For over a decade, I’ve been fighting a battle that changed my body, my mental health, and my life. My breast disease journey began in 2014 with countless ER visits, hospital stays, bloodstream infections, IV antibiotics, pain medications, and surgery after surgery. Since then, I’ve undergone 8 breast surgeries including 5 lumpectomies, a breast reduction, surgery for a wound vac, and breast reconstruction surgery. On June 23, 2023, I underwent my final and most life-changing surgery — a bilateral mastectomy.

In the middle of all of this, I became a mother to two beautiful children who are now 9 and 7 years old. Through every hospital stay, every painful recovery, every moment of depression and anxiety, I still showed up as a wife, a mom, and an Army veteran doing my best to keep going. Unfortunately, due to my breast disease and complications, I am not a candidate for implants or further breast reconstruction surgery. Learning to live without breasts has been an emotional journey that I face every single day. Some days are harder than others, but I’m learning to love my new body and embrace the woman I still am.

I’ve decided to take an important step in my healing journey by getting a chest and arm tattoo to help cover my mastectomy scars and reclaim confidence in my body. This tattoo is more than art — it represents survival, strength, healing, and self-love after years of pain and loss. The funds raised will help cover the tattoo sessions, custom artwork and design, aftercare and healing supplies, and any travel or appointment costs. My goal is to transform my scars into something empowering and beautiful — artwork that represents survival, strength, motherhood, resilience, and self-love.

I’m blessed with an amazing family and support system, but I’m asking for financial help to make this life-changing tattoo possible. Any donation, share, or words of encouragement will mean more than I can express as I take this step toward healing and self-love.