….. I had a dream.
It was a dream I’ve had going as far back as I can remember—all the way to my childhood.
A dream of swimming in clear aqua-blue waters that gently lapped against a white sandy shore.
It was a dream I never fulfilled until AFTER being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.
There’s nothing like an imminent threat to your life to make you want to stop putting off your “some days.”
I just returned from my “some day.”
As I lay back in the crystal clear aqua water, I looked up to the beautiful blue sky above me—full of sunlight and clouds. I saw hearts and mermaids in their shapes.
I felt the warm water surrounding and holding me up as I floated peacefully. I tasted the salt water on my tongue.
I gave thanks to the experience of being alive on this earth, in this body. I took in and deeply felt every detail of the experience with all of my senses. I felt gratitude that I had this opportunity to live it.
I felt grateful for another Piscean birthday, while still wondering how many more I would experience. I felt it all.
Don’t wait for your some days. Do all that you can to fulfill your wildest dreams.
Christy Avila (February 23, 2024)
The Christina Sarah Avila Memorial Fund has been established to honor the legacy of Christy Avila (1975-2025). Christy was a devoted mother, beloved sister, dear friend, and fierce leader in the breast cancer advocacy community who dedicated her life to helping other women by raising awareness about aesthetic flat closure and breast implant illness. She founded the Fierce Flat Forward Facebook support group, created International Flat Day on October 7th, authored a children’s book about living flat after mastectomy, and served tirelessly as the Vice President of the nonprofit Not Putting on a Shirt. Christy touched the lives of thousands of women across the world with her advocacy work. Her generosity, compassion and spirit will never be forgotten. Christy’s family will help guide how the Memorial Fund’s donations are used to carry on the mission she was so passionate about.
Join the Honoring Christy Avila Facebook group here to share your favorite memory of Christy with her friends, family, and the breast cancer community.
