When 30-year-old Kaydia McKoy felt a small marble-like lump in her breast, she never imagined that moment would change her life forever.

“I was in denial and thought, ‘It’s not breast cancer, I am too young,’” she recalled.

At the time, life was full and vibrant. The founder of her own business and a devoted mother to her young daughter, Kaydia described herself as a “superwoman”, constantly juggling work, home and motherhood.

“Before my diagnosis, I was vibrant and active, focused on my business, which was a lifetime dream,” the entrepreneur and Miss Universe Jamaica ambassador 2025 said.

“I remembered being aware of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the pink ribbons, but I thought it did not affect me because I was too young.”

That changed in 2020 when doctors confirmed her worst fear: She had breast cancer.

“I felt sadness, fear and hopelessness,” she shared.

“It was a terrifying experience. I was constantly thinking if I was going to die.”

What followed was an arduous and life-altering medical journey. Kaydia underwent a complete hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy, nipple-sparing mastectomy and reconstruction, all in one operation. This was followed by 16 rounds of chemotherapy and five weeks of radiation therapy.

“I went bald during chemo,” she said. “Losing my hair was a huge blow to my confidence.” 
But in that moment of vulnerability came one of her most powerful turning points, the gift of two wigs. “When I put them on, I came alive instantly. I felt like I had super hair powers that helped me shield what I was going through.”

For Kaydia, those wigs represented something much bigger than vanity; they were symbols of renewal.“They gave me the confidence to just get up and dress up every day,” she said. “It transformed my mindset completely.”

Through the pain and uncertainty, her greatest source of strength came from her family, particularly her daughter, Savannah, who was just four years old at the time. “She asked if I was going to die, and I told her ‘Mummy will not die,’” Kaydia remembered. “I had to be here for her.She was and still is my source of strength.”

Support also came from her family, friends and the Jamaica Reach to Recovery (JR2R) community.

“Carolind Graham (chairperson, JR2R) reached out to me and offered to pay for one of my chemo treatments. That meant so much to me,” she said.

“My cousin Michelle blended my juices, my daughter’s godmother and her daughter helped care for me, everyone played a part.”

Carolind’s generous gesture inspired Kaydia to give back. In 2022, she joined Jamaica Reach to Recovery, the non-profit organisation that provides emotional, financial and psychological support to breast cancer patients across Jamaica.

“In 2024, I was the ambassador for the Jamaica Reach to Recovery Pink Run, and I felt honoured to support this cause and the women of this country,” she said proudly. The Pink Run is one of the island’s major fundraising events for breast cancer support.

“Being part of the Pink Run meant that we were directly contributing to life-saving treatments. It was a tangible way to put my motto,‘Your fight is my fight,’ into action.”

Now 36, Kaydia McKoy wears many crowns, literally and figuratively. She is the author of ‘Courage in Bloom‘, a motivational book inspired by her journey. Through her platform, she continues to champion breast cancer awareness, women’s empowerment and early detection.

“I was grateful for a second chance at life to be a beacon of hope to the cancer community,” she said.

Survivorship, however, came with its own challenges.

The physical toll of surgery and menopause, coupled with the fear of recurrence, could be overwhelming. This is why she believes Jamaica must strengthen its support systems for survivors.

“We need more support for young women; many are afraid or do not think it can happen to them,” she said.

She also called for assistance beyond medical bills.

“Patients still have everyday expenses like groceries, rent and self-care, which can be just as crucial for their mental and physical well-being.”

Kaydia believes that mental health support is also essential for survivors coping with long-term emotional effects.

“We need more resources to help women deal with chronic pain, anxiety and the fear that it could come back,” she said.

Finally, she urged stronger public advocacy and dialogue with policymakers.

“We need meetings with health ministers to show the importance of high-level advocacy. The government must understand the challenges and provide resources, including support for NGOs like Jamaica Reach to Recovery, which do so much with limited funding.”

Her message to women newly diagnosed is simple yet profound: “Turn your struggles into strength. Love and embrace who you are, stay positive and find projects that help others. Early detection is the key, and remember, your fight is my fight.”

Through every scar, every challenge and every victory, Kaydia McKoy stands as living proof that courage truly can bloom, even in the face of life’s greatest storms.