ALEXANDRIA YONKMAN
Created in the fall of 2016 by photographer Dave Burgess with henna artists Amanda Gilbert and Steve Stone, Crowns of Courage was displayed at ArtPrize 9 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

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.

MINDY KOERT

Mindy Koert, 34, is a survivor of stage III breast cancer. She wears her crown with pride because, as she says, “Strangely, this trial has brought me more growth and joy than any other struggle in my life.”

LISA PARMESANG

Lisa Parmesang, 49, was diagnosed with uterine cancer after doctors found a tumor during hysterectomy surgery. About Crowns of Courage she says, “A great thank you […] for giving women back what seemed lost. Their beauty, their joy, their optimism… and some peace.”

TESSA PROTHERO

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.”

LIZZ GRAMS

Lizz Grams was diagnosed with aggressive and rare synovial sarcoma when she was 35-weeks pregnant. Her son was delivered at 36 weeks, and is now two years old. Lizz passed away in July 2018.

DONIA ROBERTSON

Donia Robertson, 38, was a model before she was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer
in early 2017. “I’m just grateful I’m still living and here to share my story,” Donia says.

More
articles

DISABLED CANCER CARE
Cancer & Environment

Catching Up

Due to inaccessible equipment and inadequate training, cancer screening and care can feel more like a barrier than a benefit for people with disabilities. 

Read More »
GREEN TRAVEL
Cancer & Environment

Running on Fumes

Planes, trains and automobiles are getting the “going green” treatment, showing promise for the future of healthier travel.

Read More »
MICROHEARTS
Innovations & Research

Microhearts, Huge Impact

Better cancer treatment options mean higher survival rates, but long-term survivors risk cardiovascular disease later in life. At InvivoSciences, Ayla Annac is growing microhearts to help better understand the cardiovascular risks of cancer treatment.

Read More »
CHEMICAL WARFARE
Cancer & Environment

Legacies of Chemical Warfare

More than 50 years after the Vietnam War, U.S. herbicide warfare programs have been associated with numerous health risks in veterans and civilians.

Read More »