Jodi-Ann, make-up artist, wife, and mother of three, began her cancer treatment when her twin sons were only six months old. From the emotional and physical toll to the demands of a busy family life, the make-up artist mom was suddenly faced with unthinkable challenges, all in the midst of an isolating pandemic., Jodi-Ann is a vision of strength and beauty.
“Sometimes when people see you, they automatically feel that you’re okay, when deep down you’re dealing with a lot of side effects. You’re dealing with a lot of things.”Receiving treatments for cancer takes a devastating toll on the body, often making simple tasks too difficult to handle. The treatments also change the physical appearance of the person receiving them, which is the main contributor to identity loss.
To compound the issue, such visible transformations affect other people’s perception of folks receiving treatments for cancer, making it difficult for them to overlook the physical signs of chemotherapy. The identity of the person seems to be washed away as soon as their appearance changes. “Because of COVID, I don’t have the added support that I need, especially when I’m going to treatment. Nobody can come in with me [due to the] restrictions on hospitals right now, so I feel isolated and alone. [I’m also] having to take care of my family alone; no one can come and help. It’s been a really difficult journey for me,” Jodi-Ann related.“Personal support is of extreme importance. Getting diagnosed is a big burden and it can be overwhelming.