Kelly – Breast Cancer Survivor

Please click and drag the white arrows to see my underwater transformation.

My name is Kelly Waters and I’m 30 years old. I was born in Hong Kong and grew up in San Diego.

I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in April 2017.

I have no family history. I found out after feeling a lump on my chest. I was in disbelief when I found out. I didn’t want to believe it. I didn’t know if I should cry or be mad. I forced myself to cry to an emotion. Then I went to my happy place, Zion National Park. It was planned previously to the diagnoses and I felt that I shouldn’t let a cancer diagnoses stop me.

I wanted to be involved in this underwater transformation project because it’s inspiring and amazing. It captures different movements while being able to move freely and effortlessly. I would love be a part of something that raises awareness while showing those around you that cancer does not have to be one’s end. I would like to showcase fearlessness and beauty all in one.

I was feeling a little nervous and awkward since I’ve never done this before and I didn’t know what to expect or what was expected of me.

Underwater, I felt free to move and imagined myself just float dancing. I think the difficulty was trying to coordinate the movements while balancing and smiling while all pointing toes haha.

I felt really good after doing the shoot, I was glad I did it. The time went by so fast! I was happy and very pleased and excited for the outcome. It was a way to work with an amazing photographer that understood our message to the world.

Water is essential to life, in a way, surrounding myself and embracing one of the major sources of life was freeing. Water is beautiful in many forms. In nature, the waterfalls and rivers gives its environment a source of life and beauty. The sea provides life to so many creatures and ocean life. I could go on and on.. everything about water transfixes me.

I slept normally only because I worked the night before Compare to the usual days? I woke up earlier to be on time.

Yes! I would recommend this underwater transformation to other survivors and anybody! It was an amazing and unique experience to showcase a different side of photography. Erena was great to work with. I didn’t feel shy being topless with her. I recommend her to everyone!