It was incredibly saddening to learn that IFBB Figure competitor Christine Pereira passed away in her sleep on Friday, October 23, 2020. She was a huge inspiration to many and one of the most genuine, caring, and selfless individuals according to anyone who knew her personally.
Her most recent competition was the 2019 New York Pro Figure which is simply awe-inspiring after knowing that she battled with and overcame stage 4 head and neck cancer before she ever stepped on stage. She only had months to live according to doctors weighing just 75 pounds after successful treatment but miraculously recovered although she experience great difficulty losing her vision, hearing, and cognitive function.
She was also diagnosed with necrosis that, under usual circumstances would require a part of her jaw be removed. However, she sought other methods in an effort to avoid this, utilizing hyperbaric chambers to improve blood flow to her jaw.
She made massive improvements and before she knew it she was back to her healthy self and decided that she wanted to compete in 2018 in addition to holding down a job as an executive chef and baker. Pereira ended up winning a local NPC show in the Bikini and Figure divisions and turned Pro shortly thereafter, competing in 2018 and 2019 at the Tampa Pro and New York Pro respectively.
Her boyfriend and business partner Paul De Robertis was absolutely devastated to lose such an amazing person and left a heartfelt message on social media which you can read below.
“This is the hardest thing for me to say. An angel @fitness_after_cancer came into my life and God took her yesterday morning. Christine lived a very private life, yet filled everyone’s heart she touched with endless love.
She created her Instagram to give hope to cancer patients. One of her favorite quotes is from Gandhi “Be the change you wish to see in the world” and she forever changed many including myself.
She is the reason for so many people’s happiness.
She always smiled and laughed and was the absolute sweetest thing in my life. She loved me beyond unconditional and I will forever carry her heart inside mine. These are only a few photos of her beautiful smile and ill never ever forget you. I always knew you were an angel sent from Heaven. I love you with all of my heart ❤️ ❤️❤️”
“We are so saddened to announce Paulie’s girlfriend @fitness_after_cancer passed away peacefully in her sleep yesterday morning. She beat terminal stage 4 cancer 8 years ago and everything else that came her way. Her destiny was to send love and hope. Now that is my duty to spread and she would want everyone to live a life full of love and happiness. She is a miracle and and my angel in heaven. I forever love you 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️”
