A Day of Empowerment and Celebration with ThriveWell Cancer Foundation

I recently had the privilege of partnering with the incredible ThriveWell Cancer Foundation in San Antonio for a very special portrait experience. I first met Joseé, their Program Director, at a local business networking event. I was just about to leave when we struck up a conversation that left a lasting impression. After learning about ThriveWell’s mission to support individuals affected by cancer through programs that promote healing and wellness, I felt a deep pull to get involved. As a portrait photographer in San Antonio, it’s been on my heart to use my gifts in a meaningful way—and this felt like the perfect opportunity to do just that. Together, we came up with a plan to offer complimentary makeovers, professional photoshoots, and high-quality images to ten of their participants, affectionately called “Divas and Dudes.”

The day of the photoshoot was nothing short of extraordinary! Five women and five men arrived at the studio, each bringing their own story of resilience and transformation. While glamour photos might be something typically associated with women, I was delighted to see how enthusiastic the men were about a portrait experience too. Some arrived to their photo session with partners or close friends who stood by them during treatment. One by one, they stepped into my studio with a mix of nervousness and excitement. Many of them told me they had never had their picture professionally done. We offered professional makeup with my artists, Dora Vera and Irene O’Brien, which added a special touch to their experience. We all made sure the vibe was positive and we offered encouragement every step of the way. Ultimately, I wanted these photos to honor the incredible resilience of individuals who have faced cancer, in some cases more than once, and now don’t waste a single day of their lives. Their strength deserves to be celebrated, and these portraits are a visual tribute to the courage and dignity they carry forward every day.

As a photographer, I’ve always believed in the transformative power of seeing yourself through someone else’s lens. These weren’t just typical portraits; they were intimate reflections of strength, perseverance, and newfound self-love. I chose a black and white photography style for its timeless elegance and storytelling ability. Regardless of the style, every image captured their essence—raw, honest, and beautifully human. For my San Antonio photography studio, this project reminded me just how much portrait sessions can be about healing and reclaiming joy. For the Divas, I want to give a huge shoutout to my incredible makeup artist, Dora Vera, whose intuitive approach gave each individual exactly what they needed to enhance their natural beauty—while also making them feel seen, heard, and completely at ease.

To help others continue to be inspired by these brave individuals, I sent each participant a short questionnaire about their journey and what this experience meant to them. I’ll be sharing their answers below, hoping their words and images empower others who may be going through difficult times. This collaboration with ThriveWell has deeply affirmed my belief that photography isn’t just about creating beautiful images—it’s about telling powerful stories.

Enjoy these powerful highlights of the Divas and some of their words of wisdom with the world! The Dudes will be in the next Blog post!

MARIA:

I am a three times cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with breast cancer – Stage 2 – in 2014 and diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2019. Then diagnosed with another breast cancer – Stage 3 – in 2023. I’ve had chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, blah, blah, blah. I’ve been sick, nauseous, bald, fat, skinny. But I’m still standing! I think I’m either a cat with 9 lives or a transformer (I break down and immediately transform into my beautiful self again)! Or simply, wherever we go when we die isn’t quite ready for me yet!

In ThriveWell , I now have a group of people who truly understand what it’s like to have cancer, what chemo feels like, what it feels like to not want to even hear your loved ones’ voices, what it feels like to just want to sit in the dark for eight days straight after treatment… People who understand the fear.

ThriveWell has welcomed me with open arms, no judgement, no conditions. And has given me an amazing opportunity to develop new friendships and to be as active as I want to be.

Q: Is there anything you’d tell your younger self?

A: Don’t take yourself so seriously. Ease up on wanting everything to be perfect.

Q: If there were words of wisdom you’d share with the world, what would they be?

A: Don’t expect someone or something to make you happy. Happiness is within you. Enjoy every single moment. Wake up every morning and express gratitude to your God, the universe, whatever you believe in. Listen to music every morning before you get out of the house and live! Don’t worry about yesterday or tomorrow. There’s nothing we can change about yesterday and we have no control over tomorrow. All we have is today!

Q: Do you have a favorite quote, prayer or mantra?

A: “I am enough!” ” Live for today.”

 

Maria’s Picture Highlights

CARMEN:

“My cancer journey started back in 1990’s and it was very hard on me. My husband was in the military and my family wasn’t around. I didn’t tell my family since they were far away, and I didn’t want to give them bad news. However, my husband was there for me. It was stage four, and I didn’t even know I had it. Reminiscing about it is very painful. My doctor was there for me and did everything he could for me.

Q: Is there anything you’d tell your younger self?

A: You will survive anything you go through. Your husband will take good care of you.

Q: If there were words of wisdom you’d share with the world, what would they be?

A: Be Happy! Enjoy the ride called life!

Q: Do you have a favorite quote, prayer or mantra?

A: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Carmen’s Picture Highlights

DORIAN:

“My cancer journey started in 2021 after putting off going to the doctor to check a hard mass I had in my right breast for the longest time. Due to COVID, I put everything else but my health first. During those days I created what I call “The 5 Minutes of drama method”. Whenever I needed it I’d set 5 minutes in my timer and I’d cry, throw things, complain, have a meltdown, and when the time was up I’d take a shower and went on with me day. At a doctor’s appointment – after trying everything for my pain – my doctor’s nurse told me about Thrivewell and I signed up for their Diva and Dude Program and it was the best decision I ever took. My life changed completely, I made friends…I’m way more active now and I help whenever I can because they gave me back my life.”

Q: Is there anything you’d tell your younger self?

A: Things are gonna get tough, but you’re gonna get tougher. You’ll lose people you care about buuut you’ll meet people and do things you’ve never thought of. Whether you believe it or not you have a lot to offer.

Q: If there were words of wisdom you’d share with the world, what would they be?

A: My words would be for whomever wanted to hear them. Sometimes we need to be a bit selfish, and think about ourselves and our happiness. You can always get a new job, find new people, but we only have one life to live. Allow yourself to be mad from time to time, embrace chaos, and do what you need to do. But also be mindful of others, nobody owes you anything.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote, prayer or mantra?

A: “Not today Satan, not today”, “It is what it is”, and “I’ll sleep when I die”.

Dorian’s Picture Highlights

SEEMA:

My cancer journey was so long ago. It was very scary. I knew all the bad stuff that happened with chemo. I researched everything. I reviewed everything. During chemo I was in survival mode, once it was over, that’s when the stress began. I traveled, painted and when I returned the Diva Program had started, that’s when my healing began.

Q: If there were words of wisdom you’d share with the world, what would they be and who would they be for?

A: The fact that you’re still here standing with your tattered sail, and bruised heart is evidence, you’re going to make it!

Q: Do you have a favorite quote, prayer or mantra?

A: Just a few moments more.

Seema’s Picture Highlights

PATRICIA:

My journey with ThriveWell has been very educational and knowledgeable. Meeting different divas and what there journeys have been has always been enlightening.

Q: Is there anything you’d tell your younger self?

A: Take care of yourself first in order to take care of your family.

Q: If there were words of wisdom you’d share with the world, what would they be?

A: Live life to the fullest and enjoy every day you are here on this earth. Exercise and eat healthy to fight off cancer and get your annual checkout to prevent this ugly disease.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote, prayer or mantra?

A: Treat people who you want to be treated.