Teen with cancer models in photo shoot
by Proma Khosla
 A diagnosis of cancer, and the subsequent treatment, is gruelling for
anyone. Chemotherapy treatment in particular not only affects how a
person feels physically, but it can also take a toll on body image and
emotional health because of its side effects that can cause hair loss.
But for 17-year-old Andrea Sierra Salazar, who was diagnosed with stage
2 nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma, she turned what was at first a
blow to her confidence into something empowering: Embracing her hair
loss in a series of seriously stunning photos.
The Texas teen found the lump in her neck early this year, and then
another tumor was found in her chest. She underwent chemotherapy, which
caused her hair to fall out.
Diagnosis
Andrea began to devote more time to modelling after her diagnosis,
when treatment kept her out of school and she had time to do it. Her
mother helped her get in touch with photographers and agencies who
wanted to help Andrea remain confident as her treatment continued.
According to photographer Gerardo Garmendia, it was Andrea herself
who came up with the concept of a princess without a wig, whose
empowering caption drove the photos to hundreds of thousands of likes
and shares.
 At first, she was hesitant to shoot photos without a wig, but the
results went viral and inspired viewers around the world. "Before
chemotherapy I had always been a confident person," Andrea said. "So
when my hair started to fall out I would look in the mirror and I
wouldn't feel that confident about myself."
"I see all these little girls, and you can see it in their faces that
they lose all confidence in themselves," she added. "I want them to know
that your hair or your physical attributes doesn't define who you are -
what really matters is your inner beauty, the way you treat others, and
if you're a kind person, that shows through."
Royalty
There aren't many models redefining royalty as bravely as Salazar,
but she joins a small group of other cancer survivors who are also
showing off their side effects, or scars, of their conditions to show
that they are not giving up and are courageous throughout their
journeys. In 2015, Canadian model Elizaveta Bulokhova posed in a series
of artistic photographs after losing part of her jaw to cancer
treatment. For weeks, she couldn't even summon the courage to face her
reflection in the mirror.
"Since doctors used my body to reconstruct my face, I have to be
thankful to my body for being strong and saving my life," Elizaveta told
People. "My scars mean 'survival.' I love my scars. I think they are
beautiful. They remind me not to give up, to take care, and to love
myself."
- Glamour.com
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