Mikayla Salmons, More Than Just a Pretty Face

Mikayla Salmons is a tattoo model and collector whose story stands out from the crowd. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just 2 months old, this 18-year-old has lived a very different life than her peers. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat, and digestive fluids. CF causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. In the United States, 30,000 people are living with CF and more than 75% of people with CF are diagnosed under the age of 2. There are currently therapies and treatments for people who suffer from CF, however, as of 2017, there is no life-long cure available. For Mikayla Salmons, CF is a part of her daily life and one of the ways she copes with this disorder is by collecting tattoos. For two years, Mikayla has collected tattoos and has found that body art is a means of expressing her experiences, her journey, and her individuality.