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The women of Crowns of Courage are living art.
all photos by Dave Burgess
Created in the fall of 2016 by photographer Dave Burgess with henna artists Amanda Gilbert and Steve Stone, Crowns of Courage challenges traditional beauty standards by highlighting what one might hide beneath hats, scarves, and wigs: hair loss due to side effects from chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. Pictured here are five of these fighters—embracing their baldness and celebrating their will, strength, and beauty. The project was displayed at ArtPrize 9 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
After nearly four years battling brain cancer, Tessa Prothero passed away in June 2017 at the age of nine. She loved to
dance, sing, and spend time with friends and family. According to Crowns of Courage, “[Tessa] was wise beyond her years and
had a love of life like no other.”
in early 2017. “I’m just grateful I’m still living and here to share my story,” Donia says.
