Christina Milian’s Legacy Lives on through Christina Milian Inspirational Scholarships

A new scholarship aimed at benefiting female trade school students whose families have been affected by cancer was unveiled in the honor of breast cancer survivor Christina Milian during state Sen. Mike Morrell’s 10th annual Women of Distinction ceremony on June 20. The scholarship honors the legacy of six year survivor and Highland resident Christina Milian, who was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in June 2008. To date, $6,000 has been raised for this scholarship. Welcomed to the stage by a standing ovation, Milian, who continues to battle stage 4 inflammatory breast cancer, addressed the crowd of over 350 guests at the National Orange Show with a speech that left listeners teary-eyed yet inspired. “I believe God has put me on this journey to encourage, educate and share the ammunition it takes to conquer any illness, betrayal, prevention, a loss or any other issue that is preventing you from having the life you deserve,” she said. “That’s what brings us to this moment. Many of you are here to be honored for your good works, great work ethics in using your talents, skills and energy to better your community.” Milian described herself as a person who has “always been involved, ever since middle and high school.” For 30 years Milian has worked with the Assistance League of San Bernardino, which helps local children in need, serving in the past as its president and presiding as the chair over four Headdress Balls, one of the organization’s largest annual fundraising events. She has also lent her assistance in several other community organizations, such as Santa Claus, Inc. After her diagnosis, Milian’s community involvement and outreach extended further as she then began to reach out to other cancer survivors, patients and their families through her involvement in organizations like the Relay For Life and the Inland Women Fighting Cancer. ““I feel like, on my journey, I was meant to survive,” she said. “I really feel I’m meant to stay within my local community and that’s where, truly, my heart is right now: with Inland Women Fighting Cancer,” she said of the group, for which she helps fundraise for cancer research, awareness and support through the annual Believe Walk that takes place each October in downtown Redlands with the help of partner Stater Bros. Charities. “My sisters in Inland Women Fighting Cancer have taught me about hope and strength. They believe nobody should do this alone. They have been there for me every step of the way. I’ve learned it’s not about the victory. It’s about the battle.” Milian told the City News, “I believe this with all my heart, and I tell people: get help. We gain strength and inspiration from each other, because that’s what we put out. I have grown so much…and I am not saying it’s easy. It took me time to grow, but you can start with baby steps.” She is also an advocate of the Loma Linda Resource Center, which helps improve self-image, appearance and quality of life for women undergoing cancer treatment. Milian’s biggest piece of advice for anyone experiencing adversity, and not only those affected by cancer, is to “appreciate the beautiful things you do have. Constantly find joy in life. You have to live your life. Once you change your attitude, you can be so happy and joyful.” With her son, Michael, acting alongside Highland City Council Woman and past Woman of Distinction recipient Penny Lilburn as one of the hosts of the June 20 ceremony which honored 75 Inland Emipre women in the 23rd state district for their commitment to their communities, Milian’s son had the opportunity to present the scholarships in his mother’s namesake. “I feel like in all my speeches, I’m trying to put out there what won’t die, something that will live on, and now I think it will, because [the scholarship] is annual,” Milian said. She’s also focused on making memories with her family: her husband of 35 years, Art; her children, Michael and Jonathan; and her three grandchildren: Isaiah, 8, Ava, 6, and Caleb, 3. “More than just the person, cancer affects the whole family. I really try to make every moment with them as special as possible,” Milian said. Funds raised for the scholarship named in Milian’s honor will be bestowed in future Women of Distinction events.