It's gross to say that an American Idol 2008 contestant, plus-size model, and jolly star Joanne Borgella had to yield to endometrial cancer just to stir women worldwide to educate themselves about the disease, and maybe initiate another global ice bucket challenge to generate research funds and push for more research undertakings on how to combat it.
Her family confirmed her death on Saturday, 5:45AM, October 18, via Facebook.
"It's very unexpected," said Joanne last year. "I'm 31 years old, go to the doctor, gotten checkups. It's a rare case because it's spread to my chest. You know, many people have asked me that I told already, loved ones and friends, what stage am I on, and it's really not about a stage because God is with me and I feel his presence every day." The cancer had spread to her brain during her death.
In the Facebook post, the family said they have peacefully accepted the fate of their talented kin owing to the 32-year-old's spirituality and faith in God. "At an early age, Joanne made a choice to serve and trust the Lord; and 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. 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."
Joanne hailed from Long Island, N.Y., and then moved to Hoboken, N.J. for her stint in American Idol of which she landed in top 24. Aside from AI, she also joined and won Mo'Nique's Fat Chance in 2005 earning the title, "Miss F.A.T." and inked a modeling career as Wilhelmina Models.
A disease afflicting women, endometrial cancer affects the endometrium or the lining of the uterus. Risk factors include no previous pregnancies, hormonal changes and obesity, although there are no known causes of the disease.
