We have some very sad news to report as Blood, Sweat and Heels star, author, style expert, magazine editor and the “Queen of Effortless Chic” Daisy Lewellyn has lost her battle with cancer.
Daisy, who was only 36 at the time of her death, first revealed her diagnosis publicly in the preview trailer for Season 2 of Blood, Sweat and Heels in 2015. A month later she talked at length about her diagnosis and her decision to continue with the show and share her battle publicly with Madame Noire:
When I first decided to share my story of the diagnosis with producers and with the world I was like, “You know what Daisy? You have to do this because cancer is bigger than you. There’s someone who is supposed to be inspired. There’s someone who is supposed to be motivated. There’s somebody who got diagnosed and they don’t feel like they can make it. They need to see your journey.” It’s not like my journey was perfect or that I was skipping through the fields everyday but I never took my hand away from God’s hand. Although it’s exhausting, it’s not just about me, it’s about somebody else. If I can just inspire one person to not throw in the towel and not give up, to find purpose in their pain and turn their tragedy into triumph, then I think I’ll feel a lot better.
So what type of cancer did Daisy Lewellyn have? It was a rare form of liver cancer that affects the bile ducts. “Yeah, cancer of the bile ducts in the liver,” Daisy told Madame Noire. “It’s a super rare type of cancer,” she continued. “No one gets it, especially at my age with my health and my lifestyle. It’s kind of unheard of. I was diagnosed at 34. It was kind of shocking.” Even when talking about something so dire, Daisy was able to keep her trademark sense of humor. “Leave it to me to get the exclusive, rare cancer,” she joked.
Daisy is asked how her cancer diagnosis affected her faith, and Daisy’s response is insightful and inspiring. It’s also lengthy, and I will include just one paragraph here:
Cancer is tough and people always feel that it’s tough because of all of the physical changes that you go through, but it’s also very challenging emotionally. It’s also very challenging mentally. It’s very difficult for anyone who loves you so not only are you being affected, but everyone around you is being affected. I have always lived my life as a happy person. I’ve always felt so blessed. I’ve always been able to see the light and understand how God is so awesome. So I didn’t really see how I could be diagnosed with this and then all of a sudden change and not be a happy person and not have faith and just give up. That’s never been my personality. It’s been challenging and there definitely have been days that have been a little less than bright for me and I’ve cried some days and then the next day I wouldn’t cry. But my faith has gotten so much stronger. Honestly, as crazy as this sounds, cancer has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. It’s been the hardest. The absolute hardest thing. That absolute most difficult thing that I would never wish on anybody, but I think it’s been the best thing for my life. It’s so much bigger than me and it has literally shown me that when I did not think I was going to make it, when I did not even know how to get out of the bed, when my fever was so high that I was shaking and having chills and just crying out to God, I was able to see how literally he would heal me. A lot of times with cancer, people think that it’s about reaching the stage where you don’t have it anymore. But I can’t focus on that. I have to focus on the journey and focus on every step being a stepping stone that gets me closer to God.
In addition to being a reality star and style guru, Daisy also published the book Never Pay Retail Again: Shop Smart, Spend Less, and Look Your Best Ever and served as an editor for numerous magazines such as InStyle, Glamour, and Essence.
I will wrap this post up with a message from Essence editor-in-chief Vanessa De Luca in response to Daisy’s passing:
Daisy’s name says it all: she was sunny and warm, a breath of fresh air in springtime. You could not help but be swept away by her vivacious personality. She worked for a time at Essence as our Accessories Editor, and her sense of style and understanding of the Essence woman definitely made its mark. Even after she moved on to other pursuits, she remained part of the Essence family. When I’d run into her during Fashion Week, she was always stunning, yet so down to earth and quick with a laugh or a hug. I will never forget her wide smile and graciousness. I know her bright spirit will live on through all the lives she has touched.
UPDATE – Click here for a statement issued by Daisy Lewellyn’s family that includes funeral details and information on where to send donations in honor of Daisy. Plus, Andy Cohen pays tribute to Daisy on Watch What Happens: Live.
