We lost a woman of substance this week; a woman who faced her with her own mortality decided to reach out and help others lead a better life.

I know that all this nice talk about Nirvana Ciavola Azzopardi seems like a cliché because we’re taught to only say nice things about those who pass, but trust me this is not lip service, not in the very least.

If you ever had the pleasure of talking with her you’d know first hand that she could philosophise till the cows come home, that she could make you pee in your pants with laughter and best of all, that she could make you feel important and loved with just one look.

Those who ever worked with her know that she was a perfectionist, to the point that she could drive you crazy with her eye for detail.

The bond she had with her kids was detectable miles away, and the sheer amount and more importantly the sheer diversity of people present at her funeral, shows that she touched the lives of friends and strangers alike.

Her last words which she left in a letter that was read during her funeral, were heartbreaking but most of all eye opening.

As she faced death head on, Nirvana had the clarity of mind and enough care and concern for her friends and family to take the time to leave us with some incredible words of advise.

As Fr Claude read the letter with tears constantly threatening to choke his words, the whole church nodded in agreement. Everything she said made sense because there was nothing in that letter that we hadn’t heard before, except that this time it hit home; this time, she knew people would listen, so she made the most out of her tragic situation to help others.

I’m convinced that a large percentage of those present yesterday will take on her advice and apply it to their lives.

If you weren’t there here’s the gist of it:

* Show the people you love that you love them. Surprise them with little notes, buy them surprise presents, shower them with hugs and kisses.

* Take time to play with your kids.

* Exercise.

* Stop smoking.

* Eat healthily.

* Dedicate 20 minutes of everyday to yourself.

* Do whatever it is that you enjoy doing.

* Forgive quickly; don’t hold a grudge.

* Don’t wait until you’re sick to do all this.

* And most importantly - Don’t stress – “before I got sick I passed through a severely stressful period in my life and I’m convinced it had a lot to do with me getting sick.”

Farewell my friend, your legacy will live on for years to come, not only through your words but through your family, your wonderful boys and the many lives you touched in your short but incredible life.

Tomorrow Europa Donna Malta Breast Care Support Group, will be hosting the annual walk to commemorate Breast Health Day.

The walk will start from the square at The Point at 10am and finish off in St George’s Square, Valletta, at around 11.30am.

Participants will be carrying different colour silhouettes in solidarity with all those currently experiencing this cancer journey. Pink will represent the incidence of breast cancer; white will be for those who have succumbed to the disease; and blue will be for men who can also incur breast cancer. I’ll be there wearing a white one, will you?