"I am Warrior. I am Louise.” by Louise M. Parks

They say you should never judge a book by its cover—and that couldn’t be more true for Louise M. Parks. Like a beautiful rose with thorns, Louise came into the program with her guard up, protective of the strength she’s had to build through a lifetime of challenges.

But as she learned to trust us, we began to see beyond that tough exterior—and discovered a woman full of grit and grace.

When we did her photo shoot, Louise asked if she could hold her motorcycle helmet while wearing her gown. I said, “Heck yeah!” It turned out to be the perfect shot—showing both sides of who she is: the fearless fighter and the elegant, feminine spirit within.

Louise’s name means “female warrior” or “heroine,” and she truly embodies that spirit. From losing her mother at just sixteen, to facing endometriosis, divorce, and later a cancer diagnosis, Louise has confronted life’s hardest battles head-on. Yet through it all, she continues to rise—with courage, gratitude, and love for the woman she’s become.