Aubrie’s Story — A Portrait of Courage

If I wrote down all the goodness I’ve seen, the pages would take a lifetime to read.
Over the years, I’ve witnessed quiet miracles and incredible strength in so many of the people I’ve photographed.

This story is one that deserves to be shared — in honor of a truly courageous woman and all those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer.

How I Met Aubrie

A few months ago, I offered something special — a Courageous Woman Portrait Experience, a gift for one extraordinary woman who had walked through fire and was still standing. I invited friends and followers to nominate someone they love and admire — someone whose story deserved to be celebrated.

From the nominations I received, one name stood out: Aubrie McCoy.
And once I learned her story, I understood exactly why.

Aubrie’s Journey

Aubrie’s journey began just before Thanksgiving in 2019, when she felt a small lump near her breast while showering. Within days, she scheduled a mammogram and ultrasound, followed by a biopsy. By December 10th, she had her diagnosis.

It was aggressive.

Doctors inserted a port for chemotherapy on January 9, 2020, and treatments began just four days later. By then, the tumor had already doubled in size — growing from 5 cm to 10 cm in just a month.

She faced chemo, radiation, and an astonishing fifteen surgeries. But what made it even more difficult was when it happened.
The world was shutting down for COVID.
She went through much of her treatment alone — no visitors, no comfort from family or friends at her side.

Her mother cared for her two young sons during those long months. The pain, fear, and isolation were overwhelming, yet she kept going — day by day, treatment by treatment.

When I called to tell Aubrie she had been chosen for the Courageous Woman session, she was genuinely surprised.
“I’ve never won anything,” she said. “I can’t believe you chose me.”

Creating Her Portrait Story

When we met for her consultation, I wanted to understand her journey — to see her story in a way that could be translated into portraits. I had no idea how much she had endured until she began to share it with me.

She told me about the physical toll — the pain, the exhaustion, the emotional waves that come with both medication and uncertainty. She told me about calling her mother in tears, about moments when she wanted to give up, and about finding her strength again through love and faith.

Her mother later told me what it was like to hear that pain and not be able to take it away.

When Aubrie showed me her scars, she said softly,

“I’m not afraid of them. Show them if you want to.”

That moment defined everything about how I wanted to tell her story — with truth, grace, and power.

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