Her name, Pei Pei. Three months ago she was defined by the work that she has done saving lives, canine lives. She has poured her heart and soul into it. Today, she is fighting not to be defined by her cancer.

The cancer? Stage 2 breast cancer, she is 41. If you know anything about breast cancer, her cancer tested positive for estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors (meaning it is an aggressive cancer).

And there is it, the definition of the cancer that rages inside of her, the one she refuses to be defined by, and yet for the time being, she is. It has taken her hair, an emotional piece of her history, if she has her way that is all the cancer will take. As she embarks on this journey, she has invited me to come along.

Cancer, it is a word too common. It is a feared demon, it is powerful and it is often victorious. Stare it in the face, make it scream for mercy. All you can do is fight and… NEVER EVER GIVE UP.

This is the photographic journey of one woman, ready for the fight of her life.

H/T Sarah Magon Wood Photography