Tattoos are more than just skin deep; they are profound expressions of personal narratives, milestones, and inner convictions etched onto the body. For individuals navigating the challenging journey of living with brain tumors, tattoos can take on an even more significant role. They become potent symbols of strength, resilience, and survival, tangible reminders of battles fought and victories claimed. This article explores compelling stories from the brain tumor community, showcasing tattoos that embody strength, courage, and the unwavering human spirit. Discover the diverse meanings behind these inked emblems and the powerful emotions they represent.
Personal Stories of Strength Through Ink
Within the brain tumor community, tattoos serve as deeply personal testaments to fortitude. Whether marking a survival milestone, embodying a mantra for resilience, or simply providing a visual anchor of hope during difficult moments, these tattoos are imbued with profound significance. Here, we share inspiring stories of individuals who have chosen ink to represent their inner strength in the face of brain tumors.
Brain as a Symbol of Resilience
For some, the brain itself becomes a powerful image to reclaim and redefine their journey. These tattoos directly address the condition, transforming it from a source of fear to a symbol of strength and understanding.
Stacy A.: Celebrating Survival Anniversaries with a Bionic Brain
Stacy shares one of her tattoos, which is a colorful brain with arms and feet along with a lightning bolt and a head bandage.
Stacy A., from San Francisco, CA, who lives with meningioma, has turned tattoo art into an annual celebration of life. Her “tumorversary” tattoos mark each year of survival, and for her fifth year, she chose a vibrant and whimsical design. “I wanted something happy that would make me smile,” Stacy explains. Her tattoo is a colorful brain character, complete with arms, feet, a lightning bolt, and a head bandage. This playful yet meaningful image serves as a constant reminder of her resilience. “When I am having a hard time, I just look at it, and my brain gives me a high five,” she says, highlighting its role as a personal cheerleader. The lightning bolt symbolizes her brain stimulator and radiation treatments, humorously acknowledging her “bionic brain” while reinforcing a positive outlook and the importance of finding humor amidst adversity.
Danielle K.: A Brain Flourishing with Strength
Danielle shows a few tattoos on her arm, including one that looks like a half brain on the right and flowers/leaves on the left.
Danielle K. from Danbury, CT, diagnosed with glioblastoma, opted for a striking half-brain tattoo that merges the anatomical with the botanical. On one side, the tattoo depicts the intricate structure of a brain, while the other side blossoms into gladiolus flowers. “It’s half brain, half gladiolus, which, per the internet, are some of the strongest flowers out there,” Danielle notes. This design is a powerful declaration of strength, symbolizing her determination to overcome the challenges of brain cancer. Placed on her forearm, the tattoo is a visible reminder to herself and others of her ongoing battle and unwavering resilience. The gladiolus flowers, positioned on the left side from her perspective, represent strength blooming from her experience, a visual affirmation that “this disease has chosen the wrong candidate.”
Amanda S.: A Mind of Logic and Creativity, Forged in Survival
Amanda has many tattoos, but this one has a brain with mechanical gears, flowers, and a gray ribbon.
Amanda S. from Norristown, PA, a ganglioglioma survivor, showcases a meticulously crafted brain tattoo that encapsulates the multifaceted nature of the mind and her journey of survival. Her tattoo artist, who also designed artwork for her Race For Hope team, created a design that is both personal and symbolic. One hemisphere of the brain is rendered with mechanical gears, representing logic and methodical thought, while the other side features delicate flowers and petals, symbolizing creativity and artistic expression. Overlaid with a gray ribbon, the symbol for brain tumor awareness, the tattoo is a comprehensive representation of Amanda’s life as a survivor. “I see it and smile, especially on days that are challenging,” Amanda shares. For her, the tattoo is a constant source of pride and a reminder of her strength in the face of daily challenges and residual effects from her treatment.
Mark C.: Embracing and Memorializing a Stable State
Mark C. in San Francisco, CA (oligodendroglioma)
Mark C., living with oligodendroglioma in San Francisco, CA, chose an unconventional yet deeply personal tattoo: a precise replica of his MRI scan. For Mark, this first and only tattoo represents “acceptance that this was now a part of who I am; memorialization of a ‘stable’ state; and to remind me of the gratitude I have.” The tattoo, located on his upper arm, is a strikingly accurate depiction of his MRI, a testament to the artist’s skill in capturing the intricate details of the scan. This unique choice reflects Mark’s philosophy of “wearing it on your sleeve,” openly acknowledging his journey while also maintaining the option to conceal it when desired. The MRI tattoo is a permanent reminder of his journey, his gratitude for the care he received, and his personal strength in facing his diagnosis with acceptance.
Heather O.: Visible Damage, Invisible Strength
Heather O. in Rockwall, TX (meningioma)
Heather O. from Rockwall, TX, a meningioma survivor, uses her tattoo to validate her often invisible struggles and to affirm her inner strength. Facing minimizing comments about her experience, Heather chose to represent the “obvious damage in my brain” through a tattoo of her MRI. Done four years post-surgery, the MRI image is highlighted with purple to represent meningiomas and white matter. “It’s not an excuse or a pity party. It’s my reality, and it reminds me I’m a badass,” Heather asserts. For Heather, the tattoo is a personal validation, a reminder of the extensive challenges she overcame—17 days in ICU, months of rehab, and relearning basic functions. Placed on her right shoulder, the side most affected by her condition, the tattoo is a powerful and personal statement of resilience and self-acceptance in her “new normal.”
Nature and Symbolism: Blooming Through Adversity
Nature-inspired tattoos offer a different approach to representing strength, using flowers and natural imagery to symbolize growth, resilience, and beauty emerging from difficult circumstances.
Lisa B.: Ribbon Flowers Blooming with Meaning
Lisa B. from Thurmont, MD, a pituitary tumor survivor, sought a tattoo that was both meaningful and beautiful. She collaborated with a tattoo artist to create a unique floral design using color ribbons. “The gray ribbons symbolize my journey through the two brain tumors I have had, the different treatments for them, and the effects of those on and in my life,” Lisa explains. Placed on the inside of her left arm, close to her heart, the flower is a constant reminder of her survival and strength. Over nine years, this tattoo has become a symbol of embracing her journey and overcoming shame and secrecy. It empowers her to be open about her experiences and to acknowledge the lasting effects of her treatment, transforming her journey into a visible emblem of strength and self-acceptance.
Kathryn B.: Disney Magic and Flowers of Resilience
Kathryn B. from Orwigsburg, PA, a meningioma survivor, intertwines personal joy and resilience in her Disney-inspired tattoo. Facing a brain tumor diagnosis shortly after discovering her pregnancy, Kathryn’s tattoo is a powerful collage of symbols. The gray ribbon represents her brain tumor, while red and white flowers symbolize a pulmonary embolism she faced post-surgery. Disney-inspired elements, including Mickey Mouse ears and writing, commemorate a pre-surgery family trip to Disney World. “Putting the negative together with something that had positive memories for me enabled me to think of it all together. Turning that which would bring me down and use it to lift me up,” Kathryn explains. For her, the tattoo is a daily reminder of overcoming adversity and the joy and love that fuel her strength. It serves as a personal mantra: “If I could make it through all of that, I can do anything.”
Courtney B.: Lotus in the Mud of Brain Cancer
Courtney B., a hospital medicine physician from Saint Paul, MN, living with astrocytoma, chose the lotus flower as her symbol of strength. “A lotus flower only grows from mud. Brain cancer is my ‘mud’,” Courtney reflects. Her tattoo depicts a lotus blooming from a gray brain cancer ribbon, visually representing the powerful message “No mud, no lotus.” Inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh’s teaching, the lotus flower symbolizes finding beauty and gifts within life’s difficulties. For Courtney, the tattoo is a daily reminder to seek out positivity amidst the challenges of brain cancer. It also serves as a conversation starter, helping her raise awareness about brain cancer and the strength found within the journey.
Savannah M.: Butterflies of Hope and Transformation
A family shows their four matching butterfly tattoos on their forearms after Savannah
Savannah M. from Dayton, TN, an ependymoma survivor, and her family chose matching butterfly tattoos to symbolize their shared journey. Butterflies held a special significance for Savannah since childhood, representing elegance, freedom, and beauty. Following the loss of her great-grandmother and then her brain cancer diagnosis, butterflies became even more meaningful. Her mother dreamt of her great-grandmother who associated butterflies with her presence and reassurance. Coincidentally, the butterfly is also the symbol for ependymoma. For Savannah, the butterfly tattoo represents her cancer battle, strength, and hope for the future. “When I look down at my wrist, I am provided with comfort that I can get through anything that life throws my way,” Savannah shares. The butterfly embodies transformation and growth, mirroring her own journey from diagnosis to survivor.
Words of Empowerment: Mantras for Resilience
Words, whether quotes, song lyrics, or personal mantras, can be incredibly powerful. Tattoos incorporating meaningful text serve as constant affirmations of strength, hope, and unwavering spirit.
Julia C.: A House Built on Faith
Julia C. from Buffalo, NY, an astrocytoma survivor, chose a small yet deeply meaningful tattoo featuring lyrics from a worship song that resonated profoundly during her diagnosis. The tattoo quotes, “Rain came, wind blew, but my house was built on You.” This powerful bridge from the song became her anchor throughout her brain tumor journey, representing unwavering faith and a firm foundation amidst life’s storms. “Those words always struck me so powerfully because it perfectly represents that no matter what life hands me, I have a firm foundation upon which to rest,” Julia explains. For her, the tattoo is a daily reminder of her resilience, her faith, and the hope that guides her forward, far beyond just her brain tumor experience.
Stephanie Q.: Still I Rise, Towards the Sun
Stephanie Q. from Dallas, TX, living with astrocytoma, found strength in Maya Angelou’s powerful poem “Still I Rise.” Her tattoo combines the poem’s title with a sun, creating a potent symbol of resilience and defiance. “The poem reminds me that no matter what cancer throws at me, I will still rise and continue the fight,” Stephanie explains. The sun, representing constant renewal and rising each morning after setting, symbolizes her determination to overcome a terminal diagnosis at a young age. Getting the tattoo in Iceland, during a trip taken to reclaim joy after her diagnosis, further solidified its meaning. Visible on her body, the tattoo is a constant source of courage, helping her manage scanxiety and reminding her of her ability to “rise above all of my fears and trauma.”
Alex N.: Silver Linings in Every Cloud
Alex N. from McMinnville, OR, an oligodendroglioma survivor, chose a Polish proverb for her tattoo: “Po każdej burzy, wychodzi słońce,” which translates to “After every storm, the sun comes out,” or more loosely, “Every cloud has a silver lining.” This saying resonated deeply with Alex, reminding her that “attitude is everything and that there can be something positive to come out of even the worst circumstances.” This first and only tattoo is a shared experience with her mother, who got a matching one. Placed on her right wrist, the tattoo is a discreet yet accessible reminder of hope and strength, a personal mantra to find positivity even during challenging days.
Tommy M.: Rambling On with Resilience
Tommy M. from Chicago, IL, an astrocytoma survivor, found his strength anthem in Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On.” During his recovery, the song became his motivational soundtrack, its lyrics resonating with his brain tumor journey. His tattoo, inspired by the song title, is placed on his leg, symbolizing his newfound passion for running and physical challenges. “My legs started to take me places,” Tommy shares, highlighting his transformation from someone who disliked running to a marathon and ultramarathon runner. The “Ramble On” tattoo is a tribute to his resilience, his love for music, and his physical journey of pushing boundaries and discovering new strengths post-diagnosis.
Dates as Milestones: Marking Survival and Empowerment
For some, tattoos serve as timelines of their journey, marking significant dates as powerful reminders of survival and milestones achieved.
Stephanie K.: Dates of Empowerment and Gratitude
Stephanie
Stephanie K. from Los Angeles, CA, a meningioma and breast cancer survivor, chose a tattoo that lists the dates of her surgeries: “Craniotomy 2.24.22” and her breast surgery dates. For Stephanie, these dates are not just markers of medical procedures but symbols of survival, empowerment, and profound gratitude. “Every time I look at it, I feel empowered, proud, and nothing but gratitude,” Stephanie states. This first tattoo was a way to find closure and to constantly remember how far she has come. Created freehand by a local artist who resonated with her story, the date tattoo is a deeply personal and powerful emblem of her survivor journey, meant to be understood and shared on her own terms.
Finding Strength in Joy and Humor
Even in the face of serious challenges, finding joy and humor can be a powerful source of strength. Cathy O.’s tattoos exemplify this approach, using beloved characters to represent inner peace and happiness.
Cathy O.: Snoopy’s Wisdom: Meditation, Happiness, and Love
Cathy selected three Snoopy tattoos.
Cathy O. from Castaic, CA, an astrocytoma survivor, embraces joy and life lessons through her Snoopy tattoos. A lifelong fan of Snoopy, Cathy chose three different Snoopy images to represent key aspects of her journey: meditative Snoopy for acceptance and peace, dancing Snoopy for presence and happiness, and radiating love Snoopy for understanding the primacy of love. “My tattoos are reminders to remember the lessons,” Cathy explains. Starting with dancing Snoopy and adding others, her collection has grown to eight Snoopy tattoos, reflecting her evolving journey and the ongoing lessons learned. For Cathy, Snoopy, a character who “can be/do anything,” embodies a lighthearted yet profound approach to finding strength and meaning in life’s experiences.
Tips for Getting a Strength Tattoo
Inspired by these stories? Here are some helpful tips from the brain tumor community for those considering getting a tattoo to represent their strength:
- Timing is Important: Consult your medical team about the best time to get a tattoo, especially during or after treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, to minimize risks of infection or bleeding (Courtney B.).
- Choose a Reputable Artist: Research and select a reputable tattoo artist. Review their sketches and don’t rush the decision. If you’re not happy with the design, ask for revisions or find another artist (Lisa B.).
- Consider Meaning and Placement: Think deeply about the meaning you want to convey and choose a placement that is personally significant (Heather O., Alex N.). Consider visibility and whether you want it to be easily seen or more private (Mark C.).
- Test it Out: If it’s your first tattoo, try drawing the design on yourself or using temporary tattoos to ensure you like having it before making it permanent (Stacy A., Cathy O.).
- Personal Connection with the Artist: Finding an artist who understands your story and with whom you connect can enhance the experience and ensure the tattoo is truly meaningful (Stephanie K., Amanda S.).
- Font Choice Matters: If incorporating words or numbers, choose a thinner font to prevent blurring over time (Brenda W.).
- Hydrate and Prepare: Hydrate well in the days leading up to your appointment, bring snacks, and create a playlist or audiobook to help you relax during the process (Desiree J.).
- Pain Considerations: Pain levels vary by location. Inner arms and lower back/waist can be more sensitive (Danielle K., Laura N. – foot tattoos can be particularly painful!).
- MRI Safety: If you anticipate future MRIs, consider using medical-grade ink and inform your MRI team about new tattoos (Cathy O., Stephanie Q.).
Conclusion: Ink as an Enduring Symbol of Strength
These tattoos are more than just art; they are powerful declarations of strength, resilience, and the enduring human spirit. They represent personal battles fought, victories celebrated, and lessons learned. For brain tumor survivors, tattoos can be a vital part of reclaiming their narrative, embodying their inner strength, and inspiring hope in themselves and others. Whether a brain image, a symbolic flower, a meaningful quote, or a significant date, these inked emblems serve as lasting testaments to the incredible strength found within the brain tumor community.
