Patricia Salazar and Aaron Toro
In April 2024, I had the honor of photographing Patricia Salazar and her fiancé, Aaron Toro, for a feature in People magazine. Patricia, an accomplished Ironman athlete, faced a life-altering diagnosis of stage 2B cervical cancer in October 2021. Despite the challenges, she underwent an intense surgery and five weeks of radiation. Emerging cancer-free and more resilient than ever.
Our photo session aimed to capture Patricia’s strength and determination. We chose a location that felt like home to Aaron and Trish- a beautiful mountain trail. They share a deep connection with nature and each other. Patricia and Aaron were an absolute joy to spend time with— the kind of people you’d want to call your friends and embark on weekend adventures with. Their warmth and easygoing nature made our time together feel effortless and fun.
A few years ago I lost a dear friend to cancer, so seeing Patricia’s resilience and recovery was a poignant reminder of how precious life is. Her story of courage and love is a testament to the power of perseverance and support during life’s hardest challenges.
I’m incredibly grateful to People magazine for entrusting me with this project and to Patricia and Aaron for sharing their inspiring journey. Their story is not just one of survival—it’s a celebration of life and hope.
For more details on Trisha’s journey, you can read the full article on People’s website.
Assistant: Jessie Ridd Hair and Makeup: Jodi Gleave
