Kristin Hallenga British Columnist and philanthropist died at 38

On May 6, 2024, sad news reached many as it was announced that Kristin Hallenga had passed away at her home in Newquay. She was 38 years old.

Kristin Hallenga was born in West Germany but later moved to Britain. She was a writer who shared her thoughts in columns and also a generous person who helped others through charity work.

When she was just 23 years old, Kristin learned she had breast cancer. Instead of keeping this to herself, she decided to speak up and help others. She wanted young people to know about breast cancer and understand that it could affect them too. So she started a charity called CoppaFeel.

Through CoppaFeel, Kristin worked hard to spread the word about breast cancer. Especially to young people who might not think they were at risk. She wanted them to know the importance of checking themselves regularly for any signs of the disease.

Kristin’s efforts helped many people become more aware of breast cancer and the need for early detection.

Even though Kristin faced her own health challenges, she dedicated herself to helping others. Her bravery and kindness touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting impact on those she reached.

Kristin Hallenga’s journey with breast cancer touched many hearts and inspired others. Her story was featured in a documentary called “Kris: Dying to Live.” Which shared her experiences living with terminal breast cancer.

In 2009, Kristin’s dedication and bravery were recognized. When she received a Pride of Britain Award for her efforts to raise awareness about the disease.

In November 2014, Kristin appeared as a special guest on Russell Howard’s Good News. Where she spoke about her charity, CoppaFeel!, and shared her personal experiences. This appearance helped spread her message to an even wider audience.

Kristin also shared her story through her memoir, titled “Glittering a Turd,” which published in 2021. The book became a Sunday Times bestseller, reaching many readers and continuing to raise awareness about breast cancer.

Despite facing her own health challenges, Kristin lived in Newquay, Cornwall. Where she continued to inspire others with her strength, resilience, and commitment to making a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

In 2009, Kristin Hallenga received devastating news, she had breast cancer. However, her journey with the disease began with a concerning discovery that her doctor initially dismissed as unimportant.

This delayed her diagnosis, meaning the cancer had already reached an advanced stage by the time it properly identified. Kristin found herself facing stage four breast cancer, with the cancer spreading to her liver and bones, and even causing a lesion on her brain.

Despite these dire circumstances, Kristin showed incredible strength and resilience. She defied the initial prognosis, surpassing expectations by living with terminal cancer for over five years. A remarkable achievement given the severity of her condition.

Remarkably, by 2021, Kristin’s condition had stabilized. Even more encouraging, her cancer had not progressed since 2018. This turn of events offered hope and inspiration not only to Kristin herself but also to others facing similar battles against cancer.

Kristin’s story became a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of remaining hopeful even in the face of immense challenges.

What is CoppaFeel?

In 2009, Kristin Hallenga and her twin sister Maren embarked on a mission to educate young people about breast cancer. Their shared passion led them to establish CoppaFeel!, a charity dedicated to raising awareness about the disease.

They chose Beach Break Live as the platform to launch their initiative, aiming to reach a youthful audience with their message.

CoppaFeel! quickly gained attention, receiving frequent coverage from the media. Kristin and Maren’s efforts to promote breast cancer awareness widely recognized and applauded.

Their charity’s visibility allowed them to spread their message far and wide, reaching individuals who might not otherwise have been aware of the importance of breast health.

In 2017, Kristin made the difficult decision to step down from her role as CEO of CoppaFeel!. She felt compelled to move to Cornwall, where she could focus on writing a memoir about her experiences.

Natalie Haskell took over as CEO, ensuring the continuity of CoppaFeel!’s mission to educate and empower young people regarding breast cancer awareness.

Kristin’s decision to prioritize her health and share her story through writing underscored her commitment to making a lasting impact in the fight against breast cancer. Her legacy lives on through the ongoing work of CoppaFeel! and the countless lives it continues to touch and educate.