The Faces Of Illness: My Photoshoot Journey Towards Hope, Strength And Empowerment

BY: Cheri Sotelo

Imagine the relentless Las Vegas sun overhead on the hottest summer day this year. The temperature was 116 degrees outside, while it was boiling inside this second-story photo studio at nearly 130 degrees Fahrenheit. The commercial fans and portable air conditioners could only move the hot air around like a vortex, ready to consume anyone inside. 

Now, picture a group of remarkable women and fabulous men under this heat – undeterred, filled with vibrancy, resilience, and optimism, rising to shine in front of a camera to create a moment that will live forever. Then visualize them all carefully climbing two flights of stairs after having traveled from different parts of the country despite being ill and ridden with relentless pain. 

This was the setting of the photoshoot like no other: "The Faces of Illness," an endeavor that I envisioned and brought to life, inspired by my battles with health and the threat of having only but a few months left to live. I knew there was no way to freeze a moment in time than by capturing it in a photograph, but I never expected what would happen next.

Often, we paint illness with a grim, despairing hue, associating it with hospitals, medications, and a sense of dread that can be suffocating. I wanted to change that perspective, to show the world that illness can coexist with hope, sass, and even a bit of badass. Yes, we were a group living with chronic, rare, and terminal illnesses, but we were also a collective of indomitable spirits unfazed by the long hours under the unceasing heat.

As each woman arrived, some quietly, others brimming with infectious laughter, I could feel the palpable aura of courage and anticipation in the air. Their resilience amazed me – they had made adjustments to their schedules, managed their travel arrangements, and made sacrifices to ensure they could participate in this once-in-a-lifetime event.

I gazed upon all of these nervous yet thrilled individuals. The room was full of executives, celebrities, entrepreneurs, professionals, and novices to modeling. But there was a shared understanding that we were about to make history: we were creating our legacy. 

Our day was filled with transformations. With every stroke of glamor makeover by the famous Hollywood celebrity hair and makeup expert Christopher Montoya's brush, the inherent beauty of these women began to surface. I watched as they each sat down, one by one, with the idea that their illnesses were on display for the world. They rose with the knowledge that they were on display and their illnesses were mere accessories to their greatness.

They wanted to share their stories to help somebody else not feel the pain they feel every day. It was so empowering to watch them come out from these insufferable conditions. They stood up straighter; they held their heads up high and embraced what it was like to be beautiful at that moment and show others that pain would not hold them down. They rocked those high heels, knowing nothing was stopping them now. “Immortalize me!” was the sentiment as they each stepped in front of the camera. Showtime!

The renowned entertainment photographer and 25-year veteran of the stage, Jason Harper, then skillfully captured their essence, immortalizing their spirits in a series of deeply touching photographs. The day was more than a photo shoot; it was a moment of metamorphosis, a testament to their resolve and liberation from the confines of their illnesses. No longer would these people believe that illness comes with a veil of silence to mask their spirit. 

I remember watching as friendships were kindled in the crucible of shared experiences. Despite the heat, the discomfort, and the long hours, laughter echoed throughout the site. An unspoken bond formed, one of shared struggle and mutual understanding, transforming a diverse group into an empathetic family. No heart was left untouched, and no life was unchanged at that moment.

As we began to wrap up the day, Jason Harper, the photographer, leaned in to say in utter amazement, "Wow, I can't believe you all! You guys just powered through this nine-hour day in this ridiculous heat without one complaint." My response came naturally with a smile, "It's okay. This is the least of the pain that we feel every single day." 

He stood there baffled by the concept that we had nothing to complain about despite going through a grueling day of sweat and many tears while sharing their stories; we were all grateful for the opportunity and one another. He stood there with a perplexed stare momentarily, and then he hugged me. I will remember that forever. It was my first time meeting this phenomenal celebrity and Cirque entertainment photographer – unattainable to most, and he hugged me. 

After a debilitating nine-hour workday under the intense heat, there was a profound sense of achievement in the air. Everyone’s faces glowed, not with exhaustion, but with the fierce determination to rise above their pain. We, including the crew, hobbled slowly to close down the set and packed up, still without a complaint to be heard. 

The transformations, captured on Harper's camera, were a testament to their indomitable spirits. It marked the successful realization of a vision I held on to with unwavering conviction.

When the preview shots started coming in, I was blown away. At that moment, I realized the magnitude of what we were creating and the profound impact we were making on these individuals' lives. I remember my breath hitching as the final photo edits arrived, struck by these women's life-altering transformation. They no longer saw their illness as their defining feature but as a part of their story – a part that added layers of depth, strength, and beauty to their existence.

The photos we compiled left an indelible mark on me. I remember feeling overwhelmed as I watched everyone gather to view their final edits, bearing witness to the transformative power of the project. Hearing statements like "I never talked to anyone about this. I just want to help someone else" solidified that the journey I planned had met its destination.

This impeccable endeavor is palpably communicated in "The Faces of Illness: Badass Beauties, Vol I," a project that not only allowed me to challenge societal perceptions of chronic, rare, and terminal illnesses but also to inspire those living with these conditions. 

My passion project sends a clear message: Illness does not define someone. Living with illness does not mean existing in the shadows. It means rising to the occasion, showing up, and acknowledging that "you matter." Those with invisible illnesses are invincible superheroes to those who need us most. 

Through this display of strength and beauty, I hope to inspire others dealing with chronic or terminal illnesses to see beyond their conditions, fight for answers, and to seek help when needed. But my message isn't just for those dealing with illness – It's for everyone. I encourage us all to lift each other, extend a helping hand, and show compassion because you never know whose life you might be saving.

"The Faces of Illness" is a testament to the human spirit and a symbol of the transformative power of beauty and acceptance. This project became a mirror, reflecting the lives of individuals living with chronic, rare, and terminal illnesses, not as victims but as warriors highlighting their strength, bravery, and unyielding resolve in the face of adversity.

Witnessing this project's powerful impact on these amazing women and the relationships they forged during that transformative experience was a heartwarming experience. Many continued to stay connected, further strengthening the bonds they had formed during the photoshoot.

We had started this journey to change narratives, and we did. But more than that, we had changed lives. These brave women, these "Badass Beauties," as I call them, had embraced their pain and struggles and stood tall, a testament to their fierce resolve and indomitable spirits. They had shown the world that living with illness does not equate to living in despair, and they perfectly demonstrated strength, beauty, and resilience while embodying defiance against their conditions.

The Faces of Illness project is more than a collection of photographs; it's a symphony of empowering stories and an anthem of resilience. It is a beacon of light, providing hope and inspiration to those with chronic or terminal illnesses, as well as a reminder of the strength and beauty that can flourish even amidst adversity. Because at the end of the day, no illness, no matter how chronic, rare, or terminal, can extinguish the light of hope, the strength of spirit, or the power of beauty within us. And this project, this journey, is a tribute to just that.

About the author:

Cheri Sotelo is most known for her project, The Faces of Illness. For over 20 years, she has advocated for our most vulnerable populations, aiding them in their mental health wellness and helping them navigate their medical journeys. She has been featured in a series on the Podcast Business News Network, the top 1.5% of podcasts in the world, and countless news media stations in Las Vegas for the work that she has done for non-profit organizations. 

As a clinician to high-profile celebrities, athletes, and influencers, Cheri has shared the spotlight with All-Stars when presenting at NBA events, working with the Nike Football Training Camp tour, and providing expert treatment for the NFL and AFL concussion cases. Her service work has taken her on the successful path of becoming a published author and public speaker. When she is not in someone's headspace, connecting the dots, you may find her in Maui either cruising on a Harley Davidson or scuba diving with the sharks.

Find out more about Cheri:

1. Website

2. Instagram