My tattoos are reminders to hang in there when things get rough.

I want to show the world there is life, surprising, wonderful, and unexpected life, after diagnosis.

As the smoke clears, I awaken, And untangle you from me. Would it make you feel better To watch me, while I bleed? All my windows still are broken, But I'm standing on my feet.

Go where you are wanted and stray from where you aren't. Surround yourself with positive people and environments.

When I look back, it saddens me to think that I was so hard on myself - when I was younger, I thought I had to look like everyone else, but I learned that beauty comes from how you feel about yourself. Once I started taking care of my mind, body, and soul, I realized that I didn't need to conform to what's "normal" and started to love myself.

If you're hurting, don't be afraid to seek the help you need! Speak to someone - it may just change your life.

Never be ashamed of your problems, your body, yourself. You are worth life.