Nicky Newman - a breast cancer campaigner and social media influencer - has passed away after a five-and-a-half-year journey with stage 4 breast cancer.
But even in her absence, her powerful legacy and candid approach to life and illness continue to resonate, as she penned her own farewell message to her 249,000 Instagram followers.
"If you’re reading this it means I have died," Nicky said in a poignant final post on social media. "And none of this ‘she fought her battle nonsense’, I didn’t lose anything, the cancer eventually took over & that’s okay, we all knew this would happen."
Nicky always stood against the traditional narrative that describes cancer as a 'battle' to win or lose. She emphasized the importance of cherishing every moment and being present for loved ones. "So please promise me to cherish those around you and give your friends and loved ones the biggest squeezes! GO GRAB LIFE," she urged her followers, who she affectionately termed her "Instagramily."
In a post following her final farewell, her husband paid tribute to "his lobster".
"A truly rare joining of souls that were simply meant to be one," he wrote, referring to their lifelong connection since they were 14 years old.
The couple chose to focus on the time they had rather than mourning the time they were losing, a message that resounded with thousands who followed Nicky's journey. "People instantly love and are drawn to you because ever since diagnosis, at the worst time of our lives, we chose not to mourn the time we are losing but rather to celebrate and cherish the time that we have left—however long that may be," he said.
Through her years as an influencer, Nicky established a legacy that transcended the normal confines of social media, providing hope and inspiration to those facing similar journeys. She believed in energies and urged her followers to hold onto the positivity generated through her page and others like it. "Then I will always be with you," she declared.
Her husband promises that there are still incredible things in the pipeline that Nicky had planned to share. "I just ask you bare with me a little," he said, ending his tribute with a poignant note about a lightning storm above their house, a sign he interpreted as Nicky reminding everyone to "Go Grab Life and make it count".
In her final message, Nicky thanked her "Instagramily" for being part of her journey, promising that more amazing projects were in the works to continue her legacy of hope, inspiration, and life-affirming energy.
Nicky may have left the physical world, but her indomitable spirit will continue to inspire and guide many. In her own words, she will "always be with" those who hold onto the uplifting and empowering community she created.
As the world mourns this incredible woman, her lasting message remains as a reminder to us all: "You never truly know what is coming around the corner—so don’t take anything for granted."
Our thoughts go out to Nicky's family, friends, and fans at this time.
Featured image credit: Instagram/Nicknacklou