The Beauty of
SURVIVAL
Project
Where Beauty Meets Courage — Honouring Survival Through Story and Image
Introduction
Your Story. Your Strength. Your Legacy.
You’re here because you survived — and that matters more than you know.
Created by
Dr. Cat Stone
Image by: Peter Morris
@peter_at_photoshoot
Tess Woolcock
Image by: Maegan McDowell
Dr. Cat Stone, a three-time breast cancer survivor, and Tess Woolcock, journalist and PR specialist.
We’re bringing together survivor stories and artistic portraits into a beautiful book that shows the world what we know to be true: life after trauma can be powerful, meaningful, and profoundly beautiful.
The Beauty of Survival celebrates the art of surthriving: transforming scars, loss, and change into beauty, meaning, and power. This isn’t just about surviving. It’s about the radiant life that comes after — and the courage it takes to claim it.
What We’re Creating Together
Kennedy Anderson
@kennedynz
Through intimate interviews with Tess and stunning portrait photography, we’re capturing resilience in its rawest form — transforming pain into power, scars into stories, and loss into legacy.
Image by Peter Morris
@peter_at_photoshoot
Beyond the book, we’re exploring behind-the-scenes content for social media and other platforms. You’ll let us know what feels comfortable for you — there’s no pressure to participate beyond what feels right.
Image by Peter Morris
@peter_at_photoshoot
In partnership with Look Good Feel Better, a portion of every book sold will support people undergoing cancer treatment — turning your story into hope for others.
How to Be Part of This?
Your journey from application to publication
Step 1
Complete the Application Form
it takes about 10-15 minutes and helps us understand your story and comfort level.
Step 2
Interview & Photoshoot
If selected, Tess will reach out for a short screening chat, followed by a full interview to get to know your story and comfort level. Photography sessions are planned for January–February 2026, capturing your journey through artistic and empowering portraits.
Step 3
Book Launch
Sept/Oct 2026
The book is set to launch in September/October 2026, timed with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to honour and celebrate the collective beauty and strength of all who share their stories.
We’re selecting diverse stories to represent different experiences and journeys. If you’re not chosen this time, please know it’s not a reflection of your story or courage — every application is deeply valued, and it takes immense bravery to put yourself forward.
Ready to Share Your Story?
Your experience — your survival — is part of a collective beauty that will help others see what’s possible after cancer.
If you have any feedback about the application process, we’d be grateful to hear it — your insights help us support everyone who follows.
Questions?
We’re here for you. Reach out anytime at [email protected] by clicking the button below.
With love and gratitude,
Dr Cat Stone & Tess Woolcock
Transforming scars into stories of strength.