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Home · News

Breast Cancer Survivor Walks 1,000 Miles Topless to Share Her Inspiring Scar Story

“We have scars for a reason. They’re our story of survival.”
Breast Cancer Survivor Walks 1,000 Miles Topless to Share Her Inspiring Scar Story
Instagram
By Toni Akindele · Updated October 27, 2020

‘Lemonade’ star, Paulette Leaphart walks 1,000 miles topless to embrace her breast cancer scars.

In 2014, Leaphart underwent a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Unfortunately, following her successful surgery, she was informed that she would not be a candidate for reconstructive breast implants due to pre-existing health conditions.

10 Celebrities Affected by Breast Cancer​

Her initial response was, “What’s a woman without breasts?”

Scar Story follows Leaphart’s journey to physically and emotionally embrace her scars. The documentary chronicles the 1,000 mile journey Leaphart is currently on—from Biloxi, MS to Washington, DC—to demonstrate that we all have scars and that we should not be ashamed of them.

“We have scars for a reason,” says Leaphart. “They’re our story of survival.”

“Yes, I had cancer, and I kicked its ass; and I have the scars to prove it,” she asserts. “Somebody’s going to pay attention when they see a Black lady walking down the highway across the country with no shirt on.”

And she wasn’t kidding. Leaphart eventually grabbed the attention of Beyoncé, who featured the cancer survivor in her latest visual album ‘Lemonade.’

Check out Paulette featured in the HOPE section of #Lemonade! "I am so humble to God to be apart of a very powerful project with #Beyonce and countless other #powerfulwomen. I will never forget the experience, sharing my story in something so #empowering for all women of all races and age. #MalcolmX intones: “The most disrespected woman in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman.” Powerful film showing the real struggles of a woman. ‪#truth‎ ‪‪‬ ‪#‎1000milewalk‬ ‪#THESCARSTORY‬ ‪#THANKFUL‬ ‪#CANCERFREE‬ ‪#TEAMJESUS‬" - Paulette Leaphart

A photo posted by @the_scar_story on Apr 26, 2016 at 1:52pm PDT

Leaphart hopes her journey helps women accept their perceived imperfections. She aims to reach the capital by her 50th birthday on June 27th.

We wish her the best of luck on her amazing journey! For more information, visit TheScarStory.com. 

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