A photoshoot of a fierce and beautiful cancer warrior is going viral, and striking a chord with cancer fighters, survivors, and supporters everywhere.After Charlie Johnson was diagnosed with breast cancer, she started undergoing chemotherapy treatments. As any breast cancer patient who has faced chemo knows, the threat of losing your hair looms large.Johnson and her husband, Kelsey, decided to take control of her impending hair loss and participated in a gorgeous photoshoot. Photographer Mandy Parks captured her bravery and all the different emotions she and her husband experienced before, during, and after the shaving.
Photo: Facebook/Mandy Parks Photography
“Strong women aren’t simply born. They are made by the storms they walk through. From the pain, mistakes, and heartache we achieve pride and strength.”
Photo: Facebook/Mandy Parks PhotographyWhen Parks posted the photos to her Facebook page, they immediately went viral.
Photo: Facebook/Mandy Parks Photography
In the post she shared, Parks commended Johnson for her strength and hoped the photos would inspire other breast cancer warriors fighting the disease.
Photo: Facebook/Mandy Parks PhotographyShe wrote:“Strong women aren’t simply born. They are made by the storms they walk through. From the pain, mistakes, and heartache we achieve pride and strength.“I don’t know who needs to see this today. Or yesterday. Or someone you know might get this phone call tomorrow. Show them what strength looks like. Let them know they are not alone. Stand by them as they kick this like the warrior they are!“Thank you to Charlie Johnson and Kelsey Johnson for allowing me to capture the pain, beauty and bravery it took to spread this message. Prayers to you both in the fight! I love you guys!“Thank you to Whitney Wyatt for being there along side us for the beautiful hair and makeup!”
Photo: Facebook/Mandy Parks PhotographyHundreds of thousands of people have liked, commented, and shared the post since it was posted. Johnson’s show of strength encouraged other survivors to post their own pictures of shaved heads and cancer treatment in the comment section, turning the thread into a beautiful place of support, love, and bravery.
Photo: Facebook/Mandy Parks Photography
“I don’t know who needs to see this today. Or yesterday. Or someone you know might get this phone call tomorrow. Show them what strength looks like. Let them know they are not alone. Stand by them as they kick this like the warrior they are!”
Photo: Facebook/Mandy Parks PhotographyThe outpouring of support prompted a friend of the couple to start a GoFundMe for Johnson.“She is a loving mom, wife, daughter, nurse and so many more roles in her everyday life,” Savannah Hicks wrote on the GoFundMe page. “She would never ask for a penny, but we know how loved she is, so we are starting this account for anyone who would like to donate to her during this new chapter of her life! All money received will go to help with her expenses.”
Photo: Facebook/Mandy Parks PhotographyHicks is also selling merchandise like t-shirts and hoodies inspired by Johnson to help her out as well.
Photo: Facebook/Mandy Parks Photography“Thank you to Charlie Johnson and Kelsey Johnson for allowing me to capture the pain, beauty and bravery it took to spread this message. Prayers to you both in the fight! I love you guys!”
Photo: Facebook/Mandy Parks PhotographyWe wish the best for Johnson and her family. You are truly an inspiration!Source
