A cancer diagnosis is overwhelming at any age – but for children and teens, losing their hair can feel like losing a part of themselves.
That’s why the Bald Beauties Project is helping young patients reclaim their confidence through powerful photo shoots that celebrate strength, beauty, and bravery.
The organization was inspired by Kelsey Luria, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia during her senior year of high school. During treatment, Kelsey made the bold decision to take photos without her wig – a moment that transformed how she saw herself. After her passing, her mother, Maya, carried on Kelsey’s vision, partnering with hospitals to provide photo shoots for children battling cancer.
Since then, hundreds of families have experienced the empowerment these sessions bring. The nonprofit also provides teen comfort kits, funds leukemia research, hosts bereavement retreats, and recently donated $150,000 to build a teen room at Diamond Children’s Medical Center — giving patients a place to simply be kids.
As one young participant shared, “It gets better. It does grow back. You learn to love yourself just the way you are.”
This story originally aired on KOLD-TV, highlighting how a simple photo can help children see themselves beyond their diagnosis — and reminding families they are not alone in the fight.