Tattoos are often deeply personal, acting as visual representations of beliefs, experiences, and milestones. For individuals navigating life with brain tumors, tattoos can take on an even more profound significance. They become powerful emblems of resilience, survival, and the unwavering human spirit. Here, we share 15 inspiring stories from members of the brain tumor community who have chosen to express their journeys through ink, creating their own unique “Brain Tattoos.” These tattoos are not just body art; they are sources of inspiration, badges of honor, and tangible reminders of personal mantras that guide them through challenging times.
Stacy A.
Lisa B.
Kathryn B.
Courtney B.
Julia C.
Mark C.
Danielle K.
Stephanie K.
Savannah M.
Tommy M.
Alex N.
Cathy O.
Heather O.
Stephanie Q.
Amanda S.
Stacy A. in San Francisco, CA (meningioma)
Colorful brain tattoo with lightning bolt and bandage, representing survivor's 'tumorversary' and bionic brain.
Stacy celebrates each year of survival with a new “tumorversary” tattoo. For her fifth year, she chose a vibrant and cheerful design: a colorful brain with arms and feet, a lightning bolt, and a head bandage. “A serious thing like a brain tumor is such a constant battle that I try to celebrate the wins that I have,” Stacy explains. This whimsical brain tattoo acts as a personal cheerleader, offering a mental “high five” during difficult moments.
The lightning bolt in her brain tattoo symbolizes the brain stimulator implant and radiation therapy she underwent, leading her to jokingly refer to her “bionic brain.” It’s also a daily reminder to maintain positivity and find humor amidst adversity.
Tip from Stacy: “If it is your first tattoo, draw something on yourself to see if you like having it. Tattoos are NOTHING pain-wise compared to what most of us have gone through, so if anyone is nervous about the pain, it’s not as bad as you might be thinking.”
Lisa B. in Thurmont, MD (pituitary tumor)
Ribbon flower tattoo in gray, symbolizing brain tumor journey and strength.
Lisa wanted her first visible tattoo to be deeply meaningful and beautiful. Placed on her inner left arm, close to her heart, her brain tumor tattoo is a custom-designed flower crafted from colored ribbons. The gray ribbons are central to its significance, representing her nine-year journey through two brain tumors, various treatments, and their lasting impacts.
This ribbon flower tattoo has become a powerful symbol of survival and acceptance for Lisa. “Over the past nine years, it has become a reminder to me that my journey is what it is, and I have survived,” she shares. It empowers her to openly acknowledge her experiences and the ongoing effects of her treatment, transitioning from shame to inner and outer strength.
Tip from Lisa: “Find a reputable tattoo artist. Give them ideas and then evaluate their sketch. Do not make any hurried decisions. And if you do not love the sketch, have the artist redo it or find a different artist.”
Kathryn B. in Orwigsburg, PA (meningioma)
Disney-inspired brain tumor tattoo with gray ribbon, red and white flowers, and bow.
Kathryn’s brain tumor diagnosis coincided with finding out she was pregnant after years of trying to conceive. Before her brain tumor removal surgery, she took a family trip to Disney World with her young daughter, creating precious memories “just in case.” Post-surgery complications, including a pulmonary embolism, added to her challenges.
Her “brain tattoo” is a poignant reminder of survival and resilience, blending the difficult with the joyful. The gray ribbon symbolizes the brain tumor, while red and white flowers with a bow represent the pulmonary embolism. Disney-inspired ears and lettering commemorate the special trip with her daughter, a symbol of love, escape, and positive memories amidst hardship.
Tip from Kathryn: “I would encourage you to think of what makes you happy or empowered and put it in a place you could see to remind you. For me, it was knowing what I overcame. 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.'”
Courtney B. in Saint Paul, MN (astrocytoma)
Lotus flower growing from gray brain cancer ribbon tattoo, symbolizing resilience and finding gifts in adversity.
As a hospital medicine physician living with anaplastic astrocytoma, Courtney finds strength in the symbolism of the lotus flower. For her, brain cancer is the “mud” from which her lotus grows, representing the unexpected gifts and perspectives gained through adversity. Inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh’s quote, “No mud, no lotus,” Courtney chose this powerful image for her brain tattoo.
Her tattoo depicts a lotus flower blooming from a gray brain cancer ribbon, a visual metaphor for resilience and growth amidst challenges. It serves as a daily reminder to seek out positive aspects even in difficult situations and acts as a conversation starter for brain cancer awareness.
Tip from Courtney: “I would make sure to discuss the timing with your medical team! It can be dangerous to get a tattoo at certain times during chemotherapy or radiation therapy. It’s important to make sure your risk of bleeding and infection is minimized when you get your tattoo.”
Julia C. in Buffalo, NY (astrocytoma)
Tiny rain and wind tattoo with lyrics "Rain came, wind blew, but my house was built on You," representing faith and resilience.
Julia’s brain tumor diagnosis was a life-altering experience she wanted to commemorate with a meaningful tattoo. On the day of her first MRI, a friend sent her a worship song whose lyrics resonated deeply with her. This song became a source of strength and hope throughout her brain tumor journey.
Her small but significant tattoo represents the bridge of that song: “Rain came, wind blew, but my house was built on You.” These words symbolize her unwavering faith and the strong foundation she found amidst life’s storms. Julia’s “brain tattoo” is a constant reminder of her resilience and the hope that guides her forward.
Tip from Julia: “For anyone considering a tattoo, I would say just to really think about it before you get it! I chose a tattoo that, for me, carried a powerful and meaningful message, but that was also positive!”
Mark C. in San Francisco, CA (oligodendroglioma)
MRI scan tattoo on upper arm, symbolizing acceptance, gratitude, and personal journey.
Mark’s first and only tattoo is a unique choice: a detailed replica of his brain MRI scan. This “brain tattoo” embodies acceptance of his condition, memorializes a period of stability, and expresses gratitude for the support he’s received and the quality of care he accessed.
The tattoo artist meticulously recreated the MRI scan, achieving remarkable precision. For Mark, this tattoo is a deeply personal symbol that reflects his identity and journey. Choosing his upper arm allows him to “wear it on his sleeve” metaphorically, while also offering discretion depending on his clothing.
Tip from Mark: “I’d recommend that they think about what they want carefully and consider the fact that it will be around forever.”
Danielle K. in Danbury, CT (glioblastoma)
Half brain and half gladiolus flower tattoo, symbolizing strength and defiance against brain cancer.
Danielle’s journey with tattoos began after her glioblastoma diagnosis. While she already had a small tattoo, her diagnosis inspired her to use body art to memorialize significant life events. Her “brain tattoo” emerged spontaneously during a tattoo session with her sisters.
This striking design is half brain, half gladiolus flower, chosen for gladioli’s symbolic association with strength. It represents Danielle’s determination to fight brain cancer with unwavering resilience. The placement on her forearm makes it visible to both herself and others, a constant reminder of her strength and defiance.
Tip from Danielle: “The inner arm, where you might consider yourself to be a touch flabby, is one of the most PAINFUL spots. Make sure you jive with your artist! Aside from finding a facility that makes you comfortable and is clean and reputable, a positive connection with your tattoo artist makes a world of difference.”
Stephanie K. in Los Angeles, CA (meningioma)
Surgery date tattoo, listing craniotomy and mastectomy dates, symbolizing survival and gratitude.
Stephanie’s life changed dramatically after a seizure led to the discovery of a large meningioma, followed by a breast cancer diagnosis and double mastectomy within months. Her “brain tattoo” is a simple yet powerful list of her surgery dates: Craniotomy 2.24.22 and her breast surgery dates.
This date tattoo is a personal symbol of empowerment, pride, and gratitude for Stephanie. Created by a local artist who resonated with her story, it offers closure and a daily reminder of her journey as a survivor. The dates are deeply personal, allowing her to share her story on her own terms.
Tip from Stephanie: “I did want to find an artist who knew my story, so I felt a sense of connection. I also think trusting your intuition and not getting anyone else’s opinion is important. Art is subjective. What matters most is it speaks to you.”
Savannah M. in Dayton, TN (ependymoma)
Matching butterfly tattoos on family forearms, symbolizing cancer journey, strength, and hope.
Butterflies have always held special meaning for Savannah, representing elegance, freedom, and gentle beauty. After her brain cancer diagnosis in 2022, the butterfly symbol took on even greater significance. Her family had experienced dreams of butterflies connected to her late great-grandmother, offering comfort and reassurance. Serendipitously, the butterfly is also the symbol for ependymoma.
Savannah and her family chose matching butterfly tattoos to symbolize their shared journey with cancer. This “brain tattoo” represents her personal battle, strength, and hope for the future. It’s a constant source of comfort and a reminder of her resilience.
Tip from Savannah: “My advice would be if you want to get a tattoo inspired by your cancer journey, do it. You will not regret it. Something so lasting and impactful, a piece of that will always stay with you. I think having a reminder of your strength is so powerful.”
Tommy M. in Chicago, IL (astrocytoma)
Led Zeppelin "Ramble On" lyrics tattoo on leg, symbolizing motivation, journey, and personal anthem.
Music, especially rock, is a passion for Tommy. During his recovery from brain surgery and radiation, Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On” became his anthem. Listening to it on daily walks, he connected the lyrics to his brain tumor journey, finding inspiration and motivation.
His “brain tattoo” features lyrics from “Ramble On,” a tribute to the song that fueled his recovery and his newfound passion for running. Now a marathon runner, Tommy’s leg tattoo symbolizes his physical and emotional journey, reminding him of his progress with every step.
Tip from Tommy: “I would suggest researching a shop or artist you’re considering on social media or pop into their shop. Ask friends or family who have tattoos for recommendations.”
Alex N. in McMinnville, OR (oligodendroglioma)
Polish proverb "Every cloud has a silver lining" tattoo on wrist, symbolizing positivity and resilience.
Alex sought a cancer-related tattoo that resonated deeply. She found it in a Polish proverb: “Every cloud has a silver lining.” This saying became her mantra, reminding her to maintain a positive attitude and find good even in the darkest of times following her brain cancer diagnosis.
Her wrist tattoo, featuring this proverb, is her first and only tattoo. It’s a discreet yet accessible reminder of hope and resilience, offering strength on challenging days. Her mother also got a matching tattoo, creating a shared symbol of support.
Tip from Alex: “This was my first tattoo, and I definitely put a lot of time and thought into it, down to specific fonts. I ordered some temp tattoo mockups from Inkbox and tried them on different parts of my body. My right wrist felt like the most meaningful location.”
Cathy O. in Castaic, CA (astrocytoma)
Three Snoopy tattoos: Meditative, Dancing, and Radiating Love, symbolizing gratitude and life lessons.
Cathy is grateful for the lessons learned through her brain tumor journey. Her chosen “brain tattoos” feature Snoopy, a lifelong favorite character who embodies versatility and positivity. She selected three Snoopy designs, each with a specific meaning: Meditative Snoopy for acceptance and peace, Dancing Snoopy for presence and happiness, and Radiating Love Snoopy for the importance of love.
Starting with Dancing Snoopy, Cathy’s collection grew to eight Snoopy tattoos, a testament to the uplifting and perhaps “addictive” nature of meaningful ink.
Tip from Cathy: “Before getting my first tattoo, I found it helpful to get temporary tattoos that were the same as I was thinking. I got a couple of henna ones and used InkBox freehand ink so that I could be sure of placement and size. I also go to a paramedical tattoo artist who uses medical-grade ink. Because of MRIs, I wanted to be sure it was safe.”
Heather O. in Rockwall, TX (meningioma)
Brain MRI scan tattoo in purple, highlighting meningioma damage and representing reality and strength.
Heather lives with invisible deficits resulting from her brain tumor, surgery, and complications. Dismissive comments minimizing her experience led her to seek a powerful way to represent her reality. Her “brain tattoo” is a striking image of her brain MRI, showcasing the visible damage.
This MRI tattoo, rendered with purple to highlight meningiomas, is not about seeking pity but about validating her experience and inner strength. It’s a personal reminder of what she has overcome and a symbol of her “new normal.” Placed on her right shoulder, it subtly reflects the physical challenges she has faced.
Tip from Heather: “Think about placement for sure and what’s meaningful to you in this journey. Mine is very in-your-face if I happen to show it.”
Stephanie Q. in Dallas, TX (astrocytoma)
Maya Angelou "Still I Rise" poem and sun tattoo, symbolizing courage and rising above trauma.
Fear and grief accompanied Stephanie’s terminal diagnosis at 31. Seeking courage, she chose Maya Angelou’s poem “Still I Rise” for her “brain tattoo.” The poem, resonating with themes of overcoming trauma, empowers her to face cancer’s challenges. Paired with a sun, it symbolizes resilience and rising even after life’s setbacks.
Stephanie got this tattoo in Iceland during a trip taken to reclaim joy after her diagnosis. This trip, where she got engaged, became a symbol of hope and resilience. Her tattoo, visible to herself, serves as a constant reminder of her strength to overcome fear, especially during scanxiety related to her MRIs.
Tip from Stephanie: “My recommendation would be to think about what you want the tattoo to do for you. I needed help fighting my fears, so I directed my attention to what made me most afraid and designed something that would give me courage in those moments.”
Amanda S. in Norristown, PA (ganglioglioma)
Brain tattoo with mechanical gears, flowers, and gray ribbon, representing survival and brain functions.
Amanda, a tattoo enthusiast, wanted a “brain tattoo” to celebrate her survival. Her special design originated as artwork for her Race For Hope team t-shirts, later gifted as a tattoo. It depicts a brain with mechanical gears on the right side, symbolizing logic, and flowers on the left, representing creativity. A gray ribbon on top signifies her survivor status.
This “brain tattoo” brings Amanda joy and serves as a powerful reminder of her resilience, especially on challenging days managing residual effects from her brain tumor.
Tip from Amanda: “I waited several years after my artist created the image to actually get it tattooed. I wanted to make sure that the image was something I loved over time, and it still represented my idea of what I wanted to showcase as a survivor.”
Other Helpful Tips for Your Brain Tattoo Journey
- Tom O. in Apex, NC (oligodendroglioma): “When I was facing my third surgery, I asked my surgeon if I could get a tattoo prior to surgery. NO was his answer, because of the risk of infection. So my daughter used a Sharpie, and I was shielded with HOPE entering the OR. Even more so when I exited. When I completed my last radiation treatment, I had an appointment with a tattoo artist and went there directly.”
- Brenda W. in Bellevue, NE (astrocytoma): “I would say if you’re going to incorporate any numbers or words, look for a font that isn’t as ‘fat.’ Look for thin numbers so they don’t end up blurring together. Work with an artist to get it how you want it the first time. This holds a lot of meaning for you, and you should get what you want. Don’t let anyone talk you out of it, either. This is FOR YOU and no one else.”
- Laura N. in Indianapolis, IN (oligodendroglioma): “I chose the foot as that was the only area one friend didn’t already have a tattoo, [and we were doing a group tattoo]. Avoid your foot! That hurts!!”
- Desiree J. in Edmonton, AB (astrocytoma): “Start hydrating the day or a few days before. Download a good playlist or audiobook, and bring snacks! (Sugary is good to keep your blood sugar from crashing.)”
