Our Story

How I Rock My Scars Began

I Rock My Scars was born from the belief that scars — whether physical or emotional — can be transformed into symbols of strength. What began as a small social media campaign has grown into a powerful movement and nonprofit organization, uniting people from all walks of life who have faced illness, trauma, and adversity.

The movement was first inspired by our founder, Cathy L. Parker, a young breast cancer survivor who chose to embrace her scars instead of hiding them. Her courage sparked a community of Rebels who refuse to be defined by hardship.

Our Mission

At Irockmyscars, Inc., we believe that healing from trauma requires both inner restoration and real-world support. Through holistic programs that integrate health, wellness, art, music, and fashion, we create pathways for self-expression and growth. We also provide essential resources such as housing support, financial literacy, workforce training, and empowerment retreats.

While our programs are open to all, we are especially committed to ensuring access for underserved communities who often face the greatest barriers to healing and recovery.

Our mission is to help individuals heal both the visible and invisible scars of trauma, rediscover their strength, and transform those scars into symbols of resilience, hope, and power.

Our Commitment to Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

At Irockmyscars, diversity is not an initiative — it’s our foundation. We serve Rebels of every race, gender identity, orientation, age, and ability, with special focus on communities historically marginalized or left out of traditional systems of care. We believe healing is a human right, and every Rebel deserves to be welcomed with dignity, respect, and belonging. By centering equity in our work, we create programs that are not only trauma-informed, but also culturally responsive and inclusive — ensuring no one heals alone or unseen. – do you think this is good sbut also won’t get flagged with all the crazy federal stuff going on

Our Vision

We envision a world where no one carries their scars in silence. A world where communities rise together to heal, uplift, and empower. Where every Rebel is seen, heard, and celebrated — not just for surviving, but for thriving with strength, courage, and unapologetic authenticity.

Why “Rebels”?

Being a Rebel means standing proudly in who you are — scars, struggles, and all. It’s about choosing resilience over defeat, hope over fear, and strength over silence. Our community proudly calls ourselves Rebels because we break away from limiting labels and rewrite what it means to live, heal, and thrive after trauma.

How We Empower Rebels

At I Rock My Scars, we believe healing is more than survival — it’s about creating space to thrive. Our work is guided by four core pillars that shape everything we do:

🎶 Creative Expression
Art, music, and storytelling workshops that help Rebels process their journeys, celebrate their identities, and find healing through creativity.

🏡 Community Enrichment
Affordable housing initiatives, food security programs, and emergency support services that strengthen individuals, families, and communities.

🌱 Healing Spaces
Retreats, trauma-informed wellness programs, and peer support groups that nurture emotional and mental well-being.

💼 Empowerment & Growth
Workforce development, mentorship, and life skills training that prepare Rebels to step boldly into their futures.

Together, these pillars provide a holistic foundation — meeting immediate needs while also planting seeds of resilience, hope, and transformation.

Want to learn more about our programs and initiatives?

Our work is only possible because of Rebels like you.
Every gift fuels healing, hope, and resilience.