Roughly 100 people die every day of breast cancer in the U.S. — and virtually all of these deaths are from metastatic breast cancer. That's individual people — moms, daughters, sisters, friends — multifaceted women for whom cancer is just one thing, not everything. Over the first 11 days of October, we are telling the stories of these women who have found strength in their sense of self, power in their beauty, and who refuse to let an incurable, deadly disease tell their story for them.

Meet Brittney, a 19-year-old woman living with stage-IV breast cancer. Since being diagnosed this past year, she hasn't wanted sympathy — only opportunities that let her live life to the fullest. "I want to have a future," she says, adding that she plans to attend college and write a book. Her ambition and positivity amid the challenges she faces is infectious, inspiring us all to go after our dreams.

In this special edition of Short Cuts, we're celebrating the beauty and resilience of women fighting cancer. Below, find out how Brittney gets her beautiful retro waves.