When I connected with Lawrence to be one of the subject’s of his photo series “The Body Shows The Pain, The Face Shows The Survival”, I had NO idea I would be so deeply impacted. He explained to me that the photo series was his way of showing the faces behind the scars. Although I know it is Breast Cancer Awareness month, breast cancer is MUCH more than pretty pink ribbons. The strength and mental fortitude it takes to overcome this illness is nothing less than admirable. We are fighters that are left with scars as battle wounds- and we should be proud of each and every one of them.
The first scar that developed on my body was from my port insertion in early February. A port is a small disc made of plastic or metal about the size of a quarter that sits just under the skin. My chemotherapy medicines were given through a special needle that fits right into the port. At first I absolutely HATED my port. It bulged out of my chest and in my opinion, was way bigger than “quarter-sized”. As time went on however, I started to develop an “eff it” attitude and began to embrace my port and the scar that ensued. I mean, there was nothing I could do to hide it! Summer time was here and this damn port would NOT keep me from #SlayingInTheseSummerStreets :
Fast forward to a couple weeks ago when we shot the photo series. It was the first time I REALLY saw all of my scars. It was the first time I REALLY noticed how dark my skin got from the radiation I was receiving 5x a week for 5 weeks. ( Right now the skin is much MUCH darker, burning/ itching but thats neither here nor there. Lets just say shea butter and coconut oil STAY on deck!! lol) I am proud of my scars. It is the only physical reminder( besides my shirt hair) I have of my #JesusYear/ 2016 when my entire world was flipped upside down. My battle wounds carry with them a profound story of courage, bravery, sacrifice and God’s grace and mercy.
I must commend Lawrence and the other brave BROWN women who bared it all and showed that they are much more than just scars. Through the lens, outsiders can finally see the true reality of cancer – the pain and “ugliness” of the scars which makes us more beautiful because we are STILL SMILING!!!
To take a look at this amazing and bold photo series, check out IG: @1982creativestudios or the hashtag #TheBodyShowsThePainTheFaceShows
