Haitain-American model, motivational speaker and health advocate Cacsmy Brutus who’s known as Mama Cax passed away on Monday (December 16, 2019) at the age of 30.
The news was announced on her Instagram feed with a note that reads, “To say that Cax was a fighter in an understatement. As a cancer survivor, she had grown accustomed to taking on life’s several challenges head on and successfully. It is with that same grit (fervor) that she fought her last days on earth.”
Brutus died from complications related to blood clots, which sent her to the hospital in London. In an Instagram post dated December 12th, she wrote, “Y’all 2019 has been one of the best years for me , cannot deny it! but 2019 also tried to take me out 😩.
She added, “While in London I started experiencing severe abdominal pain and was rushed to the emergency room- they dismissed it as an inflammation and sent me back to my hotel with some pain meds. The next morning it got worse, while barely conscious, I asked the hotel to call me an ambulance. They discovered that I had several blood clots in my leg, thigh, abdomen and near an IVC filter near my Lungs (which is a medical device that prevents clots from entering the lungs.) up until this emergency visit I had no idea I had such filter (which I assumed was placed there during my chemo days 14yrs ago) – nonetheless this filter saved my life.”
Born in Haiti and raised in New York, Brutus was diagnosed at age 14 with bone and lung cancer. In a fight to save her life, her right leg was amputated. Despite dire predictions about her life expectancy, she went on to live a life of inspiration and advocacy. Much more than just a cancer survivor, Brutus was known for pushing boundaries in the fashion world and blazing a path and a space for for people challenged by disabilities.
Represented by JAG Models, Brutus was also a student and held a masters in international studies.
Check out the announcement on Brutus’ passing below.