It was more than a year ago when 7th season American Idol contestant and plus-size model Joanne Borgella announced the shocking news that she had endometrial cancer discovered from her chest and started chemotherapy. Last Saturday, it was announced by her family via Facebook that the singer has finally succumbed to the disease because it has already spread to her abdomen. She was 32 years old.
The Haitian beauty was applauded by her family and friends for her determination to fight and live a normal life despite the diagnosis. "Since her diagnosis over a year ago, Joanne made a choice to also be a fighter and share her journey with the world. Her faith, courage and strength were unshaken throughout every obstacle she encountered," the family's post read. "Although our family is suffering with this great loss, we find comfort in the closeness Joanne shared with the Lord. We know her spirit still shines and will continue to live on in heaven."
A photo was even posted on her Facebook page on New Year's day with the caption #CancerFree, and was to have her last fay of radiation treatment on April 29. But on July 21, she was apparently back to doing chemotherapy again. Her last post on her Facebook page read "Gooooood morning!! We are heading back to radiation for 2 procedures!! God is with us!! I have lots to fill you in on.. The presence of The Lord is here.. Prayers up!!! I love you guys #GodsGotThis #ThePowerofPrayer #Faith #IWillbeCancerFree2014 #JoanneBorgella."
The singer and model was first discovered when she won "Miss F.A.T." 2005 in Oxygen network's "Monique's Fat Chance" season 1. Later on, she joined the 7th season of American Idol where she emerged as one of the top 12 girls and overall top 24 finalists. She was represented by Wilhelmina Models 10/20 division and became the face of Torrid, Ashley Stewart, Walmart and Kohls department store, as well featured in several magazines such as Seventeen and In Style. She was also part of Procter & Gamble's campaign called "My Black is Beautiful." Moreover, she has appeared on reality shows"MADE" and "Curvy Girls."
