Kat Cruz, the former stylist of actress and style influencer Heart Evangelista, is sick with cancer.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, September 2, 2023, Kat shared that she has breast cancer and undergoing treatment to fight the disease.
She wrote, "At 41, I'm facing a diagnosis of triple positive breast cancer, and here I stand on the first day of chemo and targeted therapy."
Read: Heart Evangelista on breaking up with friends: "Mas nasasaktan ako..."
Kat then went on to share her story before and after the diagnosis, hoping to make people aware of the importance of putting one's health first above everything.
"I FELT INVINCIBLE"
Kat's post titled "Embracing Courage" saw the stylist talking about her being adamant about the possibility of being seriously ill for many reasons.
"Sure, I had a family history, but like many, I kept pushing off check-ups due to a busy life," mused Kat.
"I felt invincible, keeping up with healthy habits - eating clean, working out, and prioritizing sleep. Besides, I thought I was too young for this."
She continued, "The last couple of months have been anything but easy. I'm not naive about the rough road ahead — the treatments, the side effects, and the possibility of a major surgery.
"But through all this, one thing has hit home hard: cancer doesn't give a damn about who you are, how old you are, or how healthy your lifestyle is."
Kat encouraged everyone to allot time to get themselves thoroughly checked by health professionals, saying that "early detection is the true game-changer."
Getting a check-up, according to Kat, "doesn't take as long as a social media binge."
Kat added, "That monthly self-check is way quicker than hitting pause on life when things get serious.
"Trust me, in the midst of all this craziness, looking after yourself means checking in on your health too."
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MESSAGE OF SUPPORT
Many of Kat's friends and followers extended their full support after learning about her predicament.
"Stay strong," wrote actor Rocco Nacino.
"We're all here to pray for your 100% recovery! My mom was a breast cancer survivor, [and] I can relate to what you're feeling. Praying for strength for you every day! You got this!"
Model Rissa Mananquil-Trillo thanked Kat for "sharing and showing what true strength can look like" and that she's praying for her recovery.
"All our love and prayers Kat. You are so strong and courageous," commented host Bianca Gonzalez.
Among those who left a message for Kat were Heart's former glam team, makeup artist and photographer Justin Louise Soriano, and hairstylist Jeck Aguilar.
Read: IN PHOTOS: Heart Evangelista and glam team's happy moments prior to falling-out
"I love you so much and you can do and kill this!" wrote Justin.
Jeck, meanwhile, remarked, "You got this Sis! You’re always in my prayers. ILYSM."