Mama Cax Has Passed Away at 30

Mama Cax, model and adaptive/inclusive fashion activist, has passed away.

On December 20, Mama Cax's family posted a photo on the model's Instagram page announcing that on Monday, December 16, after spending a week in the hospital, Mama Cax had passed away. She was 30 years old. The announcement came as a shock to many, especially disabled community that Mama Cax fought for every day of her life. "To say that Cax was a fighter would be an understatement," her family wrote. "As a cancer survivor, she had grown accustomed to taking on life's several challenges head on and successfully. It is with the same grit (fervor) that she fought her last days on earth."

In September of 2018, Mama Cax spoke to Teen Vogue for our September issue, saying, "I think it's so important to show people who have physical disabilities because there are people out there who have physical disabilities who buy products and who never see themselves represented in any way, shape, or form."

It is clear that Mama Cax leaves behind an impactful legacy in the fashion industry. Many flooded the Instagram post with their condolences and love. "I am so heartbroken. To Cax’s family and loved ones, my deepest condolences. Cax was a powerhouse, deeply kind, and one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. I can’t believe this," wrote plus-size fashion expert Nicolette Mason.

Model and activist Jillian Mercado wrote, "my heart hurts that this world won’t have such a beautiful human being. She was the most magical person I knew and I hope that people understand how important she was. I’m going to miss you mama so much🌹."

Plus-size model Iskra added, "There’s no words to express how grateful I am for your existence and that the world has been graced with your positivity, wisdom and love. It’s been an honour my love to get to know you and I will always cherish the memories and until we meet again one day - thank you, thank you for being you love you."

Mama Cax leaves more than just a legacy behind. Because of her immense efforts to fight for fashion inclusivity, she made tangible changes both on and off the runway, and that will never be forgotten.

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Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue