Cancer survivor eyes Mrs Universe Jamaica crown

Kaydia McKoy, a 35-year-old breast cancer survivor, is defying the societal concept of beauty and embracing her scars as she prepares to compete for the Mrs Universe Jamaica 2024 crown.

At 31, she felt a lump in her breast that led to a life-changing diagnosis of stage 2 estrogen-positive breast cancer. The discovery marked the beginning of an intense battle involving surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy - all amid the pandemic - and without insurance. Her journey was fraught with emotional and physical challenges, including losing her hair and undergoing multiple surgeries.

Despite these hardships, McKoy's spirit remained unbroken. Her daughter, who was only four at the time, played a significant role in her fight. Despite her age, she showed care and love. This emotional bond and the encouragement from family and friends provided McKoy with the strength to face each day. It was in this context of overcoming adversity that she decided to enter the world of pageantry. Inspired by a radio announcement for the pageant, she saw an opportunity.

"I've always liked pageants, but after everything I've been through, I wanted to prove that scars and age are not barriers to beauty or confidence," McKoy shared. She said that entering the pageant is not just about trying to win, but about sending a powerful message to other women, particularly those battling cancer.

"I want women to see that it's not the end. You can rise from whatever situation there is," she said. Her current involvement in pageantry is to be an extension of her work with cancer survivors. Through her foundation, Heads Up For Pink, McKoy supports women fighting breast cancer by providing wigs, beauty care, and financial assistance. Her initiatives like 'Pink in June' and 'Heads Up For Pink' have become lifelines for many, offering material support and a boost to their spirits during challenging times.

"They spend their cash prizes however they want to, if it's even to buy a wig, because I remember what it did for me," she said.

As she prepares for the pageant, she reflected on her journey with a mix of pride and humility.

"I'm doing it for my daughter as well, because she was on the journey with me and she understood everything that's happened. And to see her mommy on a stage in a pageant after seeing the stages - bald head, the tubes, the cut, the chemotherapy and the radiation and the hysterectomy ... [she would be proud]," she said between tears.

In addition to her personal journey, McKoy has built meaningful bonds with fellow cancer survivors through a support group called Jamaica Reached Recovery. These connections have been a source of strength and solidarity for her. However, the harsh reality of cancer has also brought grief. Recently, she lost three friends to the disease, including two within two months. Despite these losses and the emotional toll they bring, McKoy is keen on maintaining a positive outlook, choosing to focus on the hope and support she can provide to others facing similar struggles.

"I want to say, too, how grateful I am for the Mrs Universe Jamaica pageant director, Shannon [Green], for bringing this to Jamaica and giving us this platform to empower our women and to share our stories internationally." The coronation is scheduled for August 24 at the AC Hotel Kingston.