Guatemalan Beauty Queen Raquel Escalante Dies at 28 After Brave Cancer Fight
Guatemalan beauty queen Raquel Escalante passed away at the age of 28 following her fight against cervical cancer.
“Her magnetic personality, her happiness, and the distinct radiance she always carried made every interaction with her singular and unforgettable,” TV Aztec Guate posted on Instagram on November 28. “Today, we say goodbye to a fellow worker and dear friend who deeply touched our lives. Her cheerful disposition, vitality, and enthusiasm for broadcasting will forever motivate us.”
The announcement ended, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends during this profoundly challenging period. Thank you, Raquel, for illuminating our lives. You will perpetually remain a cherished member of our amazing family.”
Online users expressed their sympathies in the comments section.
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“She always had an extraordinary glow!” one person commented, while another contributed, “May the Almighty embrace you, where you can now experience ultimate love. My thoughts and prayers are with those mourning your loss.” A third individual noted, “I had the privilege of knowing her; she was a luminous and wonderful spirit.”
Escalante, who had gathered over 87,000 Instagram followers, earned the title of Miss Intercontinental Guatemala in 2021. Her professional roles also included serving as a television presenter for TV Aztec Guate. Earlier in 2024, Escalante revealed her hospitalization due to low hemoglobin and subsequently announced her cancer had entered remission.
“Today, I feel compelled to open up and share an update that, despite its challenges, I confront with the enduring bravery that defines me. As many are aware, I received a cancer diagnosis some time ago, and following a demanding struggle, I achieved remission. Yet, I must now convey that the battle continues, as the cancer has re-emerged in my life,” Escalante posted on Instagram then, in a message rendered in English.
The accompanying text proceeded, “I won't mislead you; the path ahead promises to be arduous, but I am prepared to confront every obstacle with my customary resolve. I am thankful for the affection and encouragement I've received thus far, and I understand that your continued support will provide the additional fortitude necessary to persevere.”
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Escalante mentioned her intention to “document this journey in any feasible manner,” with the aspiration of “fostering a collective spirit of optimism, fortitude, and conviction.”
“No one faces their struggles in isolation, and if my personal journey can assist others, then it merits being shared. Thank you for standing by me. United, we progress,” she finished. “I have immense love for all of you.”
Escalante's family and friends subsequently initiated a GoFundMe campaign to gather financial aid for the deceased beauty queen, clarifying her cervical cancer diagnosis in 2024.
“This February, she received a cervical cancer diagnosis, and in an effort to safeguard her fertility — as she consistently envisioned having a family she might otherwise not — she underwent an operation to excise all malignant cells,” stated the GoFundMe's descriptive text.
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The message further detailed, “Nevertheless, this surgical procedure resulted in numerous adverse effects, causing renal impairment, digestive issues, harm to the primary spinal nerves, and necessitating blood transfusions, hemodialysis, among other complications. Furthermore, she endures agonizing discomfort that precludes Raquel from experiencing a customary quality of life.”
The GoFundMe indicated that Escalante was “gravely unwell,” and they were appealing to “compassionate individuals willing to assist with her healthcare costs.”
“Since February, she has spent a significant portion of her time hospitalized and has incurred substantial medical bills,” the description explained. “Her adoptive family has provided assistance, yet certain circumstances are beyond our influence. We kindly request your cooperation; any contribution is highly valued and gratefully received during these challenging moments.”
