Life throws curveballs, and for many, navigating significant health challenges like brain tumors requires immense strength and resilience. Tattoos can serve as powerful, visual testaments to these personal journeys. While the idea of a “Get What You Get Tattoo Near Me” might initially seem random or impulsive, it can actually be a perfect metaphor for embracing the unexpected paths life takes us on, and finding strength in the unknown.
Just like stepping into a tattoo shop for a “get what you get” experience, life with a brain tumor often involves facing the unpredictable. You might not know exactly what design you’ll walk away with in a “get what you get” scenario, but you trust the process and the artist. Similarly, brain tumor survivors learn to navigate uncertainty, placing trust in their medical teams and their own inner fortitude. For those looking to mark their journey, finding a skilled tattoo artist near you becomes an important step in this act of self-expression and reclamation.
Let’s explore the inspiring stories of individuals within the brain tumor community who have chosen tattoos to symbolize their battles, triumphs, and ongoing journeys. Their stories highlight the deeply personal meaning tattoos can hold, and how finding the right tattoo artist in your area can help bring these powerful expressions to life.
Stories of Strength Inked: Brain Tumor Survivor Tattoos
These stories, sourced from the brain tumor community, showcase the diverse and deeply personal reasons behind choosing to get inked. They remind us that finding a tattoo shop “near me” is just the beginning of a much more profound journey of self-discovery and healing.
Stacy A. in San Francisco, CA (meningioma)
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 celebrates each year of survival with a vibrant “tumorversary” tattoo. Her fifth-year design is a whimsical, colorful brain with arms, feet, a lightning bolt, and a bandage – a cheerful emblem of her bionic brain and positive spirit. “When I am having a hard time, I just look at it, and my brain gives me a high five. It’s like having a little cheerleader on my arm,” Stacy shares. For those considering their own celebratory ink, searching for “tattoo shops near me open now” can be the first step towards marking a personal milestone.
Lisa B. in Thurmont, MD (pituitary tumor)
Lisa’s first visible tattoo, placed close to her heart, is a custom flower designed with gray ribbons symbolizing her journey through two brain tumors. For Lisa, this tattoo is a powerful reminder of survival and a step towards embracing her story openly. “This is my reminder to be OK with telling people and being OK with the effects the treatment had and is still having on me — that I am strong enough to transition from being ashamed… to being strong inside and out.” Finding a reputable artist near me was crucial for Lisa to realize her vision with such personal significance.
Kathryn B. in Orwigsburg, PA (meningioma)
Kathryn’s tattoo intertwines the gray ribbon for brain tumors with Disney-inspired elements, commemorating a family trip before her surgery and representing the joy and escape Disney provides. It’s a reminder of overcoming adversity and the precious gift of family. “Each time I have a rough patch, I can see my tattoo and think, ‘If I could make it through all of that, I can do anything.'” For those inspired by Kathryn’s story, searching “best tattoo artists near me” can help find someone to create a similarly meaningful piece.
Courtney B. in Saint Paul, MN (astrocytoma)
As a hospital medicine physician living with brain cancer, Courtney chose a lotus flower growing from a gray brain cancer ribbon. The lotus, rising from mud, symbolizes finding beauty and gifts amidst hardship. “Despite the mud of brain cancer, lotus flowers still bloom,” Courtney explains. Her tattoo serves as a daily reminder to find positivity and is a conversation starter for brain cancer awareness. Before getting inked, especially during treatment, consulting with a medical team and finding a safe and hygienic tattoo shop near you is essential.
Julia C. in Buffalo, NY (astrocytoma)
Julia’s tiny yet powerful tattoo of rain and wind symbolizes her faith and resilience. Inspired by a worship song that carried her through her diagnosis, it represents a firm foundation amidst life’s storms. “Rain came, wind blew, but my house was built on You.” For Julia, it’s a daily assurance of hope and strength. Considering a meaningful quote or symbol? Looking for “tattoo design near me” can provide inspiration and connect you with artists who can bring your ideas to life.
Mark C. in San Francisco, CA (oligodendroglioma)
Mark’s unique first tattoo is a precise replica of his MRI scan, a powerful statement of acceptance, memorialization, and gratitude. “My choice to get a tattoo of my MRI… was based on… acceptance that this was now a part of who I am.” He chose his upper arm to “wear it on your sleeve,” yet retain discretion. For those considering a highly personal and detailed tattoo, finding an artist near me with expertise in realism or medical imagery might be beneficial.
Danielle K. in Danbury, CT (glioblastoma)
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’s half-brain, half-gladiolus tattoo embodies strength and resilience in her glioblastoma battle. The gladiolus, known as strong flowers, represent her determination to overcome the disease. Placed visibly on her forearm, it’s a constant reminder of her inner power. “…this disease has chosen the wrong candidate, and I will continue to demonstrate next-level strength as I battle.” When seeking a tattoo that symbolizes strength, searching for “tattoo artists near me with custom design” can help find someone to create a unique and empowering piece.
Stephanie K. in Los Angeles, CA (meningioma)
Stephanie
Stephanie’s tattoo lists her surgery dates – a timeline of her journey through a meningioma and breast cancer. For Stephanie, it’s a source of empowerment, pride, and gratitude. “Every time I look at it, I feel empowered, proud, and nothing but gratitude.” She connected with a local artist who brought her vision to life, emphasizing the importance of finding an artist near you who understands and connects with your story.
Savannah M. in Dayton, TN (ependymoma)
A family shows their four matching butterfly tattoos on their forearms after Savannah
Butterflies, always significant to Savannah, became even more symbolic after her ependymoma diagnosis. Matching butterfly tattoos with her family represent their shared journey and the symbol of ependymoma itself. “My tattoo symbolizes my battle with cancer, as well as my strength and hope for the future.” For those considering family or group tattoos to symbolize unity and support, searching for “group tattoo discounts near me” could be a practical starting point.
Tommy M. in Chicago, IL (astrocytoma)
Tommy’s “Ramble On” Led Zeppelin tattoo on his leg reflects his newfound passion for running, inspired by music during his recovery. The lyrics motivate him through races, symbolizing his journey and the places his legs now take him. “My legs started to take me places… introducing me to new friends and new communities.” For music lovers seeking to incorporate song lyrics or band imagery into a tattoo, finding an artist near me with experience in lettering or illustrative styles is recommended.
Alex N. in McMinnville, OR (oligodendroglioma)
Alex’s first and only tattoo is a Polish proverb, “Every cloud has a silver lining,” a mantra for maintaining positivity through adversity. Shared with her mother, it’s a symbol of attitude and finding good in difficult times. “It reminds me that attitude is everything and that there can be something positive to come out of even the worst circumstances.” For those considering text-based tattoos with specific fonts, researching “best font tattoo artists near me” can ensure precision and aesthetic appeal.
Cathy O. in Castaic, CA (astrocytoma)
Cathy selected three Snoopy tattoos.
Cathy’s Snoopy tattoos represent gratitude and life lessons learned through her journey. Each Snoopy embodies a different principle: meditative Snoopy for acceptance, dancing Snoopy for presence and happiness, and radiating love Snoopy for the importance of love. “My tattoos are reminders to remember the lessons.” For cartoon enthusiasts seeking character-based tattoos, searching for “cartoon tattoo specialists near me” can connect you with artists who excel in this style.
Heather O. in Rockwall, TX (meningioma)
Heather’s MRI tattoo visually represents the “invisible” deficits she experiences post-tumor, validating her ongoing struggles and reminding her of her strength. “It’s not an excuse or a pity party. It’s my reality, and it reminds me I’m a badass.” For those seeking to represent medical imagery or abstract concepts in a tattoo, finding an artist near me with experience in abstract or unconventional designs is important.
Stephanie Q. in Dallas, TX (astrocytoma)
Stephanie’s “Still I Rise” tattoo, paired with a sun, is a powerful reminder of courage and resilience in the face of a terminal diagnosis. Inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem, it symbolizes her determination to fight and rise above adversity. “…no matter what cancer throws at me, I will still rise and continue the fight.” For those inspired by poetry or powerful quotes, searching for “lettering tattoo artists near me” can help find someone to beautifully incorporate text into your tattoo.
Amanda S. in Norristown, PA (ganglioglioma)
Amanda has many tattoos, but this one has a brain with mechanical gears, flowers, and a gray ribbon.
Amanda’s brain tattoo, featuring mechanical gears and flowers, represents the logical and creative aspects of her brain and her survival. The gray ribbon signifies her life as a survivor. “I see it and smile, especially on days that are challenging… seeing it is a reminder that I survived the most difficult thing I’ve had to go through.” For those seeking complex, symbolic tattoos combining different elements, finding a tattoo shop near me with artists skilled in various styles and custom work is key.
Tips for Getting Your Own Meaningful Tattoo
Inspired by these stories and considering your own tattoo journey? Here are some helpful tips:
- Reflect on Your Meaning: What aspects of your journey do you want to symbolize? Strength, resilience, hope, gratitude? Let this guide your design ideas.
- Find the Right Artist Near You: Searching “tattoo shops near me” is the starting point, but look at portfolios and reviews. Choose an artist whose style resonates with your vision and who you feel comfortable communicating with.
- Consider Placement: Think about visibility and personal meaning. Some choose visible spots as reminders for themselves, while others prefer more private placements.
- Timing is Important: If undergoing medical treatments, consult your doctor about the best time to get a tattoo to minimize infection risk.
- Trust Your Intuition: This is your personal symbol. Choose a design and artist that feel right to you, regardless of trends or others’ opinions.
- Research and Plan: Don’t rush the process. Explore designs, consult with artists, and ensure you feel confident and excited about your chosen tattoo.
Conclusion: Ink as a Testament to Life’s Journey
Just like a “get what you get tattoo” can be a leap of faith and a unique surprise, life’s challenges, especially health battles, often require us to embrace the unknown and find strength within ourselves. These stories demonstrate the profound power of tattoos to mark these journeys, to serve as constant reminders of resilience, and to transform experiences into lasting symbols of hope. If you’re considering a tattoo to commemorate your own journey, take inspiration from these survivors, find a skilled tattoo artist near you, and create a meaningful piece that speaks to your strength and story.
