Every scar has a story... When 22-year-old Australian Jasmine Gailer experienced pain and weakness in her leg, and soon found herself unable to walk, her world changed. Gailer had a cancerous tumour in the bone of her knee. What followed were a series of physical and emotional rollercoasters, surgeries and treatments, and at the end of it — a 30cm long scar. Through social media, Gailer decided to take her sadness, and turn it into a campaign of hope, allowing those who have been through illness or trauma, to wear their scars with pride. She began #ScarStories, with the hope of raising awareness about cancer in young adults through photography, music and art, as well as to help lift the spirits of those living with cancer.
@dorisforaday: “‘I’m not ashamed of my scars’ #ScarStories photographic project captures cancer survivor portraits. Beautiful images.”
@CindyCaporaso: “Easy to retweet than answer. What matters is where they lead us; not how we hide them but how we live with them. #scarstories”
@NozomiOnTour: “What doesn’t kill you is going to leave scars. #ThisIsWhoIReallyAm #past #scarstories”
#ScarStories - Gailer’s photoshoots are moving portraits of cancer survivors, who are using the platform to empower themselves, after going through personal tragedies. Here are some of the pictures posted:
Gailer is pictured here, with her tell-tale scar.
Natalie also had bone cancer, and had to have her leg removed.
Hayley’s eye was removed due to retinoblastoma at six months old, and she now wears an artificial one.
Hannah, who has a scar on her leg, is pictured here with her daughter.
Nathan was diagnosed with a brain tumour just before turning 20.
