In a heartfelt new documentary, Living Every Second: The Kris Hallenga Story, cancer campaigner Kris Hallenga opens up about her life, fears, and what she envisioned for her final moments.
Sadly, Kris passed away in May at the age of 38 after a long battle with terminal breast cancer, a journey that began when she was just 23 years old.
Despite initially being dismissed by doctors when she first noticed a lump, it was only through her mother’s insistence that she received a diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer.
A Legacy of Awareness and Advocacy
Kris co-founded the cancer charity CoppaFeel! to raise awareness about breast cancer and educate people about self-checks.
Over the years, she collaborated with well-known figures like Fearne Cotton and Dermot O’Leary to spread the message that cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age.
One of her notable initiatives included projecting her charity’s message on the Houses of Parliament to ignite public conversation about the disease.
The documentary captures not only her courageous fight against cancer but also her unwavering commitment to integrating cancer education into schools.
Thanks to her efforts, cancer awareness has become part of the Relationship and Sex Education curriculum since 2020, helping to educate younger generations.
Facing Fears and Embracing Life
Kris, affectionately known as Tina by her loved ones, candidly discussed her greatest fears in the face of her illness.
She worried about losing her identity and the impact of her illness on her relationship with her twin sister, Maren.
A poignant moment in the film occurs when Kris receives the news that her oncologists cannot use gamma-knife radiation to treat her brain tumors, leaving her with limited options.
She expressed her dread about undergoing whole-brain radiotherapy, fearing the potential effects on her memory and mental clarity.
During a conversation with her doctor, she shared her concerns, revealing she felt isolated in her experience.
When discussing her situation with Maren, she admitted her worst fear: “I forget who I am. I forget who you are.”
A Unique Celebration of Life
In an unconventional approach to her illness, Kris hosted a “fun-eral” last year, a celebration of her life filled with joy and laughter rather than sorrow.
“It sounds so vain that I need to hear what people have to say about me,” she reflected, but it was a meaningful way for her to confront her mortality.
The event, held in a cathedral in Cornwall, included a cardboard coffin, a silent disco, and even a special appearance by comedian Dawn French.
In her heartfelt speech, she expressed her deep love for Maren, saying, “My heart shatters at the thought of not being with you.”
Kris wore a sequined shirt emblazoned with “YODO,” meaning “You Only Die Once,” and encouraged everyone to cherish life.
“The thing about death is that it’s so terribly final, whereas life is full of opportunities,” she said, urging her friends and family to seize every moment.
The Perfect End: A Vision of Peace
As she approached her final days, Kris shared her vision of a “perfect death.”
She imagined a peaceful scene with her beloved cat, Lady Marmalade, by her side, laughter among friends, and a serene atmosphere filled with love and thoughtful silence.
She passed away on May 6, surrounded by her twin sister and dear friends, leaving behind a legacy of hope and empowerment.
Maren poignantly remarked, “She wouldn’t want us to think her life was cut short. She lived a full life until the end.”
The documentary also showcases the profound bond between the twins, highlighting how they founded CoppaFeel! together in 2009 after Kris’s diagnosis.
They dedicated their lives to attending events and educating young people about the importance of self-exams.
Inspiring Change and Saving Lives
Kris’s advocacy has undoubtedly made a significant impact.
Romilly Smith, a woman from London, credits CoppaFeel! with saving her life after a reminder text encouraged her to check for symptoms.
After discovering a lump in her breast, she was diagnosed with triple positive breast cancer but has been cancer-free since July 2022.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in the UK, particularly affecting women over 50, though it can also occur in younger women and men.
Early detection is crucial, and Kris’s campaign continues to save lives by encouraging individuals to be vigilant about their health.
Remembering Kris Hallenga
Kris’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, advocacy, and the importance of living life to the fullest.
In the documentary, she reflects on her path, leaving a message for her younger self that emphasizes hope and purpose.
“Life will take on a whole new meaning,” she wrote.
“You will no longer need to see proof that people live with cancer for a long time because you become the proof.”
Living Every Second: The Kris Hallenga Story is now available on iPlayer and airs on BBC Two, reminding us all of the importance of compassion, awareness, and making every moment count.
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