Christine Handy
Breast Cancer Survivor, Model, Ambassador, and Inspiring Filmmaker
A Story of Resilience
and Self-Discovery
Christine Handy is a stage 2 breast cancer survivor, motivational speaker, best-selling author and dedicated humanitarian. Her journey has inspired countless individuals facing the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis.
Her unwavering commitment to changing the cancer narrative and empowering others shines through her role as an Ambassador for Learn Look Locate and the award-winning film she executive produced, “Hello Beautiful” in select theaters September 25.
In the press: The Hollywood Reporter – Freestyle Releasing acquired “Hello Beautiful” for the theatrical release
Christine's Breast Cancer Journey
In 2012, at the age of 41, Christine Handy received a life-altering breast cancer diagnosis. With no family history of the disease and a healthy lifestyle, the news came as a shock. Christine’s battle included 28 rounds of chemotherapy over 15 months, followed by a double mastectomy and multiple reconstructive surgeries. The physical toll was immense, with Christine experiencing a range of side effects from chemotherapy, including heart issues, liver spots and teeth extractions. However, it was the emotional trauma that left the most significant impact on her life.
Through faith, self-reflection, and the support of her loved ones, Christine embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery and purpose. She found strength in her lowest moments, choosing to view her diagnosis as a catalyst for change and growth.
“For me, the emotional trauma was greater than the physical. In many ways, my life is better now. My perspective has changed.”
— Christine Handy
Christine's Breast Cancer Journey
Embracing the New Christine: Thriving Beyond Cancer
Determined to thrive, not just survive, Christine channeled her experiences into making a positive impact on the lives of others. She became an advocate for breast cancer patients and survivors, serving on the boards of several non-profit organizations, including The Wonder Women Initiative, People of Purpose, and the Break Free Foundation.
Christine’s advocacy work extends beyond her immediate circle, as she uses her platform to raise awareness about the importance of self-esteem, self-advocacy and emotional well-being during and after cancer treatment — the parts of a diagnosis that rarely appear on a treatment plan.
“I have a voice, and I’m going to use it.”
— Christine Handy
REDEFINING BEAUTY
Christine's Modeling Comeback
Christine’s bold return to modeling at 50, proudly showcasing her mastectomy scars, challenges societal norms and redefines beauty.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
Breast Implant Illness
After her breast cancer battle, Christine faced another challenge: breast implant illness. Learn about the illness, her journey, and advocacy.
NAVIGATING TREATMENT
Christine's Journey
From chemotherapy to mastectomy, Christine’s journey sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of breast cancer treatment.
Hello Beautiful
Reshaping the Breast Cancer Narrative Through Christine Handy’s Journey
“Hello Beautiful,” a groundbreaking film adapted from Christine Handy’s bestselling book “Walk Beside Me,” has redefined the narrative surrounding breast cancer. With Christine at the helm as executive producer, this feature-length drama brought her journey of resilience and hope to the big screen — and since its world premiere as the opening night film at the Beverly Hills Film Festival, it has won eleven awards across nine festivals, including Best Drama, Best Director, and three Best Actress honors for Tricia Helfer.
The film, born from Christine’s personal experiences as a breast cancer survivor, challenges the fear-based and one-sided portrayal of the disease in media, offering a story filled with hope, purpose and joy.
Where Can I See “Hello Beautiful”?
IN THEATERS NATIONWIDE · SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
Runtime 100 minutes
ELEVEN AWARDS · NINE FESTIVALS
- Beverly Hills Film Festival (2025)
Golden Palm Award - Philadelphia Independent Film Festival (2025)
Best Drama Feature - SOHO International Film Festival (2025)
Best Acting Performance in a Leading Role — Tricia Helfer - Lonely Seal International Film, Screenplay and Music Festival (2025)
Best Drama - Procida Film Festival (2025)
Best Actress — Tricia Helfer / Best Director — Ziad Hamzeh / Best Composer — Marco Werba - St. Louis International Film Festival (2025)
Inaugural Impact Award — Christine Handy - Fort Lauderdale Film Festival (2026)
Best Actress — Tricia Helfer - Global Music Award (2026)
Best Composer — Marco Werba - Italian Film Festival (2026)
Best Original Score — Marco Werba
Trailer : Hello Beautiful
Why Did Christine Handy Make “Hello Beautiful”?
During her own battle with breast cancer, Christine found herself yearning for uplifting and hopeful stories that showcased the strength and resilience of the cancer community. Instead she discovered that most films centered around cancer ended with the protagonist’s death, leaving little room for narratives of hope and survival.
That realization sparked her determination to change the conversation surrounding breast cancer in media.
“I felt a deep yearning to watch uplifting, hopeful films and other media concerning breast cancer. I assumed that if I felt that disappointment with the limited cultural portrayal of the disease, maybe others did as well.”
Christine Handy
Is “Hello Beautiful” Based on a True Story?
“Hello Beautiful” follows the transformative journey of Willow, portrayed by Tricia Helfer a model and mother facing a life-altering breast cancer diagnosis. Mirroring Christine’s own experiences, the film delves into the physical and emotional challenges of the disease, ultimately revealing the power of inner strength and self-love.
The story goes beyond the medical aspects of breast cancer, exploring the profound impact of the diagnosis on Willow’s sense of self, her relationships and her career. As she navigates the uncertainties and fears that come with cancer, Willow embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning to embrace her own resilience and find joy in the face of adversity.
The film does not shy away from the pain and duress that accompany a cancer diagnosis. It simply refuses to end there showing the hope, purpose and joy that can exist alongside the hardest parts, and reminding audiences that beauty and strength can be found even in the darkest of times.
Modeling Flat: Christine’s Empowering Return to Modeling
After her breast cancer journey, Christine Handy made a bold and inspiring return to the modeling world, showcasing her scars and redefining beauty standards in the fashion industry. Her comeback was never just about fashion. It was a powerful statement of self-love, resilience and body positivity.
“Taking my complete power back after my cancer diagnosis included working on my self-esteem. The only person who can negate my beauty is myself. Self-love is my responsibility and my determination. I’m proud of my body, my beauty, and my ability to make a difference in the fashion world.”
Christine Handy
Learn Look Locate: Supporting Christine’s Vision
As an Ambassador for Learn Look Locate, Christine’s partnership with the organization underscores the importance of education, support and community for those affected by breast cancer.
Through her journey, Christine has become a symbol of resilience and hope for the breast cancer community. Her book, “Walk Beside Me,” candidly shares her experiences, offering comfort and guidance to those navigating their own.
“Learn Look Locate is a community that cares about each person. As a survivor, I am grateful for the stories of hope and the communities we are able to draw from. It would be the first place I would go if I was newly diagnosed. Learn Look Locate is an incredible source for all information on breast cancer.”
Christine Handy
Thoughts from LLL founder
“Gratitude fills my heart for the unwavering support and friendship of Ambassador Christine Handy. Her daily inspiration, dedication to this vision and mission, and steadfast presence since day one have been invaluable. Together, we are resolute in reshaping perceptions of this complex disease, offering warmth, support, education, and hope to breast cancer patients throughout their journey of diagnosis and survivorship.“
Cynthia, Founder of Learn Look Locate
Frequently Asked Questions
About Christine Handy
Who is Christine Handy?
Christine Handy is a stage 2 breast cancer survivor, professional model, motivational speaker and best-selling author. She is an Ambassador for Learn Look Locate and the executive producer of “Hello Beautiful,” the award-winning film adapted from her novel “Walk Beside Me.”
How old was Christine Handy when she was diagnosed?
She was 41. Christine was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 2012, with no family history of the disease.
What stage was Christine Handy’s breast cancer?
Stage 2.
What treatment did Christine Handy have?
28 rounds of chemotherapy over 15 months, followed by a double mastectomy and multiple reconstructive surgeries. She experienced heart issues, liver spots and teeth extractions as side effects of chemotherapy.
Did Christine Handy have breast implant illness?
Yes. After completing breast cancer treatment, Christine was diagnosed with breast implant illness a second health challenge that came after the first, and one many women struggle to have taken seriously.
What books has Christine Handy written?
“Walk Beside Me,” her bestselling novel, published in 2016. It is the book “Hello Beautiful” is adapted from.
Is Christine Handy still modeling?
Yes. At 50 she returned to the modeling world and did it showing her mastectomy scars, challenging the fashion industry’s definition of beauty.
What organizations does Christine Handy support?
Christine has been an Ambassador for Learn Look Locate since 2019, filming video content for the site and working alongside founder Cynthia to change how breast cancer is understood and talked about.
She also serves on the boards of several non-profits, including The Wonder Women Initiative, People of Purpose and the Break Free Foundation, and speaks widely on self-esteem, self-advocacy and emotional wellbeing during and after cancer treatment.
What is Christine Handy doing now?
She continues to model, speak and advocate for breast cancer patients, and she is executive producer of “Hello Beautiful,” which opens in theaters nationwide on September 25, 2026.
About “Hello Beautiful”
Where can I watch “Hello Beautiful”?
It opens in theaters nationwide on September 25, 2026. Streaming plans have not been announced. It is not currently on Netflix or any other streaming service.
Will “Hello Beautiful” be on Netflix or streaming?
No streaming release has been announced. The film opens in theaters first, on September 25, 2026.
Is “Hello Beautiful” based on a true story?
Yes. It is adapted from Christine Handy’s novel “Walk Beside Me,” which came out of her own breast cancer diagnosis in 2012 at the age of 41. Willow, the character Tricia Helfer plays, is not Christine line for line but the experience behind her is.
What book is “Hello Beautiful” based on?
“Walk Beside Me,” Christine Handy’s bestselling novel, published in 2016.
Is “Hello Beautiful” a documentary?
No. It is a feature-length drama with actors. Christine is the executive producer rather than appearing on screen.
What is “Hello Beautiful” about?
Willow is a working model and mother whose life is upended by a breast cancer diagnosis. The film follows her through treatment, through losing the body she was known for, and through deciding who she is without it reaching past the medical facts into what a diagnosis does to a woman’s sense of self, her relationships and her career.
Who stars in “Hello Beautiful”?
Tricia Helfer stars as Willow, alongside Tarek Bishara, Lisa Marcos, Sara Boustany, Liam Anderson, Susan Shalhoub Larkin, Sadie Stratton, Olivia Gilliatt, Sayed Badreya and Natacha Ellie.
Who directed “Hello Beautiful”?
Ziad H. Hamzeh wrote and directed the film. Marco Werba composed the original score, which has won three separate awards.
How long is “Hello Beautiful”?
100 minutes.
Does “Hello Beautiful” have a sad ending?
No. Christine made this film specifically because nearly every cancer film she found ended with the woman dying. It does not shy away from how hard treatment is, but it is a story about surviving and about what a person finds on the other side.
Is “Hello Beautiful” hard to watch if I have breast cancer?
It is honest about treatment, and there are scenes many patients find close to home chemotherapy, hair loss, and a mastectomy scar shown on screen. What it does not do is end the way most cancer films end. Many survivors have watched it during treatment and found it steadying rather than frightening, but you know your own week better than anyone.
What awards has “Hello Beautiful” won?
Eleven awards across nine festivals, including the Golden Palm Award at the Beverly Hills Film Festival, Best Drama Feature at the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival, Best Director for Ziad Hamzeh, and three Best Actress honors for Tricia Helfer.
What does the title “Hello Beautiful” mean?
It is what the film asks a woman to be able to say to herself after everything has changed the moment of looking in a mirror at a body that has been through cancer and recognizing beauty anyway.
Christine Handy and Learn Look Locate
What does it mean that Christine Handy is a Learn Look Locate Ambassador?
It means years of work, not a title. Christine has been part of Learn Look Locate since 2019 filming video content for the site, contributing inspiration and encouragement for the women who come here, and collaborating with founder Cynthia on how this work reaches people. The two support each other’s missions, consistently and in both directions.
How long have Christine Handy and Learn Look Locate worked together?
Since 2019. Christine came to Learn Look Locate a year after it was founded and has been part of it ever since through video work, shared advocacy, and mutual support for what each is trying to change about the breast cancer experience. She believed in the mission early, when it was still being built.
Why did Christine Handy and Learn Look Locate come together?
Because they were solving the same problem from two directions. Christine went looking for a hopeful film about breast cancer and could not find one. Cynthia built Learn Look Locate because she could not find honest, physician-reviewed information written for a patient rather than a clinician. Both concluded that the story being told about this disease was wrong, and both set out to tell a better one.
What has Christine created for Learn Look Locate?
Christine has filmed video content for the site over a number of years, offering encouragement and perspective to women who arrive here newly diagnosed and frightened. Her voice is part of what Learn Look Locate sounds like.
What has Christine said about Learn Look Locate?
“Learn Look Locate is a community that cares about each person. As a survivor, I am grateful for the stories of hope and the communities we are able to draw from. It would be the first place I would go if I was newly diagnosed. Learn Look Locate is an incredible source for all information on breast cancer.”
What is Learn Look Locate?
A breast cancer education platform founded in 2018 by Cynthia, a survivor. Every page is reviewed by physicians who treat the disease, and the survivor stories are told by the women who lived them. It exists for the moment right after a diagnosis, when a person needs plain answers and cannot get an appointment for three weeks.
Does Learn Look Locate have other survivor stories?
Yes — many, from survivors all over the world. Learn Look Locate brings together women and men from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and beyond, each sharing their own experience in their own words. Stage 4, triple-negative, inflammatory breast cancer, Paget’s disease, male breast cancer, women who chose reconstruction and women who chose to go flat.
They are here for a reason. A diagnosis is isolating, and the single most steadying thing a person can find is someone who has already been where they are. These stories exist to offer hope, connection, and the plain reassurance that whatever you are facing, you are not the first and you are not alone.
I just watched “Hello Beautiful.” Where do I start?
If you were recently diagnosed, start with understanding your pathology report the document that tells you what kind of breast cancer you have. From there the site follows the same path a diagnosis does: diagnosis, treatment, surgery, reconstruction, and life afterward. If you would rather talk to a person, a free consultation with a breast cancer expert is available at no cost.
How can I support the work Christine and Learn Look Locate do?
See the film when it opens on September 25. Share it with someone who needs it. And if the site helped you, tell the next woman who gets that phone call where to find it.