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I underwent chemotherapy and radiation while modeling partime. While it wasn’t an easy journey as the treatment had without a doubt a huge impact on my emotional well-being, mental health and physical appearance it gave me the courage to share my breast cancer journey with family and friends. While at the same time educating, informing and encouraging young women, specifically young African women that your life can and will continue pre, during and post diagnosis.
“Fashion is fun. It should be for everyone not just the perfect body!”
Women who have had double or single mastectomies and chosen not to reconstruct are encouraged to hide, to camouflage the damage to fit in. When faced with this a few years ago I was determined that I would do in on my terms. I would live authentically in my newly flattened body and maybe by being so open I could give other breast cancer survivors the courage to do the same. Together we could challenge the notion of normal and acceptable. We could normalize flat.
I started an Instagram account that featured fashion for “flatties”. I discovered LLL (Learn Look Locate )and I was thrilled to see the depth of what Cynthia was offering to the BC community. She presents a comprehensive and honest view of all things breast cancer. I am very pleased to be a regular part of her team and I can’t wait to connect with more of you.
Instagram: @not_in_the_pink_
My name is Michaela and I am the president and founder of the Breast Cancer Confidence Project. Our organization focuses on helping women overcome confidence and body image concerns after their diagnosis, and we are currently in the application process to obtain nonprofit designation.
My modeling mission
To show that true beauty comes from the inside. The depth of pain can not stop anyone from accomplishing anything in the beauty space. I am proof of that.
I have been connected with LLL for a few years. Cynthia’s drive to educate and empower women and men in the breast cancer space is a mission I want to be a part of. My role in fashion started as a young model. It has blossomed into a platform for me to teach and inspire inclusivity of all women in the fashion and modeling space. Whether by brand inclusion or representing the flat or concave breast cancer collective on the runway. We generate more change as a team not as individuals.
Instagram: @christinehandy1
xoxo,
Cynthia, Adera, Tina, Christine and Michaela