I am Amy Nichole, a passionate photographer specializing in Lifestyle, Travel, and Digital Artistry.

My career takes me on a journey to capture the beauty of those I photograph, both outdoors and occasionally in the studio. From the day I was born, my fair skin, adorned with freckles and a hint of reddish tones in my brown hair, has been a part of my identity.

My connection to the world of skin health and cancer began at the tender age of 8 when I experienced a severe sunburn that left behind a unique birthmark-like pattern on my right arm and parts of my back. Worried for my well-being, my mother took me to see a doctor, but they dismissed it as a mere sun reaction but later on we found out in my 20’s it was Dysplastic nevus syndrome.

As I entered my teenage years, having tan skin was the trend. With my British, French, and Irish heritage, I had a fair complexion that didn't tan easily. Desperate to fit in, I tried various methods, from sunbathing for hours covered in oil to using tanning sprays. To my dismay, my "birthmark" only grew darker, and soon, moles and spots began to appear.

Concerned about these unusual spots, I scheduled an appointment with a dermatologist, which led to a series of biopsies. Each biopsy came back as pre-cancerous. While disheartened by the results, I'm grateful that this initial scare educated me on the importance of consistent skin monitoring and prepared me for the journey ahead.

Regular skin checks, every 3-6 months, became a top priority for me after my time with the dermatologist.

Then, in June 2016, during a personal ABCDE (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving) assessment, I noticed a spot on my upper chest that had significantly changed in size. I voiced my concerns to my dermatologist, who agreed that a biopsy was in order. Thankfully, my proactive stance paid off. Four days later, my dermatologist called with the news: it was melanoma at Stage 1B, very close to transitioning to Stage 2. We promptly scheduled my first excision and successfully removed the melanoma before it could worsen. I was just 28 years old.

Since that day, my life has revolved around caring for my skin, especially while spending extensive time outdoors in Nevada. I've adopted habits like always wearing long sleeves, hats, pants, and other protective measures, even in the sweltering heat.

Two years of being cancer-free, and then another scare. I began seeing a highly recommended dermatologist, but our rapport never quite clicked. Despite his suggestion to reduce check-ins to once a year, I declined.

In February 2019, I returned for our agreed-upon 6-month appointment and raised concerns about a spot that had grown back over a scar that was previously pre cancerous moderate dysplastic nevus after 2 months the spot had grown over the scar with a new spot right across from it. After some back-and-forth, I insisted on a biopsy and he agreed to only doing one which I ended up picking was the spot that grown back. A few days later, the doctor confirmed that I had Stage 1B melanoma. During my Mohs surgery at Vivida Dermatology, they had to go in three times, extending the operation to over six hours. During that visit, I requested that the surgeon biopsy the new spot that was across from the one he was working on. To my dismay, those results also came back as a third melanoma diagnosis stage 1A.

Subsequently, I was referred to an oncologist for further testing in September 2019. However, I refuse to let these challenges define me or bring me down. With an incredible support system and unwavering determination, I face the road ahead with resilience.

In November 2022, I confronted another battle, this time with cervical cancer, and underwent successful surgery for its removal. Due to my unique cancer markers, I am at a higher risk for other types of cancer.

May 2023 brought another chapter in my journey, with a 4th melanoma appearing on my upper right back within that distinctive birthmark-like design. It was at Stage 0, and I underwent a local wide excision, preventing it from progressing to Stage 1.

After reading my journey up to this point, I offer this advice: while it's crucial to trust your doctors, you must also be your own advocate. You are the one who sees your skin 24/7. Protect yourself, embrace the life you live, find beauty in your scars, and remember that they will never define you.

Wear sunscreen daily and reapply regularly. Invest in UPF 50+ apparel, which has become my go-to for all outdoor activities. Don a hat with a brim of at least 3 inches and don't forget your sunglasses.

Perform monthly self-checks and schedule annual skin checks with a board-certified dermatologist.

But, most importantly, cherish and love the skin you were given.

In May 2019, I organized a special portrait session for 12 children, raising $900 for the Skin Cancer Foundation in honor of Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month. This marked the beginning of an annual tradition.

In May 2020, I raised $1,000 for the Melanoma Research Foundation through a custom shirt fundraiser.

In May 2021, a friend and I joined forces to create the Butterfly Warriors, continuing our annual shirt fundraiser and raising an impressive $3,349 for the Melanoma Research Foundation.

In May 2022, Our Annual Butterfly Warriors event, raising awareness throughout the month and conducting our annual shirt fundraiser for Melanoma & Skin Cancer Awareness Month. This time, we raised $2,600 for the Melanoma Research Foundation.

In May 2023, Our Annual Butterfly Warriors event, raising awareness throughout May and conducting our annual shirt fundraiser for both the American Melanoma Institute and Arizona Skin Cancer Foundation. This time, we raised $1,200 for both foundations.

"We are Stronger Together," and my goal is to continue raising awareness and funds each May for these vital foundations.

You can view many images from the May 2019 photoshoot in the "This is Brave" Inspiration tab (Raising Awareness) on my website.

I'm passionate about educating the younger generation and all age groups about protecting their skin.

Warm regards,

Amy Nichole

Owner and Photographer at Bella Volto Photography