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That’s what For the Breast of Us founders Jasmine Souers and Marissa Thomas asked themselves when they were diagnosed with breast cancer at 26 and 35. Not a quick Google search nor a hashtag was available to help them connect to other young survivors of color.
This year, For the Breast of Us gave #BreastCancerBaddies the opportunity to go #Naked4BC and be the women they once searched for after their breast cancer diagnosis. And more than simply sharing photos of their bodies, these Baddies are sharing the often overlooked aspect of breast cancer journeys: the impact of cancer on their body image and sense of self.
It is our hope that women of color affected by breast cancer will be inspired, encouraged, and validated as they explore images and personal experiences of these incredible women.
Women of color are constantly being ignored and underrepresented in all industries and business is no different. This September, For The Breast of Us, focused on #BaddiesinBusiness.
When I look at myself I don’t see me. I just see a person. A year into this journey, my body has shown me how strong it is.
Feelings are like footwear, you can decide on a daily basis which ones you choose to wear. You wouldn’t choose something wack to style yourself in so why would you choose negative self talk about your body? Choose to love your body, it loved you enough to keep you here.
Ever since the development of my breasts, my identity and self-worth have been attached to them.
This change to our bodies and the scars we now have reminded me of this Japanese art form called Kintsugi, which puts broken pieces of pottery together using lacquer and gold.
You might have to get a second opinion, but there are options for thin patients to do natural tissue reconstruction. But the cost of doing natural reconstruction is you’ll have a new set of scars. In the end though, I believe it was worth it for my body.
How I began to slowly fall in love with my body and redefined what sexy is to me.
There is a mourning of a loss that I recognize, as well as a rebuilding. I am trying hard to recognize the pain and move through it.
It’s ok to be truthful about how you feel.
My post-cancer body is a work in progress, both physically and mentally. I would even go so far as to say that the battle is more mentally.
I put out an APB for my Sexy, unsure if it could actually be brought back but I was willing to do the work to get it back.
How do you prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for losing your breasts, how do you say goodbye to your boobs?
These are MY terms of being at peace living with Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC). Being diagnosed with Stage IV MBC at the age of 31 was not my form of peace, but I live and exist in purpose.
Like all great stories, my body has taught me many lessons. Lessons of love, of gratitude, of grace and patience.
Breast cancer literally and figuratively cut me down and built me up. It forced me to see the “real” directly in front of my eyes, not the things my mind made up for me to see.
Order the print edition of our Naked Truth campaign to explore stories and imagery of women of color affected by breast cancer and their perspective on their post-cancer bodies.
Your voice, your story, and your support can make a difference. Join For the Breast of Us in our mission to empower, support, and advocate for women of color across the globe. Together, we can create a future where every woman has the resources and support she needs to overcome breast cancer.
On the Web:
www.breastofus.com
www.breastofusfoundation.org
Email:
hello@breastofus.com
Welcome to our community—where hope thrives, strength is found, and sisters in the fight become family.
5 Responses
This is so badass, I see some familiar faces for the Bay – hey hey Alea and Alicia!
xo, Monica Haro
This is beautiful!
I am so excited for The Naked Truth Project!! When I was diagnosed as making surgical decisions, a collection of images of Black and Brown bodies, bodies of WOC who had experienced Breast cancer didn’t exist or wasn’t readily found. I am so grateful that moving forward that ALL of US will see representation within the breast cancer community!
This project was just what I needed to get to the next level. I read each Queen’s quote and never felt so connected and empowered by a community.
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I love this. It makes me want to cry. Being able to recognize yourself in others is so important in this process. Reminds you that you are not alone ❤️