I’ve been telling my story….now it’s time to tell yours!
These are so inspiring. I love all the smiles.
Thank you for sharing!
Meet Nicole!
Nicole was recently diagnosed with stage IIIc breast cancer (invasive ductal carcinoma). She is currently in her second round of chemo treatment and is experimenting with many fun ways to cover her bald head! I would say so! Follow her journey here.
Meet Melissa!
Melissa was diagnosed in March 2011 with stage 3c ovarian cancer. Melissa’s photos chronicle her hair journey starting from before she began chemo, to living with a bald head, to hair regrowth, to her first hair cut and finally a photo of her today! Isn’t she beautiful (with or without hair)!? She finished treatment in September 2011 only to find that the chemo had not done it’s dirty job. Melissa is stable at this point, but still undergoing treatment. Follow her journey here.
Meet Anne!
Anne was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 28. Shortly after beginning chemo she cut about 6 inches off to prepare for the impending hair loss. Her hair started to fall out pretty rapidly so she shaved her head (hubby did too!). Anne is now cancer free! It has now been 3 months since she completed chemo and her hair is growing back beautifully! She says she has finally worked up the courage to ditch the wig! Read more of Anne’s story here.
Meet Harmony!
Harmony is a breast cancer survivor of 22 months! Harmony cut her hair short before starting chemo, cutting 11 inches off! After her first round of chemo she decided to go in to get her head shaved. Look at those beautiful eyes! She wore a wig for about 2 days before switching to bandanas. These are photos of her before her diagnosis, after she shaved her head then two years later.
Meet Ella!
Ella was diagnosed with a type of kidney cancer in September of last year. The first picture is her a few days after her diagnosis, the next two are during treatment, and the last one is of her rocking some hair growth (and her first post cancer hair accessory!) a few weeks ago. Ella’s mom Kacy tells us that Ella is currently NED (no evidence of disease)!! Read more about Ella at her Caring Bridge site.
Meet Erin!
Erin was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in August of 2009. The first picture shows Erin’s long blonde hair before her cancer diagnosis. After she was diagnosed she decided to get that A-Line hair cut she had been dreaming about. When her hair started to fall out she was finding it everywhere, including the baby’s diapers, so she decided to get a “transitional” pixie cut. Eventually she decided to have her husband shave her head (he shaved his too!). By the time she had reached her last day of chemo she had lost all of her hair including her eyebrows and lashes. The hair she lost was blonde and straight, but grew back dark and curly. Today, it is past her shoulders and we are happy to report she is healthy and expecting baby #2! You can follow her blog here.
Meet Rachel!
Last year Rachel was diagnosed with Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkins Lymphoma, Stage II. After starting chemo her hair started falling out really quickly. It just kept getting thinner and thinner. She wore hats through the first half of chemo, then wore a wig in public. Rachel has an adorable crew cut now. She is trying to decide whether or not she wants to keep it short or grow it back out. Either way she is beautiful! Rachel just had her three month post chemo scan and everything looked great! She is cancer free! Follow her here.
Meet Jordin!
Jordin was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in January 2012. She cut her hair short before it started to fall out. We are happy to report that Jordin is cancer free and finished her last round of chemo about two weeks ago! Read more about her journey with cancer on her blog. Jordin recently wrote an article for South Lake Mom about not losing your sense of style while going through cancer. Check it out here!
Meet Sandi!
Sandi was diagnosed with a grade 2 Astrocytoma (brain tumor) in October 2011. Surgery to remove the tumor in November was unsuccessful so she went through six weeks of radiation treatment and is currently on a monthly regimen of chemotherapy pills. Once her radiation was complete she had a head shaving party! Look at that smile! So beautiful! Prior to shaving her head her hair was falling out in large patches. Sandi is still going through treatment and you can follow her on her blog here.
Meet Joyce!
Joyce is 48 years old, mother to 6 sons, 3 grandsons, 1 granddaughter and married to her high school sweetheart for 30 years. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2012 and is currently undergoing her 4/6 chemo followed by 5 weeks of radiation. Joyce had a beautiful head shaving party where she was surrounded by friends and family. It was also captured on film. So much love in these photos!
Meet Laura!
Laura was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2011 and underwent a bi-lateral mastectomy. After her first round of chemo, Laura cut her hair to her chin to prepare for the hair loss which started about 10 days later. As soon as it started to fall out in clumps her husband helped her shave her head. She said the experience was very empowering! Throughout her chemo treatment Laura experimented with different wigs, hats and beanies. Laura had her last round of chemo in April and it took about 3-4 weeks before the hair sprouts started to come in. Currently she has a few strands of red hair, but nothing like before she lost it. She is looking forward to experience all different hair lengths!
Meet Cora!
Cora was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia in July 2011, a life threatening bone marrow failure disease. Her mother Heather can vividly remember the day her hair started falling out. They were out walking the halls at Hopkins, Cora in a little push car. Cora was sitting back, feet up, hands clasped behind her head. She reached out her hand and said “hair.” In her hand was a mass of baby blond curls. It was a very emotional moment for Heather. Due to the severity of Cora’s disease, her only hope would be a bone marrow transplant from an exact genetic matched sibling. There is a 20% chance of an exact match, so you can imagine their fear. However, Heather’s middle son was an exact match and same blood type! They call this the “gold standard of treatment” because there is no better scenario. In September, Cora’s big brother Andrew gave his bone marrow to his sister, ultimately saving her life. His nick name is Captain CORAgeous. You can read more about Cora on her Caring Bridge site and follow her Facebook page here.
Meet Wendie!
Wendie was diagnosed with breast cancer just after Christmas in 2010. The day before her first chemo treatment she decided to cut most of her hair off and donate it to Locks of Love. Exactly two weeks after the first treatment, her hair started falling out. She immediately went to her hair dresser and had it all shaved off. She felt more empowered that way. She tied up cute scarves to cover her head in the beginning. She was surround by a very supportive family. Her husband and father kept their heads shaved throughout her treatment and they all wore “Fight Like a Girl” t-shirts to chemo. It’s been a little over a year since Wendie’s last chemo treatment, and 9 months since she finished radiation. Her hair is growing back beautifully!
Meet Jen!
Jen was diagnosed with ovarian cancer on August 30, 2011 at 36 years old. Jen is the loving mother of Cooper, 9, Cohen, 6 and Oliver the Boston Terrier. She is a dear friend to many, a gifted photographer, designer and an artist in everything she touches. In July 2011, a 13 cm mass was removed along with Jen’s uterus, ovaries, ovarian tubes and appendix in a rushed radical hysterectomy. Jen is a fighter and an inspiration. She documented the shaving of her head on her blog. She refused to let cancer take her hair and did it on her own terms. Her mohawk is awesome ya’ll! She’s documented every step of her battle on Instagram (@amistillagirl) including two recent emergency surgeries. She still has a long road ahead of her but she’s force to be reckoned with! Go read her story her at Am I Still a Girl.
Next up: What’s in your chemo bag! Send photos, lists, tips and links to your story to:
Comments
Ashley, You are so amazing! Can’t handle all of the amazing-ness.
What amazing stories Ashley. I was so touched by their stories but it was when I made it to Cora’s that I just lost it. God bless all of those women and girls for the trials and their ability to stay strong.
Same here, Katie. They are all inspiring stories, but those little kids get me every time.
I feel the same way….I had tears reading everyones but then I saw Cora! I am still crying!
Loving this post!!! Thank you for sharing all of these beautiful stories!!!
It is because of people like this that I grow my hair long using no chemicals, no styling products, no heating products, in order to have virgin hair to donate to Locks of Love and Beautiful Lengths. To date I am at 81 inches total donated and will continue to cut it as needed. God Bless you all!!!!!!
Trying not to cry on the train. I know your cancer chronicles will stick with me for life. So many stories of courage and strength.
Very uplifting, but yep, sitting here in tears anyway. A friend has her son Victor starting chemo this week, even before the results of his biopsy which doesn’t sound great. Praying for hope and a positive outcome.
Yikes! I made it all the way to Captain CORAgeous before I started bawling! I am stricken by how beautiful all of these women look without hair (a thought I have had about you, Ashley, as well, but you are gorgeous all the time!)…. taking away the distraction of hair really makes you notice their faces & unique features.
Thank you SO much for sharing these stories! My mom was just diagnosed with ovarian cancer and had her first chemo treatment two weeks ago. On Wednesday, she shaved her head and had a party to debut her new hair style. Nine of her closest friends showed up with scarves and hats to take her to tea.
I live across the country, and it’s difficult being so far away while she’s going through it… it’s comforting to see the journey others are on and encouraging to see them all embracing it. Best wishes to all!
These are awesome! Jordin from “I Love That” is my friend in ‘real life’
I am so proud to see her smiling face featured on LBB. I love seeing her share her story! I am in awe of so many inspiring and touching stories. Makes me cry! Bless all these amazing, strong women. I love your photos- you are all beautiful!
Beautiful!!!
Thank you so much for sharing these stories. I didn’t take pictures as I was going through chemo and radiation, thinking that I wouldn’t want to remember. Now, I wish I had. These women look beautiful and I now see it is SO important to remember what I have been through!!
WOW!! Such an insirational and courageous group of people! Thanks for sharing their stories!!!
So much awesomeness. I feel very humbled by all of the courage.
Wow this reminds how wonderful the news was that i received a little bit ago. Im cancer free probably surgery ahead for some weird cells but that is ok….God is good..
These stories are so awesome and inspiring! I’ve got tears in my eyes and the greatest respect for these beautiful & strong women. Thanks for sharing their stories, ashley!
Ashley, you and these other women/girls are so strong and inspiring.
Six years ago I was in a serious car accident and suffered severe head trauma. I underwent multiple brain and reconstructive surgeries. At the time I would not allow anyone to take my photo though I think my sister had a few of me in the hospital. I was so self-conscious of my scars and shaved head. Today I wish I had photos documenting my recovery. I think if I had read your story back then I would have documented my own.
Wow … I lost it some where half way through and my little boy (who just turned two) looked over at me and said “Mommy, you okay?” – which I think made me cry harder. You, these women, and these two children are such strong examples for us all. The sad thing is how young everyone is – Its a reminder to us all that cancer doesn’t discriminate. Everyone is in our prayers – as we also pray that God will cure this disease. God Bless you all – And may you always do as Ashley and “Choose Joy” because life is just too precious and short not to!!
As the widow of a wounded vet, I met many heros in my life. You, these wonderful children and women are great heros. Thank you for this post.
i just want to hug ALL of you. i am sitting here literally crying as i read each and every precious story. i commend every single person who has contributed to this story and shared their journey. when i read everything that you have all suffered through, it makes me feel so humbled and sad, that i could actually complain about the dumb things that i complain about. blessings and prayers to every single person who has been touched by cancer or a chronic illness or trauma of some type. i honestly, feel you each deserve a gold medal. big hugs, xoxo
Thank you, sweet Ashley, for sharing each story, and thank you to the fighters that shared their stories with Ashley. May God bless each and everyone of you fighting, surviving, and bless your families, too. Rachel
It’s another Harmony!!! And she *isn’t* a little kid! (I’ve only met other Harmony’s that are little kids.)
These are all inspiring! Keep fighting!!
thank you for showing so many brave, brave women and babies… god bless everyone…
Totally made me cry to see my baby girl among those strong women, fighting for their lives. We are forever changed by our journey. Thank you Ashley!
Thanks for sharing an inspirational life stories! God only knows his plan for us. I salute all of you for being brave and encouraging many of us to not to give up…and be thankful for another day each day… Thank you all!
What an amazing post….more tHan a post! Everyone is so so young! thank you for sharing all of these amazing, beautiful stories. You are all SO brave and inspiring and BEAUTIFUL!! And I have to say, if I looked that good in a Mohawk, I’d rock it everyday!
I am so deeply touched by all of these stories and, like most others, cried throughout. My tears are not only for these amazing people and their battles, but for my own journey 15 years ago and for how complicated the future years have been especially as I sit here waiting to find out if my own beautiful daughter has cancer. I know she will learn valuable lessons but I pray with all the love of a mother that she will be spared.
I got very choked up reading the stories and seeing the pictures of all the strong beautiful people! Thanks for sharing!
Seriously tears streaming down my face. All these pictures remind me of my 2 Aunts who didn’t survive breast cancer last year. Sorry to be the downer, but I’m glad all these beautiful ladies and you did survive, it gives me hope and I Choose Joy!!
xoxo
E
All beauiful w/ amazing stories! My 7 year old daughter finally has hair again after her second battle with cancer! She also had a Wilms tumor like little Ella, but it came back. She has been cancer free since September 2011 when they removed her tumor, she finished chemo in december.
Wow…..that’s all I can say.
I need a good blubbering happy cry. This post is so impowering and inspirational.
Thank you
OH and I forgot to mention I donated 10 inches of my hair after my Aunts were diagnoist. I wanted to do something to help. My one of my Aunts cried when she saw my super short hair. And I would do it again in a milli-second!!
xoxo
E
Ashley – I read every one of your posts and love everything you write. This is one of my favorites and is so inspiring! Thank you for sharing all of these stories. What beautiful and courageous women and what precious little girls.
Have you heard about Talia Joy? She’s awesome!
http://youtu.be/DwKRAWMiBwo
Wow! What amazing and inspiring women!!
Amazing! I feel blessed to be able to sit here and read such beautiful stories compiled by such an inspiring woman. Being a Registered Nurse I understand the medical jargon which can br scary, being a woman I can relate to the emotions, but being a survivor I cannot… I am so touched by each and everyone of these stories and you only encourage me more and more everyday to give back…
ummm…. i hope you know that Laura Cardners Aunt works at Hood Hargett!!! Rosie is the one that sent you the 4-leaf clover! and Laura has the other 4- leaf clover from the same bible!!!!!
Quiero enviaros un beso muy grande a todas vosotras y tambien a vuestras familias.
Gracias por ser tan valientes. Sois un gran ejemplo para los demas.
Carmen
Crying my way through every story. My little 6 year old boy is fighting leukemia and wisps of his beautiful red hair remain. Thanks for the stories and inspiration.
Um, you have to label this NSFW (Not safe for work)! I am tearing up because I am so completely moved by these women. Wow. Great post. Really puts things in to perspective when I complain about toys laying out or something else stupid. This was a lovely post. God bless you and all the ladies featured here. I wish you many happy healthy years ahead.
I’m so glad I came across your blog today. I am totally inspired by you and the gorgeous gals you have spotlighted. I remember when my mother in law shaved her head and the realization that she had cancer hit home. Then, when the hair starts to grow back, it is the recognition that you will beat this and inch by inch just like day by day, you will get stronger. Lots of love and healing prayers to you all!
When I was alittle girl my mom was always sick..She had APLASTIC ANEMIA… this was back in late 60′s and my mom passed away on May 24th 1970 at age 40….years later my older sister too had come down with the same thing APLASTIC ANEMIA…and she too passed away on November 29th 2002 at age 50..So here I am not once but twice faced with this awful disease…I admire these women and all those who are battling any type cancer or leukemia.. I am gonna be 55 yrs and no sign of that disease yet so I am blessed…and THANK YOU ALL for your strength…Prayers…Kim Wiand
This is awesome. I lost my hair due to lymphoma 22.5 years ago. Now a have a beautiful 7 month old daughter and am cancer free
Good luck!
2.5 years ago *
This was so amazing to read. These women and children are SO amazing!!!
I actually shared this post with some buddies. Just like
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Thanks.
I must have missed this when it was originally posted but I’m so glad I came a cross it tonight! Its truly inspiring. I’ve been following your site for a few months now and am totally in love with your creativity and amazing spirit. I’m currently undergoing testing to find out if I have lymphoma, and if it wasn’t for your strength and courage and your choose joy message I would be a total mess right now waiting for my test results to come back! So thank you so much for sharing your story! Your amazing!
Thanks for sharing all of these inspirational stories. I had my first chemo October 11th and hopefully will have my next on the 25th – if my white blood cell count is up by then. Expecting that my hair will fall out shortly after…but hey, they just called to say my wig is in! Should be interesting anyway. ( I have stage 2b breast cancer).
Hi this website is so full of energy and inspiration!Great job!My blog will be dedicated to handmade glass creations…brand new, so alone!