

You are a self-proclaimed Cancer Disruptor. Can you share what that means to you?

When I was diagnosed with cancer, I felt a deep sense of shame. I remembered how people whispered about cancer in my youth, making it seem shameful. Once I moved past that misperception, I realized that if I felt that way, others might too. I didn’t want anyone else to experience that shame, so I chose to be a voice against that stigma in illness. In our society, women often feel pressure to do it all. While we can, it’s healthier to walk through life as a community rather than alone. It’s okay to say, “I need help,” instead of succumbing to the cultural pressure to do it all by ourselves. I reject the notion that we are better apart. Finding your team should be a priority; we rise by helping others. There’s no shame in needing or asking for help.

Who are the women that inspire you?

The women—my friends—who stood by me during my illnesses continue to inspire me. They are many. They were my courage when mine faltered, caring for me and my family when I couldn’t. When I felt embarrassed about being dependent on their help, they taught me that true bravery lies in accepting it. They helped me let go of the pride and ego that kept me stuck in shame for being sick and reliant on others. These women showed up, even when it was hard for them, and their support saved my life. The power of faithful friends is one of life’s greatest gifts. Women are incredible, but we are so much more powerful together.

How would you describe your personal style?

Lately, I wear very little jewelry and dress simply. I prioritize ease over fashion, as I still experience a lot of pain from surgeries, so comfort is essential. I do enjoy dressing up in fancy clothes occasionally. As a runway model, I often wear heels to keep my legs toned while practicing for New York Fashion Week or Miami Swim Week. Even in jeans and a t-shirt, I tend to wear higher heels. My personal style evolves with the seasons of my life, and that adaptability is healthy.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer at 41, you returned to modeling at 50. What led you to pursue modeling again?

I had a substantial social media presence when I experienced breast implant illness and subsequent emergency surgery that left me with a concave chest. That outcome was unexpected and shocking. During that time, I received messages from women worldwide who had also been affected by breast cancer, grappling with feelings of shame and a loss of self-love. Their stories broke my heart and kept me awake at night. I decided that if I could return to modeling, I could help them. By modeling with a concave chest and demonstrating that my beauty comes from within, I hoped to inspire them to find their own courage. If I could walk in Miami Swim Week in a bathing suit, it would show these women that self-confidence is the true essence of beauty. My identity and beauty remain the same, regardless of my physical changes. I returned to modeling to empower others, emphasizing that self-esteem is vital and that body image is ours to define—not society’s. We all have a voice; we just need to believe in it to use it.

What advice can you give to women struggling to find their self-confidence?

Work diligently on your self-confidence. Question your self-talk and take inventory of who supports you versus who is critical. Self-care and confidence go hand in hand. Gracefully distance yourself from those who don’t have your back; that’s unnecessary baggage. The more you invest in building your self-esteem, the more courage and confidence you’ll gain. Remember, your value isn’t determined by others’ opinions of you. Your worth is your own measure. If you believe you are amazing, then you are. If you don’t believe it, that’s a reflection of your mindset. Be kind to yourself. Much of our self-esteem diminishes through comparison. Remember that there’s enough to go around. Comparison is the thief of joy, while collaboration opens the door to happiness. Shift your focus from getting to giving, and your life will feel freer. Set mantras and repeat them. For example, “I am loved, I am winning, I am smart, I am capable, I am worthy.” Even if you don’t believe them at first, the more you say them, the more you will start to believe them. It takes work and practice, but trust me, you are worth it.

If you were a color, what color would you be and why?

Yellow comes to mind. I like to spread sunshine and light. Happiness is a personal responsibility, and there are amazing people in the world spreading hope and positivity. When you seek that sunshine, life becomes a little lighter, happier, and more vibrant.

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