It has been a part of Cancer Be Glammed’s mission from the start; to support and to promote survivor-created or inspired companies that are making a difference in the lives of other survivors. 

Meet Christina Ursin, a metastatic breast cancer survivor and the founder of the company BAO, Breasts Are Overrated.

This is her story.

Christina:

In 2019 at 35 years old I never thought that I would hear the words, “You have breast cancer.” It’s interesting how one phone call can change your life forever. The doctors insisted on a double mastectomy which I agreed to with a broken heart. I remember the first time I saw myself in the mirror after the surgery – I was shocked and sickened by my changed appearance.

Reconstruction was attempted twice and failed twice which caused me to have to go flat. I remember laying on the floor in a fetal position wondering, “Am I still beautiful?” I didn’t fit the societal standard of beauty any longer. “Am I enough? Am I broken beyond repair? Will this define me forever?” The physical pain and gut-wrenching emotions were overwhelming.

Then my cancer ended up metastasizing to two spots on my back and one on my hip, causing me to become Stage IV. This was followed by two rounds of radiation on my back and an oral chemotherapy added to my treatment plan. Stage IV is scary, but you must choose to put one foot in front of the other and just keep moving.

On top of dealing with all the emotions created by cancer, I experienced frustration with my clothing. My clothes no longer fit correctly due to the surgeries and treatments that I had endured. I was determined to create clothing that was both functional and flattering to meet the needs of the breast cancer community. I founded my company BAO—Breasts Are Overrated. A clothing company for breast cancer treatment and recovery.

BAO (Breasts Are Overrated) is my love letter to the breast cancer community. Today the concept has become a reality, I have just mass produced our first chemotherapy shirt! We are starting with a chemotherapy line and will be expanding into post mastectomy clothing, lymphedema clothing, and clothing for women who have gone flat. 

Check out our Raglan chemotherapy top! We hope you that you feel the love that it was made with.

Thanks Christina for sharing your story. To support Christina, head to her Breasts Are Overrated website and– browse and shop our survivor-companies featured in Cancer Be Glammed’s Recovery Boutique.

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About Christina

Christina Ursin is a 39-year-old Iowa native who currently resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She has a Bachelors in Psychology and a Master’s in Business Administration. Christina spent several years working at Tulsa Community College and concurrently worked in retail where she developed a love for fashion. Christina’s desire is to pull from her life experiences by combining both her love for fashion and her knowledge of the retail industry with her cancer journey. Through the strong support of friends, family, and prayer, Christina continues her journey one step at a time.