Local artist Obi Uwakwe is using photography to help breast cancer survivors reclaim their identities during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. His project, which features portraits of survivors, aims to transform their narratives from survivors to warriors, celebrating their resilience and strength.
The initiative culminated in a newly released book titled “Scarred: The Journey of a Warrior.” The book showcases the stories and images of 30 breast cancer survivors from Chicago and beyond, including Navy veterans and mothers who have faced the disease head-on.
One of the featured survivors, Ana Garcia Doyle, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, shared her journey through a striking photoshoot on the lakefront. After opting for a single mastectomy, Garcia Doyle posed topless, embracing her scars as symbols of her battle. “It’s like, if you need to, you look. You look at what this disease does to women,” she stated.
Garcia Doyle described the experience as both vulnerable and empowering. “I’m stepping into my power,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one’s strength amid adversity. The photoshoot was a pivotal moment for her, allowing her to publicly stand in her truth.
Uwakwe, who self-funded the four-year project, was inspired by a friend diagnosed with breast cancer. He aimed to create a platform where survivors could reclaim their narratives and find empowerment in their experiences. “It clicked how powerful it would be to have someone who’s had a mastectomy, gone through her journey, but still nurturing and pouring into a life,” Uwakwe explained, referring to the stories of women who continue to support others despite their challenges.
Through this project, Uwakwe hopes to encourage survivors to embrace their present and recognize their resilience. “I am brave enough to slow down. And I cannot say that enough to myself,” Garcia Doyle added, highlighting the ongoing journey of healing and empowerment.
The book is available online for a limited time, inviting readers to explore the emotional and physical aftereffects of breast cancer through the eyes of those who have fought the battle. Uwakwe concluded, “It was just a reminder of not only the human spirit, but the strength of women,” affirming the profound impact of their stories.
This project not only showcases the artistry of photography but also offers a powerful message of hope and resilience for breast cancer survivors worldwide.
