The Full Story
About
from tattoo to healing ...
Petti Kraigher story
My story began with cancer. In 2009, I underwent a left mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. In the years that followed, I often felt unwell without fully understanding why, research led me to BII (Breast Implant Illness).
Then, in 2019, I received a letter informing me that the implant I had been given was linked to a rare, man-made cancer (BIA-ALCL). That began another difficult journey—trying to find a surgeon who could remove it at no cost. Eventually, I had the surgery in July 2020.
At that time, I also chose to have a prophylactic mastectomy. I felt ready to move forward without any more uncertainty, and I decided to go flat. It was the right decision for me, and I’m truly at peace with it.
Even so, there are moments—like catching your reflection while getting dressed—when you’re reminded that something is missing. It may not be seen the same way as losing a limb, but for many women, it’s a deeply personal loss.
When I applied to be part of Yuliia’s project and was accepted, it meant more than I can express. Now, when I look in the mirror, especially when I’m wearing something that reveals the tattoo, I feel a sense of beauty and renewed confidence that’s hard to put into words. In some ways, I feel whole again.
I am incredibly grateful.
Yuliia, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Heather Chimko-Vohradsky story
For many survivors, the physical remnants of a double masectomy serve as a constant, reminder to a difficult chapter. I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 43 and it was a life altering experience, along with the journey of two surgies and a full year of intensive treatment left marks that went far deeper that the surface.
While the procedures were vital for survival, the resulting scars became a daily visual reminder of the pain and trauma of the cancer. Rather than representing strength, those scars often felt like a map of a time defined by fear and medical intervention, making it difficult to fully heal and reclaim a sense of peace with my own body.
Choosing to work with Yuilla was a transformative step in rewriting my cancer story after such a grueling couple years. By placing her intricate and beautiful botanical art over the scars, she has replaced a symbol of sickness with one of profound beauty. Yuilla's work does more than just cover the skin, it serves as a powerful tool for emotional restoration. Seeing her art every day has helped facilitate a deeper healing process, allowing myself to look in the mirror and see a masterpiece rather than a reminder of a diagnosis.
In 2020, my partner died from de novo stage IV cancer—meaning it had already spread by the time it was found and was ultimately terminal.
I spent 2.5 years watching my person suffer at the hands of cancer. I watched it physically spread, not only lumps and bumps but a change in texture and colour.
It was because of this during a conversation about how to find breast cancer, I felt my breast and noticed a change in texture on my skin. I was certain, this was cancer. Suddenly my body sank and I realized that my best case scenario is the opportunity to have a double mastectomy and remove all the cancer. My partner didn’t have that option, death was her option. 6 weeks later I was on the operating table, the same surgeon who helped diagnose my partner, gripping my hand and staring deep into my eyes with empathy, as I went under anesthesia.
Dani Izatt