Montrealers walk to celebrate the life and legacy of Nalie Agustin

It has been three years since cancer advocate, author, speaker and digital creator Nalie Agustin died at the age of 33 after a long battle with cancer. The Montrealer inspired many with her openness about living life to the fullest while facing breast cancer.

To continue her legacy, the Nalie Foundation, created by her family in her memory, has launched the second annual Nalie Legacy Walk, a month-long fundraising and awareness campaign running until Nov. 7, what would have been Nalie’s 37th birthday. The goal is to raise $37,000 to support others in their battle with cancer.

“This is not just a fundraiser, but this is because we want her legacy to continue,” said Teresa Agustin, Nalie’s mom. “She had inspired a lot of thrivers, patients that are thriving with metastatic breast cancer and they love her story, and they love her strength.”

“Organizing the Nalie Legacy Walk or being a part of it, to be honest, was really challenging because Nalie had this talent where she just did everything from her heart,” said Justin Agustin, Nalie’s brother. “She loved doing these events, especially the charitable ones and we all had to come together as a family and friends to even come close to what Nalie was able to do on her own. It’s for her legacy. We want to continue what she started helping women with metastatic stage 4 breast cancer and other people who need it.”

As for how the funds will be used, Nalie’s family says they will go toward helping others.

“It will go directly to Cedar Foundation that’s closely working with the Cedar Cancer Center and the idea is to develop a unique program that would address caring for young women and also supporting the family,” said Jesus Agustin, Nalie’s dad.

“She wanted to remain active and for that reason we’re doing this walk in her name because she was always active, and she always wanted to find a way to improve her wellness journey through exercise,” added Justin.

When CityNews met with Nalie’s family, it was at Mount Royal Cemetery, where one of Nalie’s final wishes has been fulfilled. She asked that her ashes be planted with a young maple tree, which family and friends now call the Nalie Tree, a place where they can visit, leave roses, and share memories of her.

“My daughter is an inspiration and it just makes me want to be a healthier version of myself and Natalie was the same way and that’s the reason why we also named our daughter after Natalie,” said Justin.

The second annual Nalie Legacy Walk will take place this Friday on Mount Royal. Nalie’s family and friends will gather at the foot of St. Joseph’s Oratory at 3:30pm, walk to the Nalie Tree of Life at 4pm, and return to the Oratory to watch the sunset together, a shared celebration of her light for everyone near and far.

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