Angelina Jolie shared a vital reminder on Monday (May 8) in honor of World Ovarian Cancer Day, and what would have been her late mother’s 73rd birthday.
In an emotional Instagram post, the Oscar-winning actress opened up about losing her mother 15 years ago after a “long struggle” with ovarian and breast cancer. The post featured an adorable photo of a young Jolie sitting on the floor with her mother.
“I have had preventive surgeries to try to lessen [my] chances [of developing cancer] but I continue to have check ups,” wrote Jolie, 47. “My mom loved Hendrix and would always sign her letters ‘Kiss the Sky.’ It took on new meaning after she passed.”
“Sending my love to those who have also lost loved ones, and strength to those who are fighting at this very moment for their lives and the lives of those they love,” she continued.
A post shared by Angelina Jolie (@angelinajolie)
Jolie also used her platform to remind her 14.3 million Instagram followers about the importance of screenings for breast and ovarian cancer — especially for women like her, who have a “family history of cancer.”
“And to other women, please take the time to look after yourself and go for your mammograms and blood tests or ultrasounds, particularly if you have a family history of cancer,” she concluded, linking out to the World Ovarian Cancer Day’s official deck in her bio.