Miss Universe Puerto Rico Contestant Shares Her Journey After Breast Cancer Diagnosis at 33
Jaylene Alvarez.
Credit :
jaylene.alvarez/Instagram
Jaylene Álvarez Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
On January 21, former Miss Universe Puerto Rico finalist Jaylene Álvarez announced her recent diagnosis of breast cancer. The 33-year-old beauty queen, who was the second runner-up in the 2021 national Puerto Rican pageant, referred to her health journey as a "face-to-face encounter with death."
Álvarez took to social media to share her experience, stating, "I Was Given a Diagnosis, Not a Destiny." She explained that receiving the news has profoundly changed her life. In her message, she expressed resilience, writing, "I’m not saying this out of fear, but from a place of truth and strength." She described the moment as one that reveals an individual’s true strength, saying, “Having a face-to-face encounter with death and saying, ‘Not me, not now, not yet,’ is a moment for which no one can prepare you."
She further elaborated on how this experience has led to newfound spiritual growth. “I see life through different eyes and understand that every second is a gift,” she shared, indicating that her perspective on life has changed.
In her heartfelt reflection, Álvarez emphasized the importance of living with intention and purpose: "Today I live with more love and more purpose. I want to serve more, love better, and be a better citizen of the world we share." She encouraged others to cherish their lives and express their feelings openly.
She concluded with a message of hope: “Thank you, God, for giving me more than I deserve. Thanks to this experience, today I feel closer to you. I am healing.”
A few days later, Álvarez showcased her fighting spirit in an Instagram Reel, where she was seen boxing in pink gloves, adorned with a band that read "Cancer warrior." She thanked her supporters, particularly the people of Puerto Rico, for their prayers and well wishes, stating, “I never imagined feeling so much love.”
Álvarez expressed her commitment to share her journey on social media to connect with other women "facing the same challenge." She extended her respect to all cancer patients, acknowledging the varying degrees of diagnoses and promising to keep them in her prayers.
