Grace Serralta – Breast cancer survivor

«« Please drag the arrows to see before & after underwater transformation »»

My name is Grace, and I’m 67 years young—born in New York and raised in the heart of the city.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 and underwent 33 rounds of radiation that summer. When 2015 came around and it was time for a mammogram and sonogram, something new appeared. I was so upset, thinking, Now what? I decided to have a double mastectomy with reconstruction. It was a long and painful process, especially with the expanders in my chest. Eventually, I had implants put in, but they didn’t last long. After about a year and a half, I had them removed due to scar tissue that produced two cysts. Not even those I could count on.

Yes, I must confess there were times I looked at myself and missed wearing clothes that made me feel feminine. But I also realized—breasts don’t make me a woman. I AM A WOMAN.

My son Michael had been encouraging me to do this for quite a while. I loved the idea of letting myself feel free. My goal was to show the world that I’m not ashamed of my changed body. I reached that goal, especially because Michael had never seen my scars—he knew I was a little scared to show myself.

The underwater portrait session was amazing. I was nervous and didn’t know how I’d get through it. Thank you to Erena for sending me pose ideas and guiding me through each step. I struggled with my breathing at first from nerves, but my mood after the session was so peaceful. I had done it—I accomplished something beautiful.

Water is so important to me. I love snorkeling—being in the sea, feeding fish, and feeling as if they recognize me and aren’t afraid. That night, I kept replaying the experience, hoping I had done a good job. I was proud of myself for doing it.

Erena was so patient and encouraging. She let me do my own thing at times, which made me feel truly free. This experience is liberating—not just for healing trauma, but for life itself. We’re all dealing with something, and this gave me a sense of freedom I’ll never forget.

I would absolutely do it again. I believe the more you do it, the stronger that sense of freedom becomes. I recommend the underwater experience to everyone. The excitement I felt was truly special.

My dream is for a world with no sickness, no pain, and no problems—a world full of love and understanding. I believe in a new system that has been promised to us, according to the Bible.

Thank you so much, Erena. God bless you for all you do.

Always,
Grace