There are people who, even in the face of immense pain, choose to radiate light. Zahra Khan was one of them.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in her early 30s, Zahra didn’t just fight for her life—she fought for awareness, for community, and for every woman who felt isolated in her diagnosis. Her journey was not just marked by chemotherapy and scans, but by courage, creativity, and the unwavering desire to turn her experience into something meaningful.
Zahra first came into the public eye through her brave documentation of her cancer journey on Instagram via her platform, @heybreastie—a space she created for honest conversations about healing, identity, and resilience. It quickly became a source of hope and solidarity for women across Pakistan and beyond.
But Zahra wasn’t just a survivor—she was a creator. Amidst her recovery, she launched @ifyoulikecheese, a small-batch cheesecake business that blended comfort, sweetness, and a slice of joy in every order. Her cheesecakes were more than dessert—they were a reminder that even during the hardest times, we can still create, dream, and connect with others.
In October 2023, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Zahra spoke candidly about her experience with stage II breast cancer—offering strength, vulnerability, and hope to women everywhere. She was in remission then, continuing to inspire others with her voice, her smile, and her signature kindness.
Sadly, life had other plans. Zahra was diagnosed again—this time with a more aggressive form of cancer. She fought with all the strength she had, but this chapter ended differently.
As we grieve her passing, we are reminded of a powerful truth: healing doesn’t always look the way we expect. Strength doesn’t always lead to survival. Sometimes, the bravest thing is simply to endure—with grace, with faith, and with love.
Zahra Khan may no longer be with us, but her legacy remains etched in every life she touched. In every message of support she sent. In every heartfelt post she wrote. In every bite of cheesecake someone enjoyed when they needed comfort the most.
Her journey is a lesson for all women: to advocate for their health, to speak their truth, to hold on to softness even in moments of pain. She showed us that beauty and strength can exist in the same breath—that even the most difficult stories can inspire hope.
May Zahra’s soul find peace, and may her family find strength in the outpouring of love surrounding her memory. She reminded us that even in the darkest hours, there is still purpose to be found, stories to be told, and people to be held a little tighter.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.
Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we return.
— Good Times Magazine