Finding Light in the Dark: A Fil-Am's Triumph Over Cancer
Kristina Lacson McConnico
My story is deeply rooted in my Filipino heritage—a lineage of garment makers and fashion visionaries. Born to Filipino parents who settled in St. Louis, Missouri, I inherited a legacy of craftsmanship and creativity. When I established my own clothing brand, Lacson Ravello, I honored this heritage by weaving my surname, Lacson, and my grandmother's maiden name, Ravello, into the fabric of my designs. For me, this familial thread represents more than just fashion—it embodies resilience, quality, and the essence of Filipino craftsmanship.
Unexpected Diagnosis
Being told I had breast cancer the first time felt like an out-of-body experience. Suddenly, I was part of a sisterhood I never asked to join. It was July 2012, and my world momentarily stood still. One routine mammogram turned my life upside down. I went from planning my next family trip to planning my treatment schedule, from thinking about my design career path to thinking about my survival.
At first, I was in disbelief. Me? Cancer? But I’m healthy, I feel fine. The news was jarring, to say the least. I was suddenly thrust into a world of oncologists, radiation, chemotherapy, and a vocabulary I never wanted to learn.
Treatment Roller Coaster
The treatments were grueling. Each session drained not just my energy, but also my spirit. As if battling cancer weren’t challenging enough, I was let go from my full-time design job following medical leave. It was a huge blow, not just financially but emotionally too. The frustration of wanting to work, to keep a semblance of normalcy, combined with losing my health insurance, was overwhelming.
When I recovered, I ended up working for another company that I found deeply unfulfilling. Balancing work with ongoing treatment was a Herculean task. There were days when I wondered if this was a sign to reevaluate my life. Every day felt like an uphill battle, but it was during these moments of struggle that I discovered a new depth of resilience within myself.
“I reflect on my journey with a blend of gratitude and awe. The valleys of uncertainty I traversed have sculpted me into a woman of unyielding strength and grace.”
Strength in Community and Creating
Amidst the chaos, I found solace in building something new—creating Lacson Ravello. At first, starting a business seemed like the last thing I should do, but somehow it also made perfect sense to create something of my own. Building a brand that stands for more than just fashion became a beacon of hope. It became a tribute to women's strength and grace. This journey wasn't just about selling clothes—it was about creating a community of support, of understanding, of shared strength, especially within the Filipino American community.
It’s this business and the incredible community of women that keeps me going every single day. Your stories, your resilience, your support have been my anchor. Knowing that I am not alone, that there are others who understand and stand with me, has made all the difference.
Kristina Lacson McConnico’s creations:
Lessons Learned and Daily Practices
Nine years on, I reflect on my journey with a blend of gratitude and awe. The valleys of uncertainty I traversed have sculpted me into a woman of unyielding strength and grace. As I continue to navigate life's twists and turns, I cherish each day as a gift—a reminder to cherish the present moment and embrace life's infinite possibilities.
In sharing my story, I hope to ignite a spark of hope in fellow Filipino Americans facing their own battles. Let us stand together, united in resilience and armed with the knowledge that our stories have the power to inspire and heal. As we celebrate National Cancer Survivor's Day, let us honor our shared journey, knowing that through unity and support, we can conquer any obstacle that comes our way.
Kristina Lacson McConnico is the designer and founder of Lacson Ravello—a women's sustainable clothing brand based in Oakland, California. She currently resides in Oakland with her husband John and their cats, Coco and Clementine. A breast cancer survivor and thriver, Kristina is dedicated to supporting organizations that have a significant impact on breast cancer awareness and patient support.
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