Good Morning, friends. I had a post all ready scheduled to publish today but decided to post-pone it until tomorrow instead. Here’s why…
Approximately three months ago, I had discovered fashion and lifestyle blogger/influencer on instagram named Kyrzayda Rodriguez. What drew me to her insta feed was not only her chic fashion, and her infectious personality but learning that she was sharing her cancer journey with her 300+K followers and how she always maintained a positive outlook, despite it. I instantly felt a connection with Kyrzayda being that I’m battling with this awful disease. Ever since I read her story, I included Kyrzayda in my prayers everyday.
My heart broke when in early August, I read on her instagram feed that both chemo and radiation was not working and therefore, she decided to stop treatments so that she can enjoy the rest of her time, pain free with friends and family. Late last night, I found out through social media that Kyrzayda sadly passed away early yesterday, after battling Stage 4 Gastric Cancer since November 2, 2017. I instantly felt a lump in my throat and my eyes welled up with tears. I didn’t want to believe it! Although we didn’t know each other on a personal level, I felt a sisterhood connection with her. I wanted to honor my brilliant, successful, and beautiful Latina sister by dedicating this post to her amazing strength, the love she had for all, and the inspiration she was to me and so many.
I found inspiration through Kyrzayda’s determination to continue to live and fulfill her passion. Cancer or not, Kyrzayda kept working and posting for all to see. She was a warrior, a fighter, a fierce business woman, and most of all, a mother to daughter, Kiandra. Kyrzayda’s positive outlook touched thousands of her fans from all around the world, as they posted how she effected their lives by using the #youinspireuskyrzayda
I was delighted to see how happy Kyrzayda was as she celebrated her 40th birthday last month. She posted videos on her insta story sharing her surprise celebration with her friends and family. I could see in her eyes how happy she was, how much love she felt surrounding her, and how blessed she felt to have that day. Kyrzayda posted on instagram, writing…“I danced like no one was watching, I smiled as I wasn’t in pain, I enjoyed my loved ones. I felt true love in one room! I thought to myself if maybe love could cure cancer? That would my birthday wish.”
I remember seeing her last live video and the words she spoke that stuck with me were – “God is so good to me”, “I love God so much.” No matter the difficulties, no matter the suffering, no matter the heartbreak, Kyrzayda still kept God first and believed in him. Kyrzayda also encouraged her followers to not take life for granted…if you want to do something, do it! If you want to buy something, buy it! Don’t wait, don’t do it later – do it now. As we all are reminded, life is short and tomorrow is not promised to you.
I love this message she wrote on her blog (you can read the full post, here)…
“This step back with cancer certainly made work a tad bit more difficult, but like I said earlier, I refuse to live in fear and will not forgot about all the blessings that have come my way. I’m still here, I’m still working, and I’m still fighting.
With that being said, I just locked in my first campaign for 2018 and one in the works. Even though I lost a lot of my hair and weight, I’m going to prove to the industry that it’s ok to continue living, working, doing what I love and look freaking fabulous with cancer. GOD Is good.”
Dearest Kyrzayda, may you Rest in Peace. May you see yourself the way you used to be, before cancer. May you feel as healthier as you ever felt. May you be in God’s heavenly presence.
My deepest sympathy goes out to Kyrzayda’s family – may God be with them all and may love and comfort surround them during this time of loss.
-All photos are via kyrzayda.com
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