As a portrait photographer, I’ve always believed that a powerful image is more than just a beautiful picture. It’s a window into someone’s story, a testament to their journey, and a celebration of their strength. When I came across Kassidy’s profile, I knew there was a deeper story waiting to be told. Her life with FSGS, a rare kidney disease, and her transformation through modeling and jewelry-making inspired me in a way that few stories have. This is her story:
A Childhood Redefined: The Impact of FSGS
It’s hard to imagine being a carefree child one day and, the next, having your world defined by hospital rooms, dietary restrictions, and medical treatments. But that was Kassidy’s reality. Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a rare condition that scars the kidneys, and it changed everything for her. For Kassidy, her FSGS diagnosis transformed her childhood dreams into a series of medical appointments, strict dietary rules, and invasive treatments.
“It felt like my childhood was ripped away,” Kassidy explains. “While other kids were playing and being carefree, I was dealing with surgeries, dialysis machines, and the constant reminders that my body was different.”
Kassidy’s memories of her parents' anguish are vivid. Their little girl was facing something life-altering, and the unknowns were terrifying. The burden of feeling “different” from her peers was compounded by the physical and emotional toll of her illness.
“It felt like my childhood was ripped away,” Kassidy explains. “While other kids were playing and being carefree, I was dealing with surgeries, dialysis machines, and the constant reminders that my body was different.”
“I felt so isolated,” she shares. “Seeing other girls with flawless bodies, while I was covered in scars and restricted by my illness, made me feel like I could never measure up.”
The Emotional Battle: Living with Anxiety and Depression
Unfortunately, the challenges of FSGS didn’t stop at the physical symptoms. They wove their way into her mental and emotional well-being, creating a landscape of chronic anxiety and depression. At a young age, therapy felt imposed rather than helpful, and finding coping mechanisms was a journey of trial and error.
“The anxiety never left,” she shares. “Every surgery, every treatment brought it back, and depression would settle in when I felt most isolated. There were times when it was hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Her parents did everything they could to keep her safe, which meant Kassidy often missed out on the experiences that her peers took for granted. The isolation wasn’t just physical—it was deeply emotional, and it shaped her in ways that would take years to unpack.
But from that darkness, Kassidy began to discover the healing power of creative self-expression.
Jewelry-Making: Crafting Calm Amid the Chaos
In the midst of the chaos of treatments and uncertainty, Kassidy found solace in crafting, particularly in jewelry-making. What started as a way to pass the hours during dialysis grew into something profoundly meaningful—a therapeutic escape and a creative passion.
“Crafting was my therapy,” Kassidy explains. “When I was anxious or recovering from a surgery, making jewelry helped me feel grounded. It was something I could control, something that brought me joy.”
Over time, what began as a hobby developed into a small business, and Kassidy even pursued formal education, earning a Jewelry Design Certificate from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Through this, she discovered a sense of community and purpose, finding a new part of herself she never knew she needed.
“Jewelry-making gave me confidence,” she says. “It was a reminder that I had the power to create something valuable, even when I felt powerless over my health.”
But Kassidy’s creative journey didn’t stop there. It led her to a new form of expression—one that would change how she saw her own body and scars.
Reclaiming Her Body and Redefining Beauty through Modeling
Despite years of feeling insecure about the scars left by surgeries, Kassidy made a bold choice: she stepped into the world of modeling—a move that, for someone with visible scars and years of insecurity, took immense courage. The idea of being in front of a camera was daunting, but it also felt like an opportunity to take back control and rewrite her story.
“My confidence was at rock bottom,” Kassidy admits. “But modeling helped me see myself differently. It allowed me to own my scars, to embrace them as part of who I am.”
Through modeling, Kassidy found an outlet for self-expression and empowerment. She began to view her scars not as flaws but as symbols of strength. Her journey even led her to Los Angeles Fashion Week, where she walked the runway, representing not just herself but anyone who has ever felt less than perfect.
“My confidence was at rock bottom,” Kassidy admits. “But modeling helped me see myself differently. It allowed me to own my scars, to embrace them as part of who I am.”
“Walking the runway was an unforgettable experience,” she recalls. “It reminded me how powerful it feels to embrace your true self—and how important it is to share that sense of confidence and beauty with others. Empowering others to feel seen and worthy is something we all need more of.”
Kassidy’s Message of Empowerment to the World
Kassidy’s story doesn’t end with jewelry-making or modeling. She’s a passionate advocate for FSGS awareness and living organ donation, crediting her survival to her organ donor, Bristol. Her hope is to inspire others to see their own strength, to embrace their differences, and to know that they are worthy of love and acceptance.
“Don’t let your illness define who you are,” Kassidy says. “You are so much more than the challenges you face. If I can use my journey to make a difference, then I know there’s purpose in everything I’ve been through.”
Her words are a reminder to all of us—whether we’re living with a chronic illness, battling insecurities, or simply trying to find our place in the world—that beauty and strength can be found even in the hardest of circumstances.
A Shared Connection: Telling Kassidy’s Story Through My Lens
Photographing Kassidy for this story wasn’t just about capturing a pretty image—it was about honoring her journey. As someone who also lives with a chronic illness, I felt a deep understanding of the emotional and physical challenges she’s faced. Chronic illness has a way of connecting people, even if their conditions are different. We know the pain, the resilience, and the strength it takes to keep going.
Our photoshoot felt like more than just a creative collaboration. It was a space where Kassidy could own her story, scars and all, and where I could use my craft to uplift her message. The images we created together are a testament to her beauty, both inside and out, and to the power of creative self-expression.
As a portrait photographer, stories like Kassidy’s are why I do what I do. They remind me that there’s so much more to a portrait than what we see on the surface. It’s about capturing the spirit of a person, their journey, and the beauty they bring to the world. And I hope this story, like so many others I’ve had the privilege of telling, inspires you to see the strength in others and in yourself.
— Austen Hunter
