Fashion blogger Kyrzayda Rodríguez died on Sunday morning after battling stage 4 stomach cancer for almost a year. Rodriguez, who was born in the Dominican Republic, was a pioneer in fashion, rising through the ranks as a leader in the Latina blogging community.
Rodríguez first announced her diagnosis in November 2017 and remained candid about her condition on her Instagram feed, constantly updating followers on her day-to-day fight with stomach chancer. She also made a statement by opting out of wearing a wig when she began undergoing chemotherapy. “My hair was me and a wig wasn’t going to replace that,” Rodriguez told Refinery29. “I respect women who embrace wigs, but I just felt that if I was going to share this journey I needed to do it all the way.”
Throughout her journey, Rodríguez never stopped posting on her Instagram and blog, even hosting seminars and pop-up shops in New York City and New Jersey. She revealed she shot several looks in one day whenever she’d feel better, in order to have constant content on her site. Still, she told Refinery29 some brands did stop working with her, which she said she understood. “Unfortunately, I don’t represent what they might be looking for,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez, who was constant guest at New York Fashion Week, announced last week she wasn’t able to attend the shows due to her deteriorating health. Fashion blogger Daniela Ramirez responded by starting the Instagram campaign #YouInspireUsKyrzayda. Thousands joined in, sharing anecdotes and sending prayers for Rodriguez, who celebrated her 40th birthday recently.
Close friend and photographer Geraldine Torres confirmed her death on Sunday afternoon on Instagram, calling the blogger “her sweet angel in heaven.” Torres also asked followers for privacy and prayers for Rodriguez’s family. Some of her closest colleagues and friends have shared tributes on Instagram as well, highlighting Rodriguez’s work ethic, commitment to uplifting Latina bloggers, and unique sense of style.