When Cacsmy Brutus, aka Mama Cāx, hit the fashion and beauty industries with her striking beauty, we all knew that she would take the world by storm. On Monday, at just 30 years old the model passed away after spending a week in the hospital. Her loved ones announced her death in an Instagram post Friday morning.
Last week, the model also shared in an Instagram post that she had been experiencing severe abdominal pain and was rushed to the emergency room while in London.
“They discovered that I had several blood clots in my leg, thigh, abdomen and near an IVC filter near my lungs (which is a medical device that prevents clots from entering the lungs.) Up until this emergency visit I had no idea I had such filter (which I assumed was placed there during my chemo days 14yrs ago) – nonetheless this filter saved my life,” she wrote. “Lots of unanswered questions which I’ll have to figure out once I’m back to the States but I’m finally out of the hospital, in less pain, resting and taking blood thinners.”
A Haitian-native who later on moved to New York, Cāx was diagnosed with lung and bone cancer at just 14. After having complications following her treatment, she was rushed into emergency surgery which resulted in the amputation of her right leg.
After overcoming the initial shock of losing a part of her body, she embraced her difference. As a model, she became known for her dynamic and head-turning prosthetic legs. She began blogging, and modeling, to show that representation matters in all aspects.
“I want to empower other women with disabilities to know and feel like they matter–and that there is someone out there trying to pave the way for them,” she told ESSENCE in a story about diverse beauty from the April 2019 issue.
Cāx modeled for some of the biggest names in fashion and beauty including Becca Cosmetics, Wet n Wild, Chromat, Tommy Hilfiger, and was well known for her breathtaking Olay campaign, and her walk down the Savage X Fenty runway during New York Fashion Week earlier this year. She has also graced the cover of Teen Vogue, and has been named one of Glamour’s Women of the Year All Year for 2019.
Mama Cāx was both an inspiration to all, and a voice for a community often overlooked by industries that put outward appearance first. Her loss is deeply felt, and fans, including celebrities and industry insiders, took to Instagram to express their deepest sorrow and condolences. Funeral arrangements for the late beauty will be announced once finalized.