This 25-Year-Old Landed A Modelling Contract, Despite Battling Stage Four Cancer

This 25-Year-Old Landed A Modelling Contract, Despite Battling Stage Four Cancer
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Dayna Christison was just 22 when she received a devastating cancer diagnosis that would change her life forever.

According to Buzzfeed, she had been diagnosed with Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, which is now in stage four.

For three years she has undergone intensive treatment, including chemotherapy, stem cell transplants and blood transfusions, and her loved ones say "she's fighting everyday to get better".

But in the midst of her gruelling treatment, Christison (now-25) has also beaten the odds to land a modelling contract.

And everyone will agree that she looks slammin'.

Christison had always wanted to work in fashion, graduating from a fashion business school in NYC. But it wasn't until she was diagnosed with cancer that she considered modelling.

It all began after a friend, who is a photographer, asked to shoot her for his portfolio and the rest is history.

“I agreed and from there, when he started posting the photos I got a bunch of photographers that were really interested in working with me,” she told Buzzfeed. “Mind you, I was straight bald at this point.”

Now, she is signed to Major Models agency and has walked New York Fashion Week, as well as starred in various fashion campaigns including Urban Outfitters.

Although she is unsure of her next steps, she is keen to use her story to help others.

“I know that I want to help and inspire others and I know that I want to do it in my own way,” she said.

Christison's friends and family have been tirelessly fundraising and raising awareness since her diagnosis, raising more than $25,000 online alone. To show your support, visit their crowd sourcing page.

Christison isn't the first model to stick two fingers up to cancer.

The plus-size model now has a 350,000 Facebook fans (and counting)

Diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer last year, she had a hysterectomy and lost her hair from chemotherapy. But, inspiringly, she refuses to let her scars and baldness stop her modelling career.

"It's all about long hair and big breasts and arched backs. But it's important to show what real women look like underneath their clothes."

"I hope people are inspired to go outside with the scars and without their hair on," she added.