Some stories move us. Others change us. But Ms. Christine Mutingu’s story does both and more. It’s a powerful testament to what real strength looks like: courage shaped by pain, resilience born in the hardest moments, and hope that never gave up. With quiet determination, she turns her battle into a message of strength for others. “I am a Breast Cancer Warrior.”

Years ago, cancer was hardly spoken about, a taboo topic shrouded in silence and fear. Awareness was minimal, and few truly understood the disease. For Ms. Mutingu, the story hit close to home. Her grandmother had been diagnosed with breast cancer in the 1950s and, sadly, lost her battle with it.

Then, on 26th November 2023, history seemed to echo in the most personal way. Ms. Mutingu began feeling unwell. Her right breast was bleeding and discharging pus. Concerned, she sought medical help and underwent a mammogram at a renowned medical facility. The results confirmed her worst fear. She had been diagnosed with Stage 2B triple-positive breast cancer. “It was hard,” she recalls, “but we had to adjust quickly and face it head-on.”

Like any other family, the diagnosis came as a shock — a moment that changed everything. But instead of giving in to fear, she chose to learn, to understand, and to educate both herself and those around her, about the disease. “Despite it all,” she says with quiet strength, “the most fascinating part of this journey has been learning about the different types of cancers, how they manifest, and realizing that awareness is everything,  not just for breast cancer, but for all cancers.”

With her diagnosis came an overhaul of her life. Food, rest, and routine took on new meaning. Each meal became intentional, less about taste and more about nourishment. Fatigue became familiar, and yet she refused to let it define her. “It shifts your perspective on life,” she says with a gentle smile. “You start living in the present, enjoying the now.”

There were days when her body ached and her energy faded, yet she still found light in small, precious moments with her children, laughing with her family, or simply sitting outside to feel the warmth of the sun. These simple acts became lifelines, quiet affirmations that life, even in pain, still had beauty.

But one of the toughest parts came when her hair started to fall out. She remembers watching clumps slip through her fingers, each strand feeling like a small loss. Yet, as time passed and her strength returned, so did her hair: soft, curly, and full of life. As we sat together for this interview, she absentmindedly ran her fingers through her curls, a tender smile lighting up her face. “It’s funny,” she says softly. “You lose so much, your hair, your energy, your old self, but when it comes back, it’s different. You’re different. You start to see life in new forms.”

Still, behind her courage were days that tested every ounce of her strength. She has undergone two breast lumpectomy surgeries, more than six rounds of chemotherapy, and over 18 sessions of immunotherapy,  each one a battle on its own. It has been a tough and emotional journey, one filled with fear, faith, and fight. Yet, through it all, she holds onto hope: hope that one day she will stand on the other side of it all and say, I made it. I won.

There were mornings she woke too weak to move, nights when pain surged through her body, and moments when her spirit faltered. “When my knees were weak and my body could no longer carry me, I prayed,” she whispers. Medication left her drained, her reflection unrecognizable at times. Yet through prayer, faith, and the unwavering love of her family, she found the strength to endure. Every smile from her children, every kind word from friends, became reminders that she was never fighting alone.

In class, she always takes the time to educate and encourage her students, showing up for them with the same compassion that carried her through her own journey. Every lesson she teaches goes beyond the curriculum: it’s a quiet reminder about resilience, gratitude, and living with purpose. As she walks across campus, greeting colleagues and students with her gentle smile, there’s something different about her presence: a calm confidence that speaks of healing and hope. Pinned close to her heart is a small badge, simple yet deeply meaningful. When she looks down at it, she pauses for a moment. The words “hope, believe and fight” are a daily reminder of how far she has come,  a message of hope, courage, and faith that continues to guide her.

Let’s Destigmatize Cancer

October is a time to honor, remember, and celebrate the warriors who continue to fight cancer with courage and grace. But it’s also a time to educate, to speak openly, and to break the silence that for too long has surrounded this disease. “Did you know that men can get breast cancer too?” Ms. Mutingu asks thoughtfully.

Each year, thousands are diagnosed, and far too many lose the fight. In Kenya alone, over 46,000 people are diagnosed annually, and sadly, about half do not survive. The numbers are sobering, but Ms. Mutingu’s message is one of action, not fear. “It’s so important to get checked,” she urges. “If you’re 45 and above, go for a mammogram. But honestly, it’s not just about age, anyone can and should get screened. Make it part of your medical check-up. Early detection saves lives.”

Her words come from experience,  both the pain of her journey and the wisdom that followed. “There are people who have been more scared than I was,” she says softly. “Cancer is tough, but I’ve learned that survival isn’t just about medicine,  it’s about living. It’s about choosing life every single day. Be more considerate. Be more kind,” she says with gentle insistence. “You never know what someone is going through. Sometimes, support doesn’t have to be big,  it can be as simple as sending a message, offering a ride, or helping a friend navigate a hard day. It all matters.” As she continues to teach, mentor, and inspire, her message is that cancer does not define a person, courage does. Through awareness, kindness, and early action, we can all help transform fear into hope.

Ms. Mutingu is now in remission, and every day, she chooses joy. Even on the days when pain lingers, she still finds a reason to smile. Dressed in pink, she stands as a symbol of courage, grace, and gratitude, a reminder that hope always finds a way. To all breast cancer survivors, we see you, we celebrate you, and we stand with you, today and every day.

Romans 8:28 – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose”

Article Written by: Jemmy M. Kamau