Breast cancer survivors in Newmarket, Ont. receive restorative tattoos, reclaiming part of themselves

Cancer survivors who have had mastectomies receive free areola tattoos in Newmarket.

A story of hope and healing unfolded in Newmarket, Ont., as courageous cancer survivors received a badge of ink to help them feel complete again.

Tuesday marked a powerful symbol of resilience and survival as 35 women who had lost their breasts to cancer underwent a restorative areola tattoo, helping them reclaim a part of themselves.

Event host Georgette Dunn, a permanent makeup artist with 12 years of experience, explained to CTV News that the cancer must first be healed before proceeding with the final step, which is areola reconstruction.

This detailed tattoo creates a realistic-looking nipple and areola, restoring the appearance of a woman’s breast.

Dr. Alexandra Ginty, a restorative areola tattoo provider, called the work transformative. “When you’ve had reconstruction, they are bald. These breasts are bald, but what we did here was magic. We put an areola and nipple back on the breast, in a 3D expertise, to make it look like it was always there.”

For many brave survivors, the tattoos marked a final victory in a long and difficult cancer journey.

Kimberly Sandtner, a breast cancer survivor, shared a part of her that has now been brought back to life. “You look in the mirror, and every day you see something missing. A part of you is missing. For me, getting this tattooing done stopped that feeling every day.”

Sandtner told CTV News that she saw a complete image of herself when she looked in the mirror.

“When I got out of the shower and when I was brushing my hair. I’m getting emotional about it. So, it was impactful, and it was something that was truly just for myself,” she said.

All the supplies at the event were donated, including the time and talent of 10 tattoo artists from across North America, Florida, and British Columbia.

The restorative tattoos were provided free of charge. For these incredible women, it was a chance to feel whole again after enduring one of the toughest fights of their lives.