Mrs Exceptional Lady Universe: Life After Sarcoma

Ngozi Onwuchekwa is the recent survivor of a rare cancer, Rhabdomyosarcoma, who within the year of remission, won the Mrs Exceptional Lady Universe crown at the Mrs Universe pageant in Miami, USA.

Ngozi’s triumph has prompted her to use her new found self confidence for life after sarcoma, utilising her challenging experiences to help others understand early signs of the rare disease, how to cope whilst battling cancer, and how to stand up for yourself within the healthcare system.

Diagnosis and treatment

For Ngozi, the first warning sign was bleeding that wasn’t regular menstrual bleeding: “I bled every day for months, as if my period wouldn’t end. It was painful and disconcerting,” she explains. “Women need to listen to their bodies and, if they suddenly start having irregular, painful or heavy periods, they must speak to their doctor straight away.”

However, because Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare type of cancer, reaching the point of diagnosis was not easy. 

“Please prioritize your health and schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible,” Ngozi urges. “Your symptoms are important and deserve attention. Don’t let shame or the fear of being a burden prevent you from seeking the care you need. Keep advocating for yourself until you’re heard and taken seriously.”

During the global pandemic, when hospitals were especially isolating, Ngozi underwent 12 months of cancer treatment which included; nine rounds of chemotherapy, and surgeries, including an hysterectomy. Her treatment was successful and she is now in remission—a momentous, miracle moment that spurred a completely new lease of life.

Celebrating inner and outer beauty

After spending such a long time in hospital, Ngozi was drawn to a competition that celebrated the inner and outer beauty of women, and decided to enter Mrs Universe.

“It was a chance to meet empowering women from different backgrounds, each with their own unique story. The pageant provided an opportunity to connect with a community that aimed to make a positive impact on society,” she explains. 

Ngozi was accepted to represent the UK in the competition, where she shared her inspiring story and her mission to raise awareness, resulting in her being crowned Mrs Exceptional Lady Universe 2023. This achievement was only the beginning for Ngozi, as she continues to advocate as much as possible. 

She says: “I’m passionate about sharing my personal journey and offering words of wisdom and hope that are relatable. I want to let people know that, no matter what they’re going through, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. I believe in the power of resilience and I want to share that belief with others.”

Life after sarcoma as a charity ambassador and speaker

Now, Ngozi is 45 years old and a fundraising partner of Sarcoma UK, where she is known for using her informative voice and drawing from her own experience of the disease.

“Sarcoma UK is a national charity dedicated to funding vital research and providing information and support to individuals affected by sarcoma. One of the charity’s main aims, which I actively support, is to raise awareness and understanding of sarcoma to enable early detection of the disease, a crucial step in improving survival rates,” Ngozi explains. 

“I’ve been promoting their cause through various media channels and have also been actively involved in fundraising efforts for the charity. For instance, earlier this year, I participated in the Brighton Marathon and contributed to raising much needed funds.”

Ngozi is passionate about helping other patients know about not only the physicalities of illness, but also the effect a debilitating diagnosis can have on your mental health, how to navigate your support system, and how to stay strong when you are at your weakest. She shared her insights in a recent TeDx talk.

“The uncomfortable truth is that many cancer survivors struggle to adjust to everyday life after their treatment ends. They’re expected to quickly resume their roles and responsibilities or pick up where they left off, but it’s not always that simple. The trauma of facing your mortality and vulnerability can lead to ongoing emotional struggles, such as PTSD, acute stress disorder, and depression,” she says.

“There are a lot of fears for many of us and so I came up with five powerful steps (that worked for me) to help manage and alleviate some of those fears. When implemented I felt more empowered and able to embrace life without the heavy burden of those fears.”

Enjoying the simpler things in life

Looking to the future, Ngozi hopes to do more advocacy work and to enjoy the simpler things in life. The coming years will not be easy, but she plans to approach them with the same strength and resilience that has served her well previously. 

“I’m still in remission from cancer and have many more years to go before I get the ‘all clear’, so my journey continues to be filled with both good and bad days,” Ngozi comments. “I have to make frequent visits to the hospital for blood tests, scans, and doctor visits, but I strive to remain positive, celebrate the milestones and focus on being grateful for the beautiful moments and the gift of life.”

Ngozi’s key message for readers living with female health challenges is to remember you are not alone. It’s okay to ask for help and seek support from loved ones, healthcare professionals, and support groups. Remember to be patient with yourself and take things one step at a time. 

She adds: “You are strong, and you have the resilience to overcome these challenges. Stay positive, listen to your body  and please take care of yourself.”

Find Ngozi on Instagram: @styleinthecity

What is Rhabdomyosarcoma?

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare type of cancer known as a sarcoma, which affects the soft tissue, connective tissues, or bone. It typically begins in the muscles that are attached to bones and are involved in body movement. However, it can develop in different areas throughout the body, making it a complex disease to treat.

For information and support, visit sarcoma.org.uk