Rhonda Caudill reflects on a life-changing experience she had in 2023 as a breast cancer survivor.
After battling the disease since her diagnosis in June 2017, she discovered the Brave Pink Warrior Project, led by Chicago photographer Monika Demel.
For Caudill and many others, the project provides a transformative opportunity to reclaim their self-esteem and foster a sense of empowerment.
‘When you have something disfiguring happen to you, your self-esteem is affected,’ Caudill shared.
However, her photoshoot allowed her to feel like a queen for a day, revealing the beauty she thought she had lost.
In her own words, Caudill recalled the emotional moment when she first saw the raw images, feeling disbelief at the stunning woman before her.
‘I couldn’t even believe it was me. It was amazing,’ she confessed.
The Brave Pink Warrior Project not only gave Caudill a fresh perspective on herself but also inspired her to give hope back to other women facing similar battles.
‘I am not my diagnosis. I am not my prediction, but I’m certainly a different person, and I’m better equipped to look out for myself in the future,’ she said.
Demel, the creator of the Brave Pink Warrior Project, started this initiative following her own breast cancer diagnosis in 2022.
Feeling hopeless and overwhelmed, she longed to connect with other survivors for inspiration and reassurance.
Armed with her photography skills, Demel set out to help other women see themselves in a new light.
The project features personalized photoshoots that include professional hairstyling and makeup, offering a range of wardrobe options designed for women who have undergone reconstruction as well as those who have not.
Demel has successfully photographed around a dozen women at her studio in Portage Park, each with unique journeys and stories.
‘It was eye-opening to not only photograph these women but also listen to their experiences,’ Demel remarked, appreciating the seriousness of their individual battles.
One of the most rewarding aspects for Demel has been the moment she reveals the photos to the participants.
Witnessing their joy as they see themselves transformed, she finds fulfillment in helping them embrace their beauty and wholeness.
Demel is now focused on taking the project to the next level by securing sponsors for a magazine-style book showcasing the women’s portraits.
The goal is to distribute these books in oncology and radiation waiting rooms across the North Shore and Chicago.
Additionally, a portion of the sales from this project will support a fund to assist women in affording essential services or needs that their insurance does not cover.
‘I want them to feel like they can relate to those women and know that there’s hope on the other side,’ Demel emphasized, aiming to inspire resilience and solidarity among breast cancer survivors.
image source from：https://www.audacy.com/wbbm780/news/local/chicago-photographer-provides-hope-to-breast-cancer-patients
