Christina Billmire, a U.S. Navy veteran hailing from Sutter Creek, California, has emerged as a resilient survivor, not only of her military service but also of a formidable battle with Stage 1-HPV-attributed tonsil cancer.
Christina was first diagnosed in July 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, after discovering a lump on the left side of her neck. Her treatment included a tonsillectomy, chemotherapy, and seven weeks of radiation. More than five years later, Christina remains deeply grateful to be alive while continuing to navigate the long-term effects of treatment.
As a head and neck cancer survivor, Christina has learned to advocate for herself, lean on her support network, and use her experience to raise awareness for others. By sharing our stories and continuing to move forward, we can offer hope and remind others that they are not alone.
Christina’s advocacy journey began during treatment, when she connected with the Head & Neck Cancer Alliance and joined the Imerman Angels Peer-to-Peer mentorship program. This support network introduced her to a community that provided encouragement, inspiration, and reassurance that she was not alone. Since then, Chris has become a Mentor Angel, giving back by supporting others and paying that kindness forward.
In April 2023, during Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, Christina discovered the HNCA Move-a-thon. What began as a single opportunity to get involved soon grew into an ongoing commitment to raising awareness and supporting others in the head and neck cancer community.
Through the Alliance’s Move-a-thon, Christina has:
- Built a team to raise funds for the initiative
- Encouraged others to participate and form their own teams
- Raised awareness and amplified voices within the head and neck cancer community
- Continued to support the annual Move-a-thon as its reach and impact have grown each year
In 2024, she became an Ambassador to further her efforts in raising awareness about head and neck cancer. Because these cancers are often overlooked, I am committed to helping others better understand the challenges faced by those affected. If sharing my story can bring hope, comfort, or strength to even one person, then that work matters.
My cancer journey has taught me many lessons: take one day at a time, never take a day for granted, keep moving forward, and remember that you are never alone, Christina shared. I now see each day as a gift, and every opportunity to encourage others as a meaningful part of that gift.
