We gathered on Friday, October 10th, at Twilight Tattoo at 3054 Bloomington Avenue, Minneapolis. It was six breast cancer survivors who had, as part of their treatment, a mastectomy that left scars on their bodies. It was six tattoo artists, who each donated their skill and talent to this healing cause. It was John, the professional photographer, of JPS Photo, who came to document this incredible healing journey. And it was Sandy, Max and Shelby, the video team, who came to interview all of us and film the journey to wholeness. And, it was me, Alli and Toni, who held the space, kept things clean & made sure everyone was taken care of. The intention was to give each of the six women the opportunity to develop a new relationship with her body by opening up the avenue of body art, placing a chosen image on her body to diminish the presence of the disfiguring scars. Each of the six women, Cindy, Amy, Janine, Kathy, Sarah and Missy, described her relationship with her body how I did, before I got my lotus tattoo at the first P.ink, Personal Ink day in October 2013 in Brooklyn, NY.
The words I used, and heard repeated, were: “I hate looking in the mirror.” “I put on a shirt as quickly as possible.” “I hate seeing myself naked.” “The scars really bother me.” “I don’t feel sexy at all.” “I hate what happened to my body.”
The six tattoo artists, Erin, Matt, Joe, Ariel, Chelsea and Shane, started the day by setting up their station, getting all the colors set up, posting the artwork they worked with the survivor to develop on the wall, and making sure they had their gloves and materials ready to keep everything clean.
Shane, the head tattoo artist and owner of Twilight Tattoo, welcomed everyone to the day. I said hello and reviewed the schedule for the day and then, we were off!! Each survivor got in the tattoo chair and the artist put a temporary outline on her body. It was amazing to see the images they had created together!! So much beauty!
It was also incredible to see the family members sit with the artist and the woman, as the tattooing took place. Four husbands attended, and I think all of them had tears at some point, as they watched their wives eyes light up as the tattoos took shape! Janine’s 22 year old daughter, who also has the BRCA genes, was present all day, and at one point, I heard her say, “Mom, I love it!!” Sarah’s sister attended also, and she loved seeing the beautiful tattoo transform her sister, our youngest survivor at #PinkTattooDay Minneapolis!!
As everyone finished up, it was fun to see the gals walking around topless, glancing in the mirrors, sharing their tattoos with one another. Breast cancer survivors have shown their breasts to lots of people, and usually it’s been medical, and not by choice. To have a beautiful tattoo, that was chosen, not forced, it is healing on a very deep level.
We did a Closing Circle at the end of the day. I love Closing Circles. It gives us all a chance to acknowledge the transformations that took place. And it gave us a chance to say thank you to each other. Sandy, the Video Producer, summed up the Closing Circle like this: Everyone (everyone in the place) participated – the Warrior Survivors, their families, the tattoo artists, the owners of the shop, the photographers, media, film crew, everyone! After Mari talked about the circle of life, the connections we all made throughout the day, she passed a special basked filled with “circles” for everyone to take and hold as a symbol of the life-affirming special day. 
It was magnificent!!! #pinktattooday MN. Yes, as I’ve been known to do, I gave everyone a washer to put on their keychain. A reminder that we are all connected to this circle of people who understand.
Soon John will have the photos from the day, and Sandy and her team will create a short and a long video of the day. In the meantime, all of us are transformed! Being the volunteer Local Leader was a joyful experience!! I can hardly wait until next year! Next year I will have a committee to help me bring the day to Minneapolis!!
A big shout-out of joy and appreciation to Twilight Tattoo for donating their shop to the day, and for the cool tote bags and shop t-shirts! And big thanks to Which Wich of Highland Park and Seward Coop for donating lunch, and Glam Doll Donuts and Blackeye Roasting Company for donuts and coffee to kick-off the day!
It was an amazing day. And it was incredible to be a part of the 12 cities that did P.ink Day!! In celebration and appreciation to all who were a part of it! The healing journey has turned the corner for 37 more women!! Including the six here in Minnesota! GO PINK!!!
If you would like to donate to the fund that provides tattoos for breast cancer survivors, please click here: P.ink Gift Fund!
