Kris Hallenga, a young woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 23 years old, sadly passed away at the age of 38. However, she left behind a powerful legacy through her inspiring journey and the charity she founded, CoppaFeel!, which continues to encourage women to check their breasts regularly.
Kris’s story began in 2009 when she discovered a lump in her breast while on a university exchange program in China. As a young and seemingly healthy woman, she never imagined that it could be something as serious as cancer. But after her diagnosis, she faced the harsh reality of her situation and the challenges of navigating the healthcare system as a young adult with a rare form of breast cancer.
Despite her own struggles, Kris recognized the lack of education and awareness around breast cancer in young people. She knew that early detection was crucial in improving survival rates, and she was determined to spread this message to others. So, in 2009, Kris and her twin sister Maren founded CoppaFeel!, a charity dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer in young people and empowering them to take control of their health.
CoppaFeel! uses a unique approach to reach its target audience through engaging and creative campaigns. They use social media, events, and partnerships with popular brands to spread their message and encourage women to check their breasts regularly. The charity also provides free educational materials and resources for schools, universities, and workplaces to ensure that young people are informed about breast cancer and its signs and symptoms.
Kris’s passion and determination to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer was evident in everything she did. She used her personal experience to break the taboo surrounding the disease and make it a topic that people were comfortable talking about. She believed that by sharing her story and educating others, she could prevent others from going through what she had endured.
In 2014, Kris was recognized for her tireless efforts when she received an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her services to charity. This was a testament to her incredible impact and the lives she had touched through her work with CoppaFeel!. Despite her own health struggles, Kris continued to be a beacon of hope for others, inspiring many to take charge of their health and spread awareness about breast cancer.
Unfortunately, Kris’s cancer returned in 2019, and she passed away on October 23, 2021, at the age of 38. Her passing was met with an outpouring of love and tributes from people whose lives she had touched. Her legacy lives on through CoppaFeel! and the thousands of women who continue to benefit from the charity’s work.
Kris Hallenga may have lost her battle with cancer, but her impact and her mission to educate and empower others will live on. Her inspiring journey is a reminder to all of us to take our health seriously and to never take a day for granted. She showed us that no matter how dire the circumstances, we can make a difference and leave a lasting impact on the world.
As we remember Kris and her incredible journey, let us all make a commitment to check our breasts regularly and spread awareness about breast cancer. Let us honor her legacy by continuing to support CoppaFeel! and its mission to ensure that every young person is educated about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.
Kris Hallenga may no longer be with us, but her message and her spirit will live on through each and every person she has touched. Let us all join hands and continue the fight against breast cancer in her memory.
