Portraits of Hope is more than photographs, it’s people, stories, and courage woven together. Each ambassador you’ll meet here is a survivor, a thriver, and a leader in their own right. They are mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends who have turned their personal journeys into a source of strength for others. Through their time, talents, and advocacy, they raise awareness and hope in the fight against breast cancer.
This project was created in partnership with the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Chicago, who invited us to honor these incredible women through our lens. At Photos By Toba, photography is never just about the image—it’s about the connection, the story, and the reminder that healing can be seen and felt. We are humbled to share these portraits as a celebration of resilience, community, and the beauty of being truly seen.
Meet The
2025 Chicago
Portraits Of Hope Ambassadors
Meet The
2025 Chicago
Portraits Of Hope Ambassadors
Meet The
2025 Chicago
Portraits Of Hope Ambassadors
Meet The
2025 Chicago
Portraits Of Hope Ambassadors
🌸 Sara F.
-Survivor
When Sara stepped in front of our lens as the very first ambassador of the day, she admitted to feeling nervous. But the moment the session began, she carried herself with a quiet strength that quickly turned into confidence. She started with seated poses, steady and composed, and by the end she was standing tall, moving with ease, and even unbuttoning her blazer vest—a small gesture that showed just how much she had settled into her own power.
Her Voice
“By the end, I was feeling good,” Sara shared after the session. “This photoshoot was out of my comfort zone, but it was fun.” Her advice to anyone on the journey: “You’ve gotta hold on, have hope, and have fun.”
Diagnosed in 2023, Sara reminds us that strength and confidence often grow in the very moments we step beyond what feels familiar. Her portrait celebrates not just survivorship, but the courage to embrace joy along the way.
🌸 Karina A.
- Survivor
The moment Karina stepped in front of our lens, her presence filled the space with calm strength and effortless beauty. One of the most striking moments came when she placed her hand gently on her head—a gesture so simple, yet filled with grace and strength. In that instant, her portrait became more than a pose; it became a reflection of resilience lived and embodied.
Her Voice
“My photoshoot was amazing,” Karina shared afterward. “I felt ageless, timeless, embraced by the photography team and the space. As survivors, we don’t always get to put ourselves first, but in that moment, I felt like a queen.”
Diagnosed seven years ago, Karina has carried her strength into leadership as CEO of Instituto del Progreso Latino and as a member of the ACS DE&I committee. Her portrait is a reminder of how powerful it is for survivors to see themselves reflected in a light that honors their true beauty, resilience, and worth.
🌸 Alicia C.
-Survivor
When Alicia stepped in front of our lens, she carried a quiet strength that spoke volumes. Twice a survivor, she radiated calm and resilience, her presence grounding the room. Dressed with grace and poise, she stood as a reminder that beauty and strength are not diminished by hardship—they are deepened by it. Every frame felt like a celebration of endurance and hope.
Her Voice
“This photoshoot was fun—it was my first one,” Alicia shared with a smile. “We had a great group of women with amazing stories.” Her advice to anyone on the journey: “Take it one step at a time. It is a survivable disease, but be ready to fight.”
At 56, Alicia’s portrait reflects the wisdom and resilience of a two-time survivor. For her, being photographed was a chance to be seen in a light that truly honors her strength and beauty. Through her work with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, she turns that strength outward—advocating so that survivors today, and generations to come, never walk alone.
🌸 Dema T.
-Survivor
When Dema, the youngest survivor in the room, stepped in front of our lens, she carried herself with a quiet confidence that was impossible to ignore—though there was a hint of shyness at first. The other ambassadors and our team surrounded her with encouragement, and slowly that gentle presence began to radiate with strength.
At just 26, she embodied both youth and wisdom, a reminder that survivorship doesn’t wait for the “right” age—it can begin far sooner than expected. By the time she saw her portraits, her smile said everything.
Her Voice
“Trust your gut,” she shared. “If you think something is wrong with your body, go see a doctor. Take care of yourself.”
Dema reminds us that breast cancer can affect women far younger than most expect.
Her portrait reflects both the courage it takes to face that reality and the hope she continues to bring to others walking the same path.
🌸 Alix S.
-Survivor
When Alix stepped in front of our lens, the whole room lit up. She had everyone laughing with her playful gestures and unconventional poses, reminding us that survivorship can also be full of fun and freedom. We gave her space to be herself—and what shone through was pure joy: confident, vibrant, and overflowing with life, light, and energy.
Her Voice
“I had so much fun getting to know everyone and cheering them on during their photoshoots,” Alix shared afterward. “I felt excited, it was fun, and I had a great time.”Her message to others on the journey: “Remain positive even on your hardest days. And if you can’t be positive, surround yourself with people who can—that’s the key.”
At 48, Alix represents both resilience and the importance of visibility for the LGBTQ community within the breast cancer journey. Her portrait reflects what happens when survivors are seen in a light that celebrates their individuality—strong, joyful, and unapologetically authentic.
🌸 Ebonie M.
-Survivor
When Ebonie stepped in front of our lens, there was a depth to her presence that felt both powerful and tender. She carried her mother’s memory with her, and it showed in the way she held herself—strong, unapologetic, yet filled with love. Draped in her cape dress, she looked regal, and when she kicked off her heels, she owned the stage with fearless confidence. Every gesture spoke of resilience layered with legacy, turning her portrait into a living tribute.
Her Voice
“I felt a bit nervous at first,” Ebonie admitted, “but being with my fellow ambassadors made me more comfortable. The photography team made me laugh and helped me feel at ease—it was a party today.” Her message to others on the journey: “You’re stronger than you think you are. Never forget that strength.”
At 46, Ebonie honors her mother’s journey while writing her own. Through her platform, Prowl the Lab, she creates space for women to own their voices and narratives. Her portrait reflects what happens when survivors are embraced in their fullness—seen not only for their fight, but for their beauty, strength, and power.
🌸 Lizzy F.
-Survivor
When Lizzy stepped in front of our lens, she seemed completely at ease—confident, graceful, and comfortable in her own skin. As the last ambassador of the day, she closed the session on a high note, posing joyfully with roses, one for each survivor in the group. Her smile never wavered, radiating both strength and lightness.
Her Voice
“The photoshoot was incredibly uplifting and fun,” Lizzy told us. “The journey is not easy, but if you have people around you supporting you, it makes everything better.”
At 36, Lizzy uses her own journey to raise awareness about early breast cancer diagnoses, ensuring that young women know their health matters. Her portrait celebrates not only her strength but also the joy and community that carry survivors forward.
Being part of Portraits of Hope reminded us that survivorship isn’t one story—it’s many. Each ambassador brought her own light, her own strength, and her own way of showing that even in the hardest moments, hope endures.
We’re deeply grateful to Daniela & Marlie at the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Chicago for inviting us into this space, and to these incredible women for letting us capture not just their portraits, but their spirit. As you scroll through these images, our hope is that you feel the same thing we felt behind the lens—joy, courage, and a community that lifts one another higher.
💕 To learn more about the journeys behind these portraits visit
American Cancer Society Making Strides Chicago
