Meet Joy...A Diamond Girl!

I have been so honored by all of the women who have jumped at the chance to participate in the Diamond Girls! Joy and her partner, Wendy, drove in from Gainesville yesterday for their photo shoot! (I might add that Wendy was not jumping up and down about getting her picture taken- but she sure was a GREAT sport!! We laughed alot! I am proud of you both!) I LOVE this image for so many reasons. First- make note of those 12 butterfly tattoos all over Joy's chest. AMAZING! She proudly wears those butterflies in place of her breasts, which she chose not to have reconstructed (as many women also chose). Her attitude is so fun, spirited and full of joy. Wendy had us in stiches as well! Second, it reminds me that breast cancer does not just effect the patient- it effects the entire support system. It is my hope that the Diamond Girls project will empower my models, push them just slightly out of their comfort zone (in a fun way), and encourage them to really look at themselves and say, "DAMN! I am beautiful. I am an inspiration. And I am a SURVIVOR!" Thanks so much Joy and Wendy for making the drive to Tampa and sharing your story with me!