Christine Jaksy was an artist even as a small child, but athletics and the entertainment industry diverted her until serious illness took hold of her life. Born and reared in Chicago, she attended DePaul University on a basketball scholarship. She focused her energies on her athleticism, including competitive running, racquetball, and martial arts. Drawn also toward modeling and acting Christine spent the early & mid eighties living in New York and Europe where she modeled and appeared in foreign films. In 1986, she moved to Los Angeles. Continuing to participate in triathlons, she completed a total of five. Maintaining her interest in sports once she got to Los Angeles, Christine was that rare member of SAG who actually earned her living acting. Then illness intervened.

In 1991, Christine was diagnosed with Lupus and other related autoimmune disorders. Bedridden and incapacitated for periods during a five year time span, Christine was forced to reevaluate her life. As is often the case, difficult and even life-threatening circumstances hone the personality and foster the reclaiming of one's creativity. Christine discovered the art she had abandoned during the time she could no longer be athletic or perform. Although it also required years of immunosupprissive medication, she credits her art, spirituality, and intense love of dogs with her healing and eventual remission.

In the years of severe illness, she suffered many losses: her athleticism, livelihood, home, sense of security, self-esteem, and almost her life. While still very ill, she began publishing articles on health and wellness in various magazines. Since being in remission, Christine has been working as a freelance web/graphic designer, fine artist, along with some part time modeling and acting. Although she no longer is involved in competitive sports, she is vigorous and runs, bikes and works out for health and pleasure. She has learned to balance her life so that it includes art, physical exercise, health, family, and creative projects, stating that her precious pooches, design projects and art continue to heal and nourish her daily need for creativity.

Written by Regina Kay, Phd. (For more about Lupus...)