In keeping with October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month for the Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos Show on Wicked Housewives on Cape Cod Radio, Tim Cox, owner/artist of Sacred Line Collective focused on how he helps breast cancer survivors after they have endured a mastectomy.
The loss of his beloved wife after a six year battle with cancer made this work very close to Tim’s heart.
He had hoped to perform his specialty, 3D areola tattooing, on his wife. Although his dream was shattered, he now makes the dreams of other breast cancer survivors come true.
Tim Cox created the Sacred Line Collective Medical Tattoo Studio for a specific purpose; to help others on their path of healing. He uses his artistic skills in such a way as to give individuals confidence and self-esteem in a professional and supportive way to those in need of:
• 3-D Areolas
• Mastectomy scar tattoos
• Wounded Warrior scar camouflage and memorial tattoos
• Memorial tattoos for families
• Scar camouflage due to burns, surgical site scars or other physical injuries
• Permanent cosmetics: eyeliner, lips, eyebrows
• Alopecia, stress alopecia
• Hair transplant scar coverage
For as long as Tim can remember, his interests have always included helping others to feel safe and whole. Whether as an Eagle Scout, sailing around the world, Firefighter/EMT, a professional artist, or medical tattooist, his interest has always remained the same, to help others during their time of need.
“When my ex-wife was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, I chose to teach my daughters not to be victims or to let cancer define us, but rather as Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘Create the change you want to see in the world.’ I appreciate and try to align myself with groups and institutions that share a similar goal; those that see the big picture and want to help others through a difficult time in order to ‘Create the change they want to see in their world.’”
So, it is not surprising that Tim’s Mission Statement is to help others, especially women, on their path of healing. And, to use his skills in such a way as to give them confidence and self-esteem, in a professional and supportive manner.
“As an artist I see things differently, full of possibilities and potential. I have a unique skill set that allows me to help others create change. I don’t take away the scars but rather work with a client to artistically define “it” rather than allowing “it” to define them.”
As a sailor Tim was taught to always look to the horizon, and to not be afraid to change course as necessary.
“Whether working with a wounded warrior, cancer survivor or any other individual. I try my best to turn a physical or emotional scar in to merely a milestone or a reminder of what they dealt with but refused to be defined by.”
During the radio interview I ask some pretty up close and personal questions.
As a three time breast cancer survivor who survived a double mastectomy I was VERY interested in details others might consider rude. I could hear my mother’s voice in my ear from the ‘other side’ saying, “Kathleen Ruth Judith Bernadette O’Keefe!”(Oh, Yeah! When all the names come out you know you did a big ‘no-no.’) “How dare you talk money with a perfect stranger.”
But, I did. And, I did it for you, my audience. “So there, Mama. And yes, he is perfect.”
Here are some of the questions and short answers we covered during the interview:
Q. Does insurance cover medical tattoos?
A. Many insurance companies do. Depending upon the specific insurance company and the underlying medical reasons as they factor in to whether all or part of the tattooing is covered.
Q. Who files insurance claims?
A. Sacred Line Tattoo and the associated physician can assist in this process, the patient can also file for reimbursement independently
Q. Is a referral required?
A. A referral is not required, but for insurance purposes it may be. Often a prescription will be written by the Plastic Surgeon.
Q. Does the tattoo process hurt?
A. Each procedure and location is different. Topical anesthetic is used to minimize any discomfort.
Q. How long will most areola tattoos take?
A. Most initial procedures take 1-2 hours and follow up and touch-up appointments generally take 1 hour. Other tattoos vary based on size and intricacies
Q. Will I need multiple procedures for areola tattooing?
A. Generally two appointments are required and sometimes more based on desired color or condition of skin, i.e. radiated, depth of scars etc.
Tim cox was very giving of both his time and expertise in the area of medical 3D tattooing. We hope you enjoy the interview. If you have specific questions not answered in this interview Tim Cox, owner of Sacred Line Collective can be contacted by:
- phone in his office in Kansas City, Misouri at 816-668-6488
- website www.sacredlinecollective.com
We have invited Tim Cox back to speak on the show with us about 3D tattoos and the Wounded Warriors. Watch for it on The Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos Show. You can also listen on the Wicked Housewives On Cape Cod Radio FaceBook page.
Now CLICK here to enjoy Tim Cox: Sacred Line 3D Fine Art & Medical Tattoos on the Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos Show.
(All pictures, quotes and information are owned by the author or used with permission by Tim Cox)
About the Author: Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos- believes dreams can diagnose your life. Did you have a déjà vu or did your dream come true? International Best-selling & Award Winning Author of Surviving Cancerland: Intuitive Aspects of Healing , TV & Radio Host/Producer of Wicked Housewives on Cape Cod, three time breast cancer survivor whose dreams diagnosed cancer the medical community missed, one of the busiest speakers in the industry, & the “go-to authority” on Survivor- to-Thriver in Health, Wealth & Relationships by connecting with Your Inner Guidance. Kat presents at the International Association for the Study of Dreams, Expos, Radio Shows, Health Events, Magazines, & TV.
