A pair of shoes I just finished customizing done in marker on canvas for my mom. I illustrated the word “survivor” in pink shoelace that goes around the outside of each shoe and forms a pink ribbon on the front.

October is breast cancer awareness month, and it also happens to be one year from when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. One year later, and minus two boobs, she has come a long way, all the while never showing signs of doubt or worry, even if she was feeling that inside. I am very proud of her, as well as grateful for all of her doctors, nurses, surgeons, technicians, and anyone else involved in saving her life as well as helping others fight this disease. Technically you are not supposed to be considered a survivor until a 5-year mark or something, but as my mom says, “Screw it.”