Cassie

Too Young, Too Far From Home

The moment Cassie stepped in front of my camera, I felt an immediate sense of her quiet power. Her story is one of incredible resilience, beginning in the most unexpected way.

While on a work visa in New Zealand, she finished a 100-mile ultramarathon, something she called "fun". A few weeks later, she discovered a lump.

Her intuition screamed, and she listened, seeking care thousands of miles from home. The diagnosis sent her straight back to the U.S., facing the battle with no insurance and no income—the odds stacked against her.

As I photographed her, I saw not a victim of circumstance, but a warrior. I saw the raw, undeniable beauty of a spirit that refused to be broken. Her journey is a testament to the strength that lives within all of us.

She met a second diagnosis with the same unwavering spirit. Witnessing her transformation from a woman facing terrifying uncertainty to a beacon of hope was profoundly moving. She didn't just survive; she turned her grit into service. Today, she stands beside other women in a breast cancer clinic, translating fear into manageable next steps and lighting the way with empathy and strength.

Cassie’s story is one of more than twenty powerful narratives of resilience and transformation featured in The Boob Project book. Get your copy today to experience the full collection of stories that are changing the conversation around strength and beauty.