Atlanta

‘Perfect is boring': CHOA encourages children to embrace scars

"Things happen. Get up, get over it and follow your dream." - Christina, 8, fractured knee

ATLANTA — Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is encouraging children to embrace their scars as part of a new photo series.

It shows former patients sharing stories or messages about their various scars after hospitalization. They are sharing their stories of strength and overcoming whatever caused them to land in the hospital.

The series was born in 2015 when photographer Kate T. Parker asked patients at the Atlanta hospital to be featured in her “Strong is the New Pretty” series.

“For kids who have battled illness or injury, scars are badges of honor, signs of survival, fodder for the ultimate round of show and tell at school,” reads a post about the photo series on the CHOA blog.