Woman wearing black cape
Melissa Watkins dealt with her cancer diagnosis by creating art and fashion. (Photo by Nick Carranza)

Interpreting the 5 stages of grief through fashion

UCLA Health patient Melissa Watkins is making sense of her cancer journey — and inspiring others — with her artistic take on emotions.
Melissa Watkins holds up the wig she made out of the hair she lost during chemotherapy.
Melissa Watkins holds up the wig she made out of the hair she lost during chemotherapy. (Photo by Nick Carranza)
Melissa Watkins holds a portrait of herself embodying the stage of depression. (Photo by Nick Carranza)
Melissa Watkins holds a portrait of herself embodying the stage of depression. (Photo by Nick Carranza)
Melissa Watkins wears a beaded gold dress to represent acceptance. (Photo by Nick Carranza)
Melissa Watkins wears a beaded gold dress to represent acceptance. (Photo by Nick Carranza)
Melissa Watkins wears a black bodysuit that represents the stage of bargaining. (Photo by Nick Carranza)
Melissa Watkins wears a black bodysuit which represents the stage of bargaining. (Photo by Nick Carranza)