A New Use for Tattoos (NSFW)

I came across BOTH these projects yesterday morning - which made me feel like I was meant to share them. Every one of us has been effected by cancer. Whether you are a survivor, a family member or a friend is a survivor, or you know someone who lost their battle - it touches every single person. Breast cancer is by no means a death sentence. Even at stage 3, there is a 72% survival rate. Survival.

• def: the state or fact of continuing to live or exist, typically in spite of an accident, ordeal, or difficult circumstances.

We see those who live through cancer as survivors, and they are. But at what point can they stop surviving and simply start living. For all of those in my life affected by cancers, I 100% acknowledge they are strong, determined survivors. But they are also human beings that want to go on with their lives. There is no denying or erasing the trauma, but they do not want to continually be looked upon as being alive "in spite of" something. Breast cancer is survivable, but for many women, losing one or both of their breasts is as life altering as the cancer its self. As an undeniable symbol of femininity, womanhood and even motherhood. Every man and woman alive - even those not physically scarred by cancer - has felt vulnerable & insecure when physically exposed. I cannot even imagine how increased this feeling would be when such a vulnerable part of you has been forever altered. It warms my heart when I see projects like this that allow women to take back their sense of security, femininity and even dignity. I am not saying that is what breasts represent to every woman, but they definitely represent something. The first project is an effort by tattoo artist Vinnie Myers. Lisa posted a picture of his work earlier on her Instagram feed. Vinnie's work consists of reconstructive/cosmetic tattoos done on women that have had mastectomy surgery due to breast cancer. He has been doing this type of tattooing in doctors offices, surgery centers and at his shop since 2002. http://vinniemyers.com/section/105672_Nipple_Areola_Tattooing.html Many may not realize that nipple reconstruction can be incredibly painful. And though tattoos don't exactly tickle, the healing is much less taxing.   The second project I came across was Personal Ink (www.p-ink.org). This video says more than I ever could, so please watch.