The PinkMission Summit is an annual event and documentary dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer, particularly focusing on the unique experiences of Black women. Each year, we come together to honor those impacted by breast cancer, amplify their voices, and share their stories with the world. This event plays a vital role in shedding light on the challenges faced by cancer patients and survivors, while emphasizing the importance of early detection, education, and support.
At the heart of the PinkMission Summit is the commitment to raising awareness about Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), a more aggressive form of breast cancer that disproportionately affects Black women. Studies have shown that Black women are three times more likely to be diagnosed with TNBC, making it crucial to provide the community with the resources, education, and support they need to fight this disease.
Preserving Memories Through Photography: The Art of Storytelling in the Face of Cancer
Cancer changes lives, but it doesn’t erase the beauty of those who live with it. Through the lens of a camera, we capture the strength, the grace, and the humanity of individuals who are not defined by their diagnosis, but by the lives they lead and the stories they carry. Photography has the unique power to preserve not only the moments but the emotions and essence of a person’s journey—especially for those living and thriving with cancer.
One such story is that of Rasheena, whose incredible strength and unwavering dedication to her family and causes she championed left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Rasheena faced her illness with courage, resilience, and a fierce commitment to the people and passions she loved. On August 26, 2024, we lost Rasheena, but her story, captured through Ricky Codio’s lens, lives on—an eternal reminder of her fight, her triumphs, and the beauty of her spirit.
Photography, as an art form, gives us the ability to immortalize moments that words cannot fully express. It allows us to show the world not only the battle but the life, love, and strength that exist even in the midst of hardship. Through the stories told in these photographs, we are reminded that cancer may change the body, but it does not change the soul.
By preserving these memories, we honor those like Rasheena, who fought with grace, lived with passion, and loved with all their heart. Their stories are more than just about survival—they are about thriving, creating, and leaving an indelible mark on the world, even in the face of unimaginable challenges. Through the art of photography, we continue to share these powerful stories, offering inspiration, hope, and a legacy that transcends time.
Although the PinkMission Summit is primarily dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer, we believe in the power of storytelling through art for all those affected by cancer. While the event places a special emphasis on Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), which disproportionately impacts Black women, we also highlight the journeys of individuals battling all forms of cancer.
Through the art of photography, we create a platform to share their stories, amplify their voices, and honor their strength. The summit showcases the diverse experiences of cancer patients and survivors from various backgrounds and walks of life. Whether it’s through a diagnosis of breast cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, or other cancers, the PinkMission Summit is a space for all who are fighting this disease to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
By capturing their stories through the lens of Ricky Codio, we strive to illustrate the resilience, beauty, and humanity of every individual touched by cancer. These photographs are not only powerful works of art, but they also serve as a source of inspiration and hope for others going through similar struggles. The summit’s focus on visual storytelling allows us to connect with a broader audience, raise awareness about cancer’s far-reaching impact, and remind us all that, regardless of the type of cancer, every individual’s journey is worth sharing and honoring.
In doing so, the PinkMission Summit becomes more than just an event about breast cancer awareness—it becomes a movement that amplifies all cancer stories, bringing together communities through shared experiences and the universal language of art.
