More than a dozen tattoo shops across the country, including Cleveland’s Voodoo Monkey, lent a hand, redefining the term skin deep and also helping breast cancer survivors know the disease doesn’t have to leave the last mark.
Breast cancer survivors received free tattoos to cover their scars. It’s a part of a national movement called Pink Day, which “connects breast cancer survivors with tattoo artists who can provide a form of healing that no one else can”
"I've had the surgeries, the radiation, the chemo," said Dawn Gumbita, a breast cancer survivor.
Gumbita’s cancer came with a forever scar and a life time of healing. She’s been a survivor for 9 years.
"I had some discoloration and scaring from radiation that you can always see when I wore a bikini top or a tank top."
Her scar is now a rose. A tattoo, which is now a symbol of another victory against the deadly disease.
"And its completely covered. Done over. You can’t even tell...I feel wonderful," she said.
A form of healing no doctor can provide.
"It's been amazing,” said Kimmie who is also a breast cancer survivor.
She says after her surgery, she told her daughter a jellyfish needed to be taken out of her. It was only right to bring that jellyfish back as her Pink Day tattoo.
“Just coming full circle. Something beautiful out of the pain,” she said.
Co-owner of Voodoo Monkey, Dave Stalter says he was happy to put smiles on the faces of breast cancer survivors.
“It takes a great amount of strength for survivors to carry on and to have us be a part of it means a lot to us," he said.
In all, six breast cancer survivors received tattoos.
Each of them reminded: that beauty is so much more than skin deep.
"I couldn't have asked for anything more perfect,” Gumbita said.
For these women, the day brought closure. The end to a long fight against a terrible disease. Now, they have a new beginning, feeling like themselves once again.