The Oldham Project

Fought with courage and humor....

2012-01-24T12:37:00.005-05:00

It is again, I bring sad news of the loss of another Oldham client. Mark and his sisters came to our studio almost a year ago. He was positive, upbeat and full of laughs... I'm so glad to see that he faced his death with the same character. To his family, we extend our deepest sympathies and are so thankful that they made the trip from Bay City to have Mark photographed.

JANZ, E. Mark, age 42, of Bay City, Michigan, died of brain cancer on January 21, 2012 at Bay Regional Medical Center. Mark battled cancer the same way he faced life: with humor, courage and a deep faith in God. Mark was born March 10, 1969 in Saginaw, Michigan to Edwin S. and Mildred H. (Hammerbacher-Wuepper) Janz. He graduated from Bangor John Glenn High School in 1988, where he was on the track team. After high school, Mark worked at the Meijer store on Wilder Road, where he stayed for 20 years until his illness forced him to retire. Mark was passionate about music, movies and history. In 2010, he achieved a long-time goal and took a history of rock and roll class at Delta College. He was also a dedicated blood donor, and received a life-time award for donating more than 6 gallons of blood. But most of all, he loved his family. He was a proud homeowner and loved caring for the home that he shared with his mother and his dog Pal. He leaves his cherished mother and five sisters; Sharon (Jim) Brown; Kate (Todd) Schisler; Susan (Marty) Crook; Ruth (Tim) Sutton and Jean (Don) Mead; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He also leaves his Meijer family, especially his good friend Diane McGregor. Mark was preceded in death by his father; nephew Kevin Mead; grandparents Albert and Meta (Lutz) Hammer-bacher; Blondina (Kolm) Janz and Sylvester and Helen Janz. Mark's family would like to thank the employees and management of Wilder Road Meijer and Meijer Corporate Office in Grand Rapids for all their loving support and generosity during his illness. They also wish to thank Drs. Campau, Cook, Copeland, Hurt, Littles, Schisler, Sriharen and the staff of Bay Regional Medical Center and Heartland Home Health Care and Hospice-especially Shantel-for their compassionate care. Finally, they would like to thank Carol at Elsa U. Pardee Foundation and the Oldham Project for their assistance. Funeral services will take place on Thursday January 26, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 510 W. Ivy St., Bay City with Rev. William H. Allwardt with interment following in Floral Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Gephart Funeral Home, 201 W. Midland St., Bay City from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. on January 25, 2012. Mark will be taken to the church on Thursday to lie in state from 12:00 o'clock Noon until the time of services. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be directed to Zion Lutheran Church; to the Elsa U. Pardee Foundation or that they donate blood in Mark's name. www.gephartfuneral home.com "Death is nothing at all; I have only slipped away into the next room; I am I and you are you; whatever we were to each other, That we are still…"Canon Henry Scott-Holland, 1847 - 1918.

Kids will be kids....

2012-01-06T05:31:00.008-05:00

As a parent, we fret and worry from the time our kids are born about ear aches, sore throats and runny noses...that they'll fall learning to ride that bike or break their arm playing football, but rarely does the thought of cancer cross your mind. Rebecca P. relates the awful day she learned her son, Cayden had cancer. Having been assured by the physician's that this was "nothing" and "no big deal", "probably just a benign tumor", and cancer being the furthest thing from her mind, she arrived at the appointment, alone, with Cayden. Being taken from the treatment room, she was informed that this indeed was not only cancer, but Stage 3 Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, that in the past month, had now invaded his entire sinus cavity and had moved into his ear canals. In shock, trying to reach her husband, Cayden was left alone in the room, now knowing that something was desperately wrong. Every parents worst nightmare began. Diagnosed in June of 2011, Cayden has now undergone two extensive surgeries to remove as much of the tumor as possible, 15 weeks of chemotherapy and 8 weeks of radiation... and is a testament to faith. Coming from a strong Christian family, faith is their cornerstone, prayer is their language and peace fills their hearts. Rebecca says, "from the beginning, I've been given a peace and know that he's going to be fine." And even though she tears up and cries, she exudes a peace that can only come from a bigger source than herself...."so many of the horrible things they told us would happen to Cayden, didn't happen. He didn't loose his hair, he didn't get burned from the radiation and his hearing is still there! We believe it's because of prayer."
Surrounded by a huge support system in a small town, they have so much love, prayer and encouragement from family, friends and the community! Cayden appears to be a 'normal' 8th grade kid, attending school when he can, thinking about a future with the NBA and enjoying his friends. He would love to become a graffiti artist...He dreams of playing in the NBA and I'm sure as everyone else, thinks of growing old. With that attitude and the power of God, I believe he will!

A very long road....

2012-01-04T05:20:00.007-05:00

Since 1991, Sharon S. has been in a valiant fight for her life... and will continue to do it her way, until the end. Having her parents die when she was very young, Sharon has been a fighter... bonding with her younger sister Carol, the two began to look after each other in their teens and as a result, have obviously become very close. They say they're "twins who were just born 6 years apart!"
Diagnosed initially with Breast Cancer in 1991, she underwent surgery and radiation, advised that was all the treatment she needed at that time, but a bout with Thyroid cancer a while later, brought years of illness and an eventual return of cancer elsewhere. Fighting continual illness and weakness after the thyroid cancer, left her bedbound for almost 2 years and after persistence on her part, she was diagnosed with an aortic valve problem and underwent open heart surgery! January 2011 brought a recurrence of the Thyroid cancer and her diagnosis now.... metastatic breast cancer with lung, sternum and bone involvement. Attempting to treat this with 6 chemo treatments earlier this year, the cancer continued to grow and all treatment was haulted late in 2011. She now remains in Hospice care in her home, surrounded by her family... and the sister she grew up with. Carol has put her life on hold now, to move in with her sister and care for her full time, until the end. Visiting her in her home the day after Christmas, she was dressed to the nines... anxious for her portraits, to capture this time in her life, having pictures done with her sister, her husband and her special needs son...doing it her way.
Sharon stresses that women become proactive..." Ask questions if you don't understand, until you do understand, be proactive and trust your intuition." She's spending her days comfortable and creating memories with her family... " this time is for them. I need to allow them to say goodbye. I didn't think I was a strong person, but I guess I am..."
I'm sure she's teaching them much... about grace under fire, about inner strength and about the love of family...

Oldham's reach extends to the west coast!

2011-12-21T06:21:00.006-05:00

As one of Lansing's quieter organizations, The Oldham Project has made noise in Los Angeles this past week and is making a visual impact to honor a store owner with cancer!
"ORANGE", a high end furniture store commissioned a window to be done for the holidays, that honored the battle women are fighting with cancer... women who are coming out on the other side, stronger and more powerful for having gone through the 'fire'. The store owner herself, was recently diagnosed with cancer and wanted a display to reflect the journey. The young man,

Chad

, who is a professional 'window dresser' contacted us regarding the images he'd seen on the internet and The Oldham Project...
what an exciting phone call that was for us!
Back and forth we went in discussions about the legalities and details and viola, The Oldham Project images are now hanging in Los Angeles, near Beverly Hills in a store window for the month of December! Look closely and you'll see many of the familiar faces you've seen on this blog over the past couple years...
Thank you Chad, thank you ORANGE for the opportunity and the generous donation and thank you to the brave women we continue to see on a weekly basis! You make us proud to be a small part of your lives.

With great sadness....

2011-12-16T16:35:00.003-05:00

With great saddness, I share with you that our most recent Bold and Beautiful woman, Molly F. has left this world to join the angels in Heaven.... she passed away just a short week after her portrait session with her children...
Please keep these young people in your thoughts and prayers.

Melinda Lou "Molly" Fox- 1951-2011

Melinda “Molly” Fox, 60, of Charlotte, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 13, 2011. Molly was born May 2, 1951 in Fremont, MI, the daughter of Jay and Lois (Boeskool) Brookhouse. She taught Elementary Physical Education for 27 years in Eaton Rapids at Northwestern Elementary, after teaching at Fremont High School, totaling over 35 years of educating. Molly was a lifeguard for over 40 years and was one of the first female umpires in the State of Michigan. She was a sports enthusiast, coaching Eaton Rapids softball and kept an amazing assortment of gym shoes, so none of her students would have to go without. Molly was happiest on the beach, especially Lake Michigan, where she loved to collect “beach treasures.” She especially loved family gatherings and, as a single parent, was devoted to her two children. Many will remember Molly’s generosity and the loving friendship she shared with everyone. She is survived by her children, Alana Fox and A.J. Fox, both of Charlotte and many other extended family members. The family will receive guests on Thursday, December 29, 2011 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen of Greater Lansing or Eaton Community Hospice in Charlotte. Online condolences may be made at www.prayfuneral.com. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan.

Final arrangements....

2011-12-12T05:50:00.009-05:00

ter•min•al |ˈtərmənl|
adjective
2 (of a disease) predicted to lead to death, esp. slowly; incurable : terminal cancer.
• [ attrib. ] suffering from or relating to such a disease : a hospice for terminal cases.
• [ attrib. ] (of a condition) forming the last stage of such a disease.
• informal extreme and usually beyond cure or alteration (used to emphasize the extent of something regarded as bad or unfortunate)

Tina M. sat in our studio, just a couple of weeks ago, and spoke frankly and emotionally about the end of her life and the plans shes making... the memories she's trying to create....and the things she'll miss...
Diagnosed, just a short 6 months ago with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, she now counts days. Originally thought to be an infected gall bladder, which they removed... the nausea and vomiting persisted...leading to further testing, which found her pancreas and some of her abdomen filled with this ugly cancer.
Everyone around Tina is dealing differently with this diagnosis... some separate themselves and stay in the comfortable place of denial. Some have voiced concerns about, 'what will happen to them when she's gone', and most have rallied around her to support, pray for, physically help and mostly love her with wild abandon. Her only sister, Teresa feels a profound loss already as Tina moves closer to the end of her life, but, "we live in hope. Every day is a new day and we believe in the power of prayer."
Tina says, "My priorities have definitely shifted and my world has gotten 'very small' these days. When I'm alone, I do lots of planning... I'm cleaning and sorting things, designating things I want to go to certain people. I've organized my jewelry and recorded some books for my grandkids... and to surprise my family... I've left letters all over the house, hidden, for them to find someday when I'm gone."
She is surrounded by lots of extended family... a family that is extremely close and feels the end creep closer with each and every day. But a life of joy and love that will live on in all those who have come to know and love Tina. "I want to leave a legacy behind".... not in things, but the "legacy I've built my whole life."

Each of us could be given this diagnosis at any moment... would you be ready to accept it as bravely and with the grace that Tina has? Who have you surrrounded yourself with? Will those people be with you to the end? What will your legacy be?

A most difficult shoot....

2011-12-05T06:34:00.008-05:00

As a photographer, most of us are pretty comfortable being on the backside of the camera and are confident in our abilities, creativity and skill... until we're photographing ANOTHER PHOTOGRAPHER! At least this was the case for me when photographing my friend and fellow photographer, Deb S.
Deb was diagnosed with breast cancer on March 14, 2011 after having a diagnostic mammogram prior to starting a routine treatment... totally caught off guard, she was angry. She went in for a routine mammogram, totally unsuspecting and CANCER??
A normally busy, active and involved photographer, she immediatelty thought of "everything it was going to take from me." Deb is a mom, grandmother, business woman, award winning photographer, volunteer and WOMAN... "I thought about being less than a woman... I was being robbed and I was angry. They were taking part of me away, not just my hair, but part of my body." Not long after chemo started, her very LONG hair started coming out by the handful... leaving her feeling more angry and out of control.
Although, she knew what to expect, as her Mom had breast cancer too, and Deb herself has dealt successfully with previous uterine cancer and cancer of the appendix at age 31, this has caught her by surprise. "It's temporary, but I still feel robbed."
Our self image is so important to us... The Oldham Project and this program inparticular is so important to helping women SEE that despite the loss of hair, or even body parts, they are still so beautiful, so powerful and so 'in charge' of their mental health and well being. Please help us spread the word by sharing this blog post with those that may need it today!

Priorities shift in a heartbeat....

2011-12-01T05:14:00.005-05:00

Melissa B. has always taken care of herself, eaten healthy foods, exercised and been in good health.... but that changed in a moment, when she discovered a lump in her breast. After a negative mammogram in December, life went along as normal, till early summer, when she found an obvious lump. Her priorities shifted in a heartbeat....saying it took a while to set in, after hearing the big "C" word, "You hear it happen to other people, everyone else, but I've never heard 'you have cancer'."
The tumor is still there... measured with each chemo treatment. She prays and holds her breath with each measurement and treatment.
"Our lives changed- if anything good can come from this, I realize all the things that are precious and that I took for granted. Life WAS like a big race and now we've slowed down and try to look for those things that are really important." Sounds like her children are some of those... rallying around Mom, they all helped to shave her head when it was apparent that the chemo was winning the battle against her hair.
Melissa, like most of the women we meet, is a BIG advocate for self-breast exams. "Just do it."
Jeremiah 29:11- "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
...and she clings to that.

"Don't be afraid, JUST BELIEVE!"

2011-11-21T07:05:00.009-05:00

Our newest Kourageous Kid is Paige D. and she ROCKS! MSU Football fan and Fashionista all rolled into a pint sized, bundle of happy! Celebrating her 12th birthday just yesterday, the MSU team "Played for Paige" on Saturday as she cheered from the sidelines, with the team! Read about her journey and association with the MSU guys HERE.
Paige's journey with cancer started a few years ago, found accidentally after a fall in a skiing accident in 2008. A brain tumor was discovered and headache's ensued. It was eventually diagnosed as a Meduloblastoma, occurring in the area of the brain that controls balance and other motor functions. Paige has now undergone, a 6 hour operation to remove the tumor, 30 radiation treatments, 2 blood transfusions, 14 weeks of chemotherapy, numerous boosts to her immune system and 34 more weeks of chemo YET TO COME....but her mantra is, "Don't be afraid, JUST BELIEVE."
She's an athletic kid, a soccer team in Okemos..... but more recently, side-lined at her own games, but not at the MSU Spartan Stadium!
Initially, reluctant to participate in the Kourageous Kids program, she changed her mind and wanted to do it to "help other kids" with cancer... and help she will! She ROCKED her 'modeling session' with several outfit changes, all with coordinating accessories and scarves. Someday, Paige hopes to be a teacher. I think that she's already doing that.... teaching everyone about what it's like to not be afraid, how to be Kourageous and to BELIEVE! Including some giant men dressed in Green and White.

A difficult story to tell....

2011-11-15T10:03:00.008-05:00

We at the Oldham Project hear stories every day from families struggling with catastrophic health challenges, but this one still brings me to tears...
Kate (55), and her husband have been together a long time. "I'm losing my right arm." So long that he was the one to give her a 16th birthday party and next he'll be holding her as she is welcomed into Heaven to party for eternity.
Diagnosed a second time with metastatic breast cancer, she's now on her 5th experimental chemotherapy for triple negative, metastatic breast cancer.
Her positive attitude, despite the obvious, keep her, her husband and 3 grown children going. Her candid conversation is open and frank... talking about making quality time with her kids and grandkids, making memories and leaving a legacy, and some day's thinking about not buying new shoes...'because I don't know if I'll get to wear them. Some people with cancer talk about counting years or months.... I'm counting days." Doctors gave her '6 months' back in March of 2011, but here she is, Bold and Beautiful as ever!
Talking with her children, she said, "Tell me the memories that you think we'll miss." Her youngest daughter, who is 21 will miss having her Mom at her wedding and enjoying all the planning....so Kate, with her daughter, made an event of going out and choosing a wedding dress, securing a venue and even buying the accessories and jewelry for her big day.... even though she doesn't even have a fiance! Kate, thinking of her daughter, wanted to make this memory happen for her.
She's making memories with her grandkids... buying things that she'll want them to have to remember her or have later in their lives. They took a last family vacation this past spring... all of them together at Hilton Head, making memories in an overgrown cottage on the beach.
She's intent on remaining positive, making a gratitude list and having a gratitude party... counting all the blessings she DOES have. An artist, she's painted about her cancer journey and a letter to her cancer 'sisters' , which she brought to be photographed with... "hope is there."
"My kids will be fine without me....they know I'll be fine. When I was diagnosed, I told the cancer it could have that day and the day I die, but none of the day's inbetween." And she's living every day like it's the inbetween!

Slaying the dragon....

2011-11-02T06:35:00.007-04:00

We often see children playing either video games or in a pretend situation, imagining dragons and being often being victorious over the giant, fictitious creatures...
Trina's dragon ISN'T fictitious... It's a real demon, living inside her, that she battles every day. The "Purple Dragon" she's named her cancer... a rare thing, as are dragons.... Leiomyosacroma, a soft tissue sarcoma.
Originally diagnosed in August of 2010, she underwent surgery to remove her uterus and underwent 6 long months of chemotherapy, thinking all of this would be behind her. BUT, no, the dragon reared it's ugly head and again in July of 2011, not even a year later another tumor was discovered in and around her bladder. Doctors tried to remove it all, but in the end, were forced to leave two tumors behind, tucked in her intestines. Again, she's undergoing chemo, and I'm sure wondering all the time, when and where will the next tumor appear?
She's literally and figuratively slaying this dragon with surgery, chemo and positive thoughts! She's learned alot about herself and would like to share the most important things with us.
1. Learn when to say 'yes' and when to say 'no.'
2. Not to push herself
3. How friends and family WILL rally to help.... if you ask for help.
4. Ask for help.
5. Enjoy the little things.
6. 'FACE IT".... and she is, with determination, courage, knowledge, confidence and a really giant sword!
"Get as much information as you can and trust your instincts!", Trina K. age 53

"Hoping for a chance to exhale...."

2011-10-29T05:39:00.006-04:00

Jacalyn AND her parents are such warriors... she's again battling a recurrent kidney cancer, called Wilm's Tumor and as I write this, is again in the hospital, requiring a blood transfusion. Diagnosed a couple years ago, after Mom thought the Doctor was just going to tell them she had a urinary tract infection, they found a large tumor on her left kidney. 9 months of treatment, chemo and radiation, the tumor was gone....but a short lived victory. Another tumor formed in another 9 months, this time trying to dig deeper into this tiny child's body by attaching itself to her aorta and spleen.
They fight as a family... two smaller siblings giving of their time and attention, so that Jacalyn can spend weeks at a time in the hospital for another round of chemo and radiation. Parents doing 'tag-team' duty at the hospital, so she's never alone.
Jacalyn rarely exhibits fear and always has a giant smile on her face, despite only being able to attend school about a week and a half a month, missing her friends and all the 'girly girl' activities with them...and despite having her "Make-A-Wish" trip cancelled due to this new cancer recurrence. "We'll get to go again", she says with a smile and a side-ways glance at Mom.
Mom says, "She gives me strength... she goes through everything with a smile. We're just waiting for this to be over, hoping for a chance to exhale."

"In Heaven, I am going to have a giant house, painted hot pink. I am going to have wings and fly around, and grant all the wishes I want. I am going to get there when I am the oldest person in the world.... I am going to be 118 years old." - Jacalyn

Part of our lives....

2011-10-08T06:26:00.007-04:00

Meet Eli. A victim of a rare form of cancer, lymphoma to be exact, called Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia. Only about 1500 people each year are diagnosed with this rare killer, Eli being diagnosed in 2001. But, it hasn't stopped Eli and his 'newlywed' wife from enjoying the time they have.... finding each other, later in life, they've only been married about 8 years, and still act like newlyweds!
Moving to Michigan from Texas, in 1967, Eli has worked with his hands all his life, and they show the signs of hard, physical work all of his life. Both Eli and Linda say that this cancer "has become part of our lives, and we just deal with it."
As someone who has worked hard his entire life, he's working just as hard to battle cancer and enjoy what life he may have left.

And it just keeps getting better!

2011-10-04T16:06:00.002-04:00

With the recent CNN.com article featuring The Oldham Project and our mission, things have literally exploded around the Oldham offices! Emails from all over the world, offering congratulations and the nicest words of encouragment. Offers of help from other photographers and requests for photography from the US, to London to Swaziland and Argentina. We couldn't be happier with the response, BUT, our staff, our finances and our abilities haven't changed, despite all this publicity and need. We can use all the help we can get from the community and the world.
Our biggest need is a full time studio space. As a very small non-profit, with a very limited budget, we have had to move three times in the past two years. This is not only stressful, but disruptive to our mission and continuity of care to our clients, but hard on our equipment. We would love to have a lead on a location (800-1200 sq. ft), wide open space, that is handicap accessible, has a bathroom and plenty of electricity, and affordable.
Which brings us to our second biggest need...financial support. We operate totally on the generous donations of individuals and the community. We've just received a couple of grants towards our Kourageous Kids program, but our Be Bold, Feel Beautiful program is sorely lacking in funding. We are able to offer each child a goodie bag full of toys, games, t-shirt, etc. and would love to offer our women participants something similar. A nice bag with some lovely smelling things, maybe nailpolish, perfume, etc. Just lovely things to make them feel special.
If you, or someone you know might be able to help us locate a new studio space, we'd love to talk with them. Our 'dream' is to build "The Oldham House", with two fully functional studio setups, one for children and the other for adults. Our partners at Douglas J Spa have offered to set us up with a salon on-site, so that our women can have their makeup done prior to their sessions, and finally a comfortable room for some on-site counselling and resourses, to keep our clients plugged into the resources available in the area for whatever their need might be.
Can you help us find or build The Oldham House?

Oldham makes the CNN news!

2011-10-02T06:04:00.006-04:00

It's been a whirlwind 24 hours for The Oldham Project! We've received national attention from CNN.com and have been inundated with email, offering help, money and requesting our services in cities all over the United States. I'm humbled and overwhelmed. I don't have words, but thanks to our Board of Directors, who give of their time and talents, for nothing in return. I couldn't do what I do behind the camera, without their help on all the other issues and duties involved in running an organization like this.
I'm so thankful to: John Madden (Chairman of the Board), Alan Hooper (Vice-Chair), Rebecca Eldridge (Secretary), Heather Chunko (Treasurer) as well as our other members, Rochelle Rizzi, Jessica Cosens, Janet Martinich, Anne Subrizi, Amy Kraus, Mary Roszel, Eric Sturdy, Traci Reihl and Betsy Svanda.
If we aren't friends on Facebook, please friend us HERE
The link to the CNN article is located HERE. Please take a moment and read more. We have many needs, most of which include financial support for our programming and a permanent studio location. If you are willing to donate any amount, 100% goes back to support this organization. AND if you or you know of someone who might be able to help us secure a more permanent studio location, we'd love to talk more!
Thank you again to our dedicated Board and for the support from our community here in Lansing, MI!

Prayers for Adie....

2011-09-30T08:17:00.007-04:00

It is with a profound sadness that I bring the story of this precious little girl. Only God knows what His plan is for her....but we at The Oldham Project ask selfishly for your prayers for peace for this family and comfort for this beautiful, Kourageous Kid.
Here is her story, as told by her mother, Tammy.

"The photo shoot opportunity came that the perfect time! This experience made her feel so beautiful, fashionable and in control of her day. It also reminded her that even in tough times, her beautiful spirit and SMILE shines so brightly.

She has the word "DREAM" above her bed. On the letter "M" their is a small list that asks to list three of your dreams. Here are her top three: 1.) Become a black belt in Karate, 2.) Become a fashion designer and 3.) Be famous. Thank YOU and ALL the wonderful people at Oldham Project for literally making her dreams come true! Please mention in the bio how she had all of her outfits organized as well as accessories and make-up:)

Adie's journey:

In March of 2008, at the age of 5 and a half, Adalin discovered a bump about the size of a golf ball in her right groin. We went to Sparrow and discovered that she did indeed have cancer in her pelvis. The biopsy done at U of M stated it was either a triton tumor (nerve sheath tumor) or high level rhabdomysosarcoma (soft tissue tumor). Very aggressive and rare in children and difficult to treat due to a lack of information on how and what medicines can be helpful. The location and size of the tumor did not all the doctors to resect at that time.

We began a six month chemo protocol at the start of April in Lansing with the amazing MSU Oncology team. God Bless, she handled the chemo with very little side effects. In May she started six weeks of external radiation. Adalin embraced her faith, spunky spirit and take charge attitude every single day. It became very clear to all that cared for Adalin, that they would have to explain in full detail what they intended to do for her and then get her approval. Whether it was drawing blood, positioning her for scans, what size gown fit her best and where and when they could check her vitals. (Terri, now that you got a chance to get to know Adie, I hope that last part made you chuckle).

When it came time for surgery we discovered the tumors had not shrunk as much as all would hope. The doctors at MSU and U of M thought a hemi pelvictomy (removal of the right pelvis and leg). Though the news was devastating to James and I we didn't share that part with Adalin at the time. We kept praying that someway, somehow, we would have other options before having to put her through such a difficult and life changing surgery.

Our beloved doctors at MSU helped us with referrals to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and St. Judes in Tennessee. Mayo agreed with U of M that it the surgery was the best chance to get all the tumor out. We hadn't heard from St. Judes at that time so decided to finish out her chemo schedule and get ready for surgery in September. About three weeks before the scheduled surgery at Mayo, scans looked very promising and we got the call from St. Judes. They believed they could resect the tumor and save the leg and pelvis. Many prayers were answered that day and so many times after!

Adalin had a resection surgery and also interal radiation to the tumor sight at St. Judes in late August. At the time is was very successful. She finished her chemo protocal in in October and got the chance to be "in remission" for about 14 months. We would do follow up scan here in. Lansing and at St. Judes about every 3 months.

In November of 2009, scans showed reoccurance in the upper right high. We immediately stared the same chemo/radiation/surgery protocol. They were encouraged that because of how well Adalin had handled this experience the first time, medically they could repeat the entire process. In May of 2010 she completed another chemo cycle and another resection surgery. The tumors were then considered stable and she was off treatment for 8 months.

In January of 2011 the tumors began to grow again and we decided to two experimental drugs from St. Judes. The first drug worked for about 3 months and we discovered the 2nd and final drug was not effective in July.

Since July of 2011, Adalin has progessed in need for our MSU palitative care team to manage her pain from tumor growth.

This final update brings us to our current situation.

From day one she has had God "giving her a piggy back ride" Since her final return, with God's love and grace she has enjoyed many high quality days and that is what we will focus on!"

Adie is currently hospitalized on high powered pain medication, but does have periods of lucidity and is still in full control of her treatment, as she was of her photo shoot. She painstakingly chose just the right outfits, with all the matching jewelry and accessories, AND makeup to coordiate with each... must be the budding fashion designer! She chose the poses and declined one if she didn't like my suggestion. She is a child who wants to be in control, and the end of her life is no different. Just yesterday, after my visit with her, she woke long enough to choose the images she wanted on a billboard that will be going up in Lansing in the next couple weeks, to show the community what a Kourageous Kid looks like! Adie is my HERO!

Keep this family in your continuous thoughts and prayers as Adie spends her final moments here with us.

Heather's final story.....

2011-09-07T10:06:00.007-04:00

CLICK HERE to read Heather's final story from the Lansing State Journal:

Also read more in her Obituary HERE.

We grieve with Heather's family....

2011-09-06T07:44:00.006-04:00

Heather was a powerful force to be reckoned with. She fought cancer with everything she had, with grace, dignity, courage and BOLDNESS. She fought a vicious leukemia for a couple years, undergoing a much needed bone marrow transplant from her brother. But, this weekend, she entered the gates of Heaven with the boldness and courage she lived. She was only 27 years old and leaves behind a small son, age 6 and a devoted fiance, Tommy. She had big dreams and goals, but her son was the most important thing in her life. She so wanted to watch him grow up. Even after her transplant, she fought to secure an early release to watch him get on the bus for the first time, going off to kindergarten.
She attended our Gala this past winter, having a great time, meeting other BOLD women, having photos taken with our celebrity guest, TJ Duckett and having a great time with friends. She was full of life and exuded positive attitude.She was a huge advocate of The Oldham Project and what we're trying to accomplish!
We now grieve with her family, mother, son and fiance. She was much loved and touched so many lives. She will be missed, but her legacy, attitude and love will live on.

Help The Oldham Project obtain a much needed Grant from Pepsi!

2011-09-02T07:46:00.002-04:00

The Oldham Project has applied for and has successfully gotten into the finalists for a $10K grant to continue our Be Bold, Feel Beautiful program for another year! Please help us gain votes to get this funding! Vote via the website or text your vote!

The Oldham Project is the Recent Recipient of One Powerful Gift

2011-08-31T15:03:00.003-04:00

Jackson National Life Open Endless Possibilities for Growing, Local Non-Profit
Lansing, Michigan– August 31, 2011– Throughout 2011, The Oldham Project has been pushing forward with much enthusiasm. With the announcement of their newest division, Kourageous Kids, as well as the ever-growing Be Bold, Feel Beautiful campaign, The Oldham Project has arrived. The once one-woman team has now grown and with it a call for action was made to find interested parties to help support the non-profit structure of The Oldham Project. The Oldham Project provides free portraits to families and individuals suffering from life-threatening or terminal illnesses in a compassionate and professional manner.
This past month, Jackson National Life gave $5,000 to The Oldham Project to specifically benefit the Kourageous Kids program. The aim of Kouragous Kids is to provide free professional portraits to all children undergoing treatment for life-threatening illnesses. “We are hoping to provide 'fantasy' photo sessions for these children, offering a respite from treatments, needles, hospitals and suffering, as well as giving their parents and loved ones a visual gift that will last for generations to come,” remarks Terri Shaver, Executive Director of The Oldham Project.
Parents are soliciting the services given by The Oldham Project, demanding this type of photography. One parent has said, "Not knowing the outcome of your child's cancer is scary. We never know if they'll respond to treatment. But, God forbid, should something happen, we'll have these photos of our family intact and our child happy."
Children of high risk families or children living in poverty are especially important to reach with this program. Some of these children have never been photographed in their lives, due to the expense. The Oldham Project and its divisions provide all of the photography for free. Each family will receive a CD of retouched images from the child's session and a copyright release to have them printed.
Kourageous Kids hopes to discover, solicit and target children of high and at-risk families, poverty and other special needs for our program, as well as children suffering from other life-threatening illnesses, including but not limited to Muscular Dystrophy, Cystic Fibrosis and Sickle-Cell Anemia. Terri Shaver has been working closely with the MSU Children's Health Initiative, Pediatric Oncologists and Pediatricians and Family Practice Physicians. “Through this effort families will be referred to our program, using the appropriate marketing pieces. I have hopes of photographing 75 total children before the end of the 2011 year,” Shaver adds. The money that has been received from Jackson National Life will help not only in promoting Kourageous Kids, but also ensure each photo session is well equipped. Every child will receivea gift at their session and digital copies of their photographs.
Terri Shaver is ecstatic about the financial gift. “I’m thrilled that Jackson National sees the importance of our mission and give us the ability do deliver services to serve many families and provide memories that will last for generations to come with our Kourageous Kids program. This money will allow us to bring the faces of these children to our community with many billboards throughout the community!”

Shaver continues, “What means so much is that Jackson National Life has such confidence in our ideas! This all couldn’t have come at a better time.”
The Oldham Project is in its third year as an organization. The past few years, the team grew from being single-handedly run by Terri, to a Board of four and now in 2011, the team has grown to a dozen members of passionate individuals from the Lansing area. This past summer, The Oldham Project has been forced to move into a temporary space. Terri Shaver has hopes that a permanent residence will be found by year’s end. Nonetheless, with the new and much needed funds now available, Kourageous Kids will continue in full swing and children will be coming through these doors with hope and leaving with a phenomenal experience.
To learn more about The Oldham Project, Be Bold, Feel Beautiful and Kourageous Kids, please visit www.theoldhamproject.org.
If you know anyone who is battling cancer or any other life-threatening illness and would like to have them photographed, please contact terri@theoldhamproject.org

Press Inquiries, please contact:
Terri Shaver Executive Director
The Oldham Project
terri@theoldhamproject.org
517.256.0490

Oldham Receives Grants!!!

2011-08-26T07:14:00.005-04:00

The Oldham Project just received two major grants for our Kourageous Kids program and we are thrilled at the support from our community! This week, we were awarded $5000 from Jackson National towards promotion and support of our Kourageous Kids programming...we will now be able to offer so much more to so many more families. We have plans to promote the program by bringing a public awareness to these children through billboards with their portraits! We will also be able to provide each child an actual 11 x 14 portrait of themselves and more goodies in the bags already, generously filled by members of our community with coloring books, crayons, markers, bubbles, clothing, card games, cupcake certificates, passes for the Potter Park Zoo and more! We are so thankful for the support of our community and the local hospitals. Great Lakes Cancer Institute has generously offered $1000 to pay for each child to have a Kourageous Kids t-shirt! And finally, Sparrow Hospital and 5 Pediatric physicians have given us $5000 towards the marketing and support of this program for children. We are impacting families all over the mid-Michigan area and now have photographers in some other cities ready to join our cause as the calls come from out lying areas in Michigan!
Thank you Lansing for your support!!

Moving faster than the speed of light!

2011-07-07T06:19:00.005-04:00

Jonathon S. is a 9 year old whirling dervish! Suffering from Duchene's Muscular Dystrophy, he makes the most of every movement, taking in with every sense, touching, seeing and moving to the beat of his own drummer. Diagnosed with the MD at about 11 months old, his Mom knew something wasnt' right. Crawling was delayed and he didn't walk till he was 3 years old. Little does he know, that this disease, without a cure, will have him crawling again in a few short years. Researching Duchene's a bit, I learned that this mostly affects little boys, their physical developement is quite delayed, sometimes there are mental deficits and usually they will be wheelchair bound by their late childhood and will die in their teens. Not a pretty picture of a future for this delightful, active 9 year old.
He's in 3rd grade and his favorite class is, "recess." No kiddiing....this kid is making up for the time lost as an infant and toddler and the time he'll loose in the near future! Already preparing for the inevitable, Jonathon has been matched with a Service Dog, named "Figaro." He and the dog are in the bonding phases and Figaro already preforms simple tasks for Jonathon, but as he physical ability declines, Figaro will become more and more, Jonathon's hands and feet. His Mom says, he's expected to be in a wheelchair by age 11-12.
No wonder he's still trying with all he has to do it all, see it all, feel it all. He's an inspiration. My picture of determination and persistence. How much do we take for granted every day? Think about Jonathon. He's truly a Kourageous Kid!

Take time for yourself....

2011-07-05T06:09:00.006-04:00

Karrie, a nurse, found herself so busy taking care of everyone else, that she missed a mammogram....and time went by, and then STOPPED, when she found a lump in her breast. Shocked, she sought care and found she had cancer. Diagnosed, right in the middle of an adoption process, life came to a screeching halt. But she says, "God wanted me to bring my daughter home, and now we're trying to get life back to normal. A wife, a mother and even a grad student, she found herself so busy that she didn't take care of herself. But now preaches a sermon of, "Don't let yourself go, take care of yourself or you won't be here for your family."
She relies a lot on her sisters, mother, family and friends for support. "I'm so grateful. You really find out who really cares for you...sometimes, it takes my breath away."
When was your last self breast exam? When was your last mammogram and pap smear? Have you taken time for yourself today? A mental break, time to smell the flowers and be thankful for the breath of life? It's so easy to get caught up in the stuff of life, that we don't take time to appreciate those around us or the life we enjoy. Be thankful. Be aware.

** Follow us on Facebook @ www.facebook/theoldhamproject

The Oldham Project has an IMMEDIATE need!

2011-06-28T08:12:00.006-04:00

The Oldham Project has an important and IMMEDIATE need for a new studio space. We need an empty retail/commercial/home space, with some minimum requirements: 20-25ft x 15-20ft camera room, handicap access, 24/7 access and a bathroom and cost minimum or free. If you see or hear of anything please contact us immediately! Lets' think outside the box. We would like a rental commitment of at least the end of this year. We would like to be in an area centrally located in the Greater Lansing/EL Area.
We will have to postpone our programming if we can't find something fairly quickly and we don't want to have to turn families away! Please think outside the box and keep your eyes and ears open for a space. Don't discount anything. We're wiling to consider anything.

These kids need your help!

2011-05-25T07:47:00.006-04:00

The Oldham Project is launching our specialty program for children undergoing treatment for cancer or other life threatening illnesses, called Kourageous Kids! We are putting together goodie bags to give each child that comes into the studio to be photographed. We've had marvelous, re-usable shopping bags donated and printed by our friends at Slick Shirts. We're having Kourageous Kids t-shirts made for each child and want to fill these bags with all sorts of "kid" related items.
We would like you to consider organizing a 'drive' at your workplace. This wouldn't take a lot of work, but would bring great benefit to these sick children. We have already received tons of coloring books and crayons to insert in each bag, but we'd like lots of the following items. Perhaps you might organize departments at your workplace to compete to see who could bring the most items! Make it fun and creative, while helping us to give more to these children and make their day a bit brighter!
UNO card games
Skip-Bo card games
Plain decks of cards
Bottles of bubbles
Hand held games
Smaller board/card games
Gift certificates for free ice cream cones/candy/ etc.
Books

We would need at least 75 of each item. Please consider how you might partner with us to make this happen in the next couple weeks. We'll be happy to come and pick them up and provide brochures and posters for you to use to advertise your 'drive.' Please call me if you have questions, to "claim" your drive item or to let me know of an alternate item(s) you've thought of! We'd like to collect all items by June 15th. We know it's difficult in these tough economic times for businesses to donate a lot of money, but this is a way to mobilize all the people in your business to 'donate' just a little, that can make such a big impact!
Your generosity will make a child's day. Most of these kids are part of a family who is struggling with daunting medical bills and is unable to provide even the simplest entertainment for these children. Help us brighten their day!
I look forward to hearing from you soon!!
517-256-0490

"Go with your gut..."

2011-05-11T08:18:00.007-04:00

Have you ever had one of those feelings... that you just knew was something to act on? The kind that make the small hairs on your neck stand up and prickle? I remember as a small child, playing at the neighbors house and my Mom came flying down the street, screaming, "Where is your little brother?".... at that moment, she found him about to be hung by the neck, as two other children were playing cowboys, and hanging the bad guy. My mother acted on one of those gut feelings, and thankfully so. My brother is now 51 years old.
Amy acted on one of those gut feelings too. She just knew something wasn't right. She'd found a small lump and knew. Even though the mammogram and ultrasound weren't totally definitive, her gut told her differently. She was persistent and sure enough, a small, Stage 1, estrogen +, non- aggressive cancer was found. She stuck with that gut feeling and made things happen. She was diagnosed on a Tuesday and had surgery on Friday of the same week!
Though she says, " You have to surrender to the process.... you do what you have to do, to get through it." She's a STRONG woman, who knew her body and acted on instinct. "I was terrified, but you have to trust your gut."
Her 8 year old son Willie, is her rock. He's at her side much of the time and he's quite a little 'man'.
She encourages all women to 'know your body' and be sensitive to that instinct that's built inside us as women. Sometimes we know more than can be seen with the eye.

Countdown to Kourageous Kids!

2011-03-23T19:41:00.002-04:00

We are just days away from launching Kourageous Kids on April 1, 2011. We will be photographing children of all ages with various cancers and other diseases that are threatening to take them from their parents. We hope to create a fantasy photo session for each child and allow them to escape the treatments and hospitals that consume so much of their time.

We are looking for a variety of things to help launch Kourageous Kids...if you or anyone you know might have any of the following to donate: new or newer fairy and princess costumes, medium to large stuffed animals. We are also trying to stuff goodie bags for these kids with fun things. If you can contribute a item in a quantity of 75, we'd like coupons for things like free cookies, ice cream and candy. Or actual items like balloons, toys, books, crayons/coloring books, games, cards or anything else you can come up with 75 items of. We're looking for sponsors to print t-shirts with the KK logo to give each child along with their portrait for their parents. Please spread the word and help us make this program a huge success!

"Keep encouraging yourself...."

2011-02-18T09:09:00.006-05:00

Belinda feels spoiled and isn't even close to having a pity party! Finding her own breast lump and seeking treatment immediately, she was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in July 2010. Her positive attitude is very contagious and everyone around her feels it too. I saw such a 'peace' in her face as we working together to create these beautiful images! She attributes it to Christ and His family, who have rallied around her to spoil her with cards, flowers and phone calls, filled with love and encouragement. Although, I suspect, it's she who is doing the encouraging.
Working with special needs children in schools, she knows about struggles and perserverance. But, she emphatically states, "You may get discouraging reports, but if your attitude is positive, it will make all the difference." She also says, "I was scared of chemo and how it would feel, but Christ is bigger than any opposition."
She finds strentgh in daily Bible reading, her family and prayers. "Keep encouraging yourself", if necessary. When she found she was loosing her confidence due to physical changes from the chemo, she started reminding herself, that even if she didn't feel beautiful, others around her did. Yes, Belinda, you are beautiful and strong and I'm confident that this trial is just a bump in the road for you!

Kourageous Kids starts early...

2011-02-15T10:01:00.007-05:00

Although, we don't "officially" launch our Kourageous Kids program till April 1st, we're being called by parents all over the greater Lansing area, desiring to have their sick children photographed. What would make a parent want such a portrait of their sick baby? Why would they want to do this and particiapate? I'm sure you're asking yourself. Maybe they can't even articulate what it is themselves, but the calls are coming, nonetheless.
I'd like to introduce you to Josiah... a bright, fun loving 8 1/2 year old (make sure you don't miss the 1/2!), diagnosed with Leukemia on December 29th, 2009. Sick for most of the fall, his parents suspect that the Leukemia was there for much longer than diagnosed. Sometimes hindsight can be more than 20/20. A parent knows when something isn't right, and his parents were right... Josiah spent 97 days of 2010 hospitalized and undergoing treatment for his cancer. He's a fiesty little guy with quite an attitude, but the wisdom of a much older man comes through his eyes in his portraits. He's been forced to accept and deal with more than some men approaching the end of their lives.
In our attempt to portray these children with the important things in their lives, Josiah chose to bring his new skateboard. He aspires to be a big-time skateboarder and we had a fun time with the name on the board. Given to him by his uncle, I teased him about his uncle's name being, Daryl.. and was able to elicit some very fun expressions with the name Daryl.
Josiah continues to battle for his life, currently fighting an infection and illness due to the compromised state of his little body.
Please keep him in your prayers.

These children and their parents deserve a break from treatments and tests.... these sessions are intended to create an atmosphere of fun, laughter and joy for the child. A fantasy. Whether their dream is to be a skateboarder, a fireman or a princess, we will strive to make it a joyous time, that will also document this time in this families life, that will live in a portrait for generations to come and all free of charge. Please remember to keep us in mind, should you find someone cross your path with a sick child, spouse or other family member. We continue to photograph women undergoing treatment for cancer as well, providing for them an opportunity to feel beautiful and special, despite what the mirror might say.

Great Sorrow...

2011-02-11T07:49:00.006-05:00

With great sorrow and sadness, I bring news of another loss for our community. A fourth of our Be Bold, Feel Beautiful women has entered heaven after fighting an amazing and long battle with cancer.
Kathleen Campbell, age 54, died Wednesday morning after battling cancer since 2002. First diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, she continued her passion for dance and dealt with much pain.. but danced anyway. More recently diagnosed with uterine cancer, she was hospitalized late in January and died 11 days later.
Born December 20, 1956 and died February 9, 2011, she leaves behind 3 sons that she's raised as a single parent for most of her adult life. She underwent a lengthy treatment on January 13th, in order to gain the strength she needed to attend our Oldham Gala... which she attended with her mother. She had a wonderful time and enjoyed the other Bold and Beautiful women she was seated with! I personally am thankful that she participated in our program and was able to enjoy the time of "celebrity". I know that her family will be able to enjoy these beautiful images of her for generations to come.
May you now rest in peace Kathleen... You are finally done fighting. Your courage inspires those of us still fighting.

Starting a new year!

2011-01-31T10:16:00.005-05:00

I have to thank so many people for the wild success of our recent fundraising Gala! We had almost 100% attendance for those that paid and RSVP'd for the event!! AMAZING!
Our sponsors were very generous... Rizzi Designs, Eagle Eye, Adams Outdoor, Petal and Forrest, Junior League of Lansing, Sparrow Hospital, IRMC, CATA, Douglas J Spa, Piece O Cake, Art Craft Display and Minimall Invasive Surgical Associates.
We were able to raise over $5000 which will be used to promote and fund our upcoming programs for 2011. We made a big announcement at the Gala, that we will be launching our Kourageous Kids program, starting on April 1, 2011. It is such an important offering and news has traveled fast! We've already photographed THREE children and we haven't even begun to market it yet!

Look here in the coming days for more announcements about 2011 and blog entries for these amazing children and their families!

Oldham Gala registration closed!

2011-01-10T14:44:00.001-05:00

I am so sorry, but due to the overwhelming response to the Gala, we've had to close registration!
Please contact us if you have any questions!
517.256.0490

2011 Oldham Project Gala to honor Be Bold, Feel Beautiful Women

2010-12-15T07:41:00.003-05:00

Our 2011 Gala is the event of the year for The Oldham Project and we will be honoring the Bold and Beautiful women from this years program! Join TJ Duckett, our honorary event Chairman and Bob Hoffman, our Master of Ceremonies at beautiful Eagle Eye Grand Garden Room. We hope to have all of the 60+ women here at the event for you to meet and talk with. Speakers include some of those very women with courageous stories to share, a video presentation and presentations to each of the women of a portrait of themselves. Appetizers and drinks start promptly at 6pm, with a buffet dinner starting at 7pm. A Silent Auction will start also at 6pm with items ranging from signed basketballs from MSU's own Tom Izzo and Suzy Merchant to a night at The Grand Hotel, as well as items from local retailers and fine art prints from nationally known photographers.

Please join us for this amazing event that will support continued programs like this in 2011!
January 13, 2011, 6pm-9pm at Eagle Eye Grand Garden Room, Chandler Road, Bath
Cost: $55/individual, $100/couple and $400/table.

Call: 517.256.0490 with questions or to donate items to the silent auction or a sponsorship opportunity.

2011 Be Bold, Feel Beautiful calendars in local retailers!

2010-11-20T06:12:00.005-05:00

I'm so happy to announce that our 2011 Be Bold, Feel Beautiful calendars are on sale at several locations. Please stop in and pick up a couple for yourself or Christmas gifts.
If you're not able or aren't in the Lansing area, please just click on the yellow 'donate' button. You can purchase online and it will be delivered to your home!
The calendar was recently re-designed and updated with all the women photographed up till last Monday!
Current locations:
Schuler's Books- Eastwood Towne Center
Schuler's Books- Meridian Mall
Breslin Cancer Center- Ingham Medical Hospital
Creative Wellness- E. Lansing
Red Cedar Oncology- E. Lansing/Coolidge Road

If you or you know of a local area retailer who would be willing to host a small pile of calendars for sale, please let me know and I'll contact them.
This is now a limited edition item. We WILL NOT print anymore after this last 100 are gone!! So don't delay!
Please contact me with any questions!

"Your response is your responsibility..."

2010-11-17T05:43:00.006-05:00

How we respond to events, words or situations speaks volumes. We can have just about anything thrown at us, and how we respond is up to us....not those hurling the words, the co-worker who is making work unbearable, a family member who is pushing the limit OR the diagnosis that is presented to you.

Sharon R. was diagnosed with Breast Cancer after it was miraculously found on an annual mammogram. She, as most, felt shock and disbelief, as their was no family history or predisposition for cancer. Surrounded by her supportive family, she moved on, taking but a moment to let the cancer sink in. A little fire-ball of energy, she was brought to tears when her two grown sons and her grandson all shaved their heads in partnership and support of her! From the sounds of it... she hasn't let cancer, chemo or radiation slow her down much! "I haven't been sick at all...maybe a little tired. I feel fine!" Staying busy, being involved and adopting that positive attitude have probably made all the difference for this woman. As she shares, "Your response, is YOUR responsibility. I can choose HOW I let something affect me, not the other way around." She mentors young women through Jr. League of Lansing and her church.... what a positive, powerful, Bold and Beautiful woman they see!

What response will you have today to a situation, word or thought? Will it be positive or negative? Will you take a negative and turn it into a positive? What kind of message are we sending out in our actions? Are we 'shaving our heads' to support a friend in need? Remember your response speaks volumes!

Derailing life for a moment....

2010-11-16T05:05:00.007-05:00

I've had a bit of a lapse in attention to this blog and I am sincerely miss sharing stories about our Bold and Beautiful women.
I've encountered a trial of my own and am trying to play catch up now. In preparation for my upcoming surgery, I had to have a routine EKG and physical to get cleared for surgery. No big deal... but, I failed the EKG and had some changes they didn't like. So, a routine stress test was ordered and again, I failed with changes consistent with cardiac blockages. Next day, was scheduled to have another, more sophisticated stress test.... but as I described the chest pressure I've been having and the increase in shortness of breath, the Doctor suggested a Nitroglycerine tablet, which immediately took the pressure away. Next thing I knew, I was being prepped for a cardiac catheterization. Hoping to hear today about the final results and whether I'll be cleared for surgery next week.
I've mentally prepared for this surgery and certainly physically need it desperately, so I'm praying for a good result and full clearance to proceed.

All this to say, sometimes things are not in our control. For me, this is a huge challenge. I'm a person who likes to be in full control of everything and have difficulty leaving things in others hands. I too, am learning a lesson here... to trust, to have faith and to take better care of myself. In my effort to care for everyone around me, I may have let the most important fall to the wayside. I have to understand that in order to be able to give all that I want to those around me, I first have to give the best to myself.

I'll be back with a few more women coming up!

We ARE stronger than we think....

2010-11-08T07:51:00.007-05:00

Strength comes in different ways...physical strength, emotional strength.... and even spiritual strength. We measure strength in different ways, by pounds lifted, miles run, emotions controlled or battles fought and won. Donna E. has fought these battles and feels she is winning...on all fronts.
Again, as many of these women, she found her own lump, just one year past her last mammogram... being a faithful 'self-examiner', she was fully aware there was a change and actively pursued treatment. Diagnosed with Stage 2B, breast cancer, she was eager to do something....even though the 'system' didn't seem to move quickly enough. "I just wanted to do SOMETHING. I wanted to quickly move things along." She found her strength in her husband and daughter, who fought alongside her. "They have borne the brunt of the pain and suffering. I'm stronger than I thought I was.... no matter what comes along, you have to be stronger than IT. I just tried to keep a positive attitude, even though somedays, I didn't think I'd live through the treatment."

We ARE stronger than we think. We need to muster that strength each and every day as we walk through battles, big and small.
The strength is there, if we just take the time to find it.

You gotta have a sense of humor!

2010-11-04T06:15:00.007-04:00

Crystal M. says her sense of humor helps her every day as she battles her cancer... without disrespect to cancer or other cancer patients, she says, "I have to laugh somedays as I see something new that's funny about my appearance. You have to laugh at yourself and surround yourself with people who make you laugh. I'm lopsided." Stage 2, infiltrating, ductal breast cancer is no laughing matter... "Cancer isn't a death sentence, it's just a nuisance."
In the middle of her cancer treatment, actually before she could even start chemo, she was dealt another blow as her heart went into V-Tach and she needed an internal defibrillator installed... sure, one more thing to deal with... but somehow, I can see her making light of it, adopting a self-proclaimed nickname of 'Wired' or 'Sparky.'
Now, onto the reconstruction process and again, her sense of humor kicks in...."I'll be sensible in choosing size!"
I'm sure her family of 5 children and 8 grandbabies give her plenty of opportunities to laugh!

Are you finding the joy in everything? Somewhere, even in the middle of a nightmare, there is SOMETHING to smile about if we look hard enough... that's the secret, looking and embracing even the smallest hint of a smile.

Calendars selling like hotcakes!

2010-11-02T07:02:00.003-04:00

The Oldham Project has recently completed a wildly successful program called Be Bold, Feel Beautiful and we have created a beautiful calendar featuring many of these beautiful, amazing and BOLD women!
Calendars are on sale now, as long as supplies last. I'll be at the studio (1600 Abbot Rd., East Lansing, in downstairs of Summit Bank building), again tomorrow, Wednesday (November 3), for most of the day. Please stop in and buy yours, and maybe some for gifts. 100% the proceeds from this calendar will be put towards our marketing and fundraising for the upcoming years programs, both "Be Bold, Feel Beautiful" and our new launch of "Kourageous Kids"... providing a similar program photographing children undergoing cancer treatment. Cost: minimum donation of $12/each.
If you have any questions, please call me to discuss. Numbers listed below.

"Hunker down and do it...."

2010-11-01T07:01:00.005-04:00

Kathleen C. has been fighting for her life since 2002. Battling an unseen foe called Multiple Myeloma. A dancer, she suffered with pain in her spine for over 2 years before being diagnosed with this type of cancer. Dancing, with cancer trying to disassemble her spine.... I can't imagine the pain she must have lived with on a daily basis. But her own words tell me she did what she had to do. "You just hunker down and do it or die. I couldn't dwell on it, I needed to be a Mom.... a single Mom." She endured 2 stem cell transplants in 2005 and is still fighting this cancer. Has the fortitude and physical determination of a dancer given her the strength to continue this battle with such grace?
She says, "I've become much less critical and have much more patience than I ever had before." One would need that with 3 teenage boys! "I enjoy my solitude and alone time, but love to spend time with friends who are important to me. When they say 'cherish each moment', it's true.... I've learned how to say 'No' more."

How are we handling our daily stresses and confrontations? With grace and patience? Or, drama, anger and resentment? Most of us will never fight a fight like this.... lessons are here to be learned....
Shall we adopt grace and patience today?

Battling Twice....

2010-10-29T06:25:00.005-04:00

Most people would agree that young people shouldn't have to deal with cancer... agreed? Not only is Jessica A. fighting Hodgkin's Lymphoma, but she's also fought a devastating kidney disease for the past 3 years. Related? Not sure, but the fight is.
Diagnosed with an unusual nephrotic syndrome 3 years ago, it left her upended and ill, BUT, making her much more aware of her body and potential problems. So, when she found an unusual lump in her neck this past summer, she immediately took action and was diagnosed with the Lymphoma. She says, "Cancer hasn't upended my life, but kidney disease has." Can you only imagine what she must go through with the kidney issues, that she basically says the cancer is easier? Her WHOLE life must revolve around what she eats, what she drinks, weight gain or loss, numerous medications and constant lab tests to make sure her kidney's are functioning as well as possible. That compared to a weekly chemo treatment, must seem easier to her.... but how unfair that a 29 year old should be so consumed with illness?
BUT, the silver lining here is that she's an amazingly strong and independent young woman with a career and goals. "You must rely on yourself and be your own advocate. Educate yourself. Doctors don't know EVERYTHING, so you have to find the right one for you." She speaks very highly of her oncologist and nephrologist. She's surrounded by a loving family and she's got a great prognosis.... I suspect that she'll beat this.... she's strong, educated and able.... and she hasn't let both of these diseases get her down. Her smile lights the room!

Shop to help The Oldham Project!!

2010-10-28T06:08:00.003-04:00

The Oldham Project and "Be Bold, Feel Beautiful" is partnering with Lucy Grey to raise money for our January event. Please see her website for Christmas shopping ideas for the girly girls in your life. We will receive a portion of the proceeds from anything purchased. Please take note of the deadlines for Christmas gift giving so you can make sure to receive them in time!

The purses are unique and quite lovely and will help go towards the event expenses!

A bit of a time away!

2010-10-22T06:11:00.002-04:00

I'll be away on a bit of a vacation with my handsome hubby and won't have internet access to blog while I'm gone.
See you next week!

Why NOT me?

2010-10-21T06:59:00.011-04:00

At 81, Mary B. is our oldest participant in Be Bold, Feel Beautiful and is quick to add, "Age is NOT a number, it's a state of mind!"

When Mary had her son Davey, 47 years ago and who is profoundly handicapped, she could have had a pity party, gotten bitter or harbored anger.... but she said she had a "very accepting attitude" and her mantra was, "Why NOT me? What's so special about me?" Most would be asking, Why me? What did I do to deserve this? But not Mary. She readily admits that as a child and a young person, she wasn't patient, in fact described herself as "VERY impatient"..... and she's convinced that Davey was sent into her life to teach her patience.
Life immediately changed and required continual patience, at every turn. She's learned to choose her battles.

This attitude, refined over many years of caring for Davey and all the challenges that accompany him, has now carried her through two bouts of Breast Cancer. First diagnosed in 1991, had surgery, she fought, and had been cancer free till last fall, when it reared it ugly head again. Again, Mary uses her positive attitude and the wisdom that only comes with being 81 years old.....
Using only surgical intervention this time, Mary is choosing not to try chemo and enjoy the time she has left. "I take one day at a time and don't go down paths that I don't have to... I will cross a bridge when I come to it, and not before. Worry accomplishes nothing. If you accept something in the right spirit, you won't get bitter. You just handle things as they come along."

Mary is the picture of grace, elegance and refinement. She's gentle, soft spoken and exudes such peace. Obviously, a result of her attitude about life.... and now death.

Sidetracked for just a season...

2010-10-20T08:18:00.004-04:00

In the late summer and early fall, most people this age are preparing to attend the college of their choice, designing and packing for a dorm room and dreaming about starting a life away from the security of home and thinking about a future career. BUT, that wasn't the plan for Kristina D. She was unintentionally sidetracked from that plan by cancer. This shouldn't be happening to people who are only 20 years old!!

She was on her way to Northern Michigan University to study nursing... she should be the care giver, not the recipient of medical care....

But, with her infectious smile and joyous spirit, she optimistically looks at her "delayed" attendance and hopefully starting in January, after completing her treatment for dysgermanoma.... a reproductive organ cancer, much like the testicular cancer that Lance Armstrong was sidelined with.... only this is the female version. VERY treatable with an excellent prognosis. Being the third generation in her family to fight cancer, her mother and grandmother have rallied to her side to support and encourage her through this battle. She says, "my family and friends have been so supportive." She relies much more on her faith, now and for her future, as a parent... with more obstacles to come due to this cancer... but something tells me, she'll keep smiling through that too.

Participating in miracles....

2010-10-18T06:38:00.008-04:00

Not many people will ever witness a miracle...let alone be a part of some....

miracle |ˈmirikəl|
noun
a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency.
• a highly improbable or extraordinary event, development, or accomplishment that brings very welcome consequences.

Judy E. is a walking miracle. Literally.

After being diagnosed with extensive pancreatic cancer in 2006 and having 60% of her pancreas removed, she was given only 1 year to live, at best. She's had 13 liver tumors, is now an insulin dependent diabetic and has undergone lots of experimental treatment options, but is still fighting. She says, "I come from a long line of fighters. My outcome isn't good, but until I decide I don't want to continue anymore, here I am! God doesn't give us anymore than we can handle."

A miracle.

And she's participated in a miracle. Literally, or at least her hand did. She's NEVER drawn anything in her life, but one day, she said she felt 'inspired' to pick up a rugged, carpenters pencil and found a piece of cotton fabric. In the span of three hours, she drew this rendering of Christ on the fabric..."as if someone else was moving my hand. I couldn't put it down." It's almost life-like and the eyes 'see' you as you look at it....

A miracle.

Judy is a miracle. She's full of life, despite the cancer that threatens her life daily. "Cancer is just a word. There is another miracle waiting for me."

I don't doubt it.

"Bless the Space Between Us"....

2010-10-14T09:19:00.005-04:00

Carolyn T. read the Lansing State Journal article about this project and immediately took off her wig! Even before being photographed!! She said she was afraid and fearful about doing it, but the response was very positive! She's kept her positive attitude from the minute she was diagnosed with Stage 2, Lobular Breast Cancer. Being her own advocate, she demanded an ultrasound after the initial diagnosis was negative... but she was correct. I've learned that lobular cancers aren't easy to detect and feel much like 'fibrous' breasts, with generic thicknesses. ONLY the ultrasound was able to pick it up! She was proactive and it helped with very early detection!
Carolyn is full of courage... and relied on a book by John O'Donohue called, "Bless the Space Between Us." and a particular poem she read with each chemo treatment. It meant everything to her.... even when she felt her worst, this poem and her adopted dog, Shatzi, got her out of bed each day. She never missed a day walking Shatzi. Between this faithful dog and her faithful family, she always had someone at her side during her treatment, with one of her 3 grown children or her sister always accompanying her to chemo.
This is the poem that meant so much to her.... maybe it will speak to you as well. It offered her courage.

For Courage

When the light around you lessens
And your thoughts darken until
Your body feels fear turn
Cold as a stone inside,

When you find yourself bereft
Of any belief in yourself
And all you unknowingly
Leaned on has fallen,

When one voice commands
Your whole heart,
And it is raven dark,

Steady yourself and see
That it is your own thinking
That darkens your world,

Search and you will find
A diamond-thought of light,

Know that you are not alone
And that this darkness has purpose;
Gradually it will school your eyes
To find the one gift your life requires
Hidden within this night-corner.

Invoke the learning
Of every suffering
You have suffered.

Close your eyes.
Gather all the kindling
About your heart
To create one spark.
That is all you need
To nourish the flame
That will cleanse the dark
Of its weight of festered fear.

A new confidence will come alive
To urge you toward higher ground
Where your imagination
Will learn to engage difficulty
As its most rewarding threshold!

Big Announcement!! Launching new program!

2010-10-13T06:35:00.009-04:00

As we begin to wind down the Be Bold, Feel Beautiful campaign for this year... I began to have a conversation with a couple of our Board members and my family about what they felt we should be doing next with The Oldham Project... little did I know that our answer would come so quickly!
I actually had prayed one morning about what God would have us do.... then, that very day, I got a call from a woman who saw the article in NOISE magazine about Bold and Beautiful. She said, "I know that you're photographing women with cancer and bald heads, but I have an 8 year old with a brain tumor and I'd love to have her photographed. Is that possible?"

Well, I took that as the affirmation of what we were supposed to do next! And, I'm pleased to announce that in April 2011, we will launch our first annual "Kourageous Kids" program. If you know of any children that we might be able to photograph before then, we'll need some images to develop our marketing materials for this program. Please refer them to us using our contact information below!

And lastly today, I'm thrilled to announce that three of our beauties are currently up on a billboard in South Lansing. Adams Outdoor has generously donated space on the digital board at S. Cedar and 496. Congratulations to Heather A., Sally N. and Elizabeth T. who are now 50 feet tall, looking very Bold and Beautiful!! In the weeks to come, as space becomes available, we will have more women appear on boards at Pennsylvania and 496 and the Frandor digital board!! Thank you Adams Outdoor and Jason V. who has been working with us. Brandon J. is an amazing designer and did a fabulous job with the layout!

I'll be back tomorrow with more Bold and Beautiful women! We still have over a dozen to feature!!

Caught in a Catch-22.

2010-10-12T07:05:00.007-04:00

You'd think after 23 surgeries to fight the lymphoma that threatens her life, that she'd loose count, that she'd feel discouraged and you might think she'd give up...but, Lynette (Lynn) is a fighter. She's battling two different types of lymphoma with no cure available, but she keeps fighting.
Her husband Paul says, "No matter how frustrating or how bleak the day looks, you get up, put one foot in front of the other and try to live the life you did before cancer."

Starting years ago as Melanoma, she's now battling non-Hodgkins and Hodgkins lymphoma's and is classified as Stage 4. She's caught in a catch-22.... She can only take half the recommended chemo to combat the cancer. Her blood counts fall below tolerable levels from the chemo, so they have to back off. But then the cancer advances and the need increases for more chemo and then the white counts fall further.... Catch-22.
"The hardest part", she says, "is that there is no cure and they can't seem to control it now. But, the sun comes up every morning and we start all over." Paul, reaches over to hold her hand as she tears up during our interview after her photo session...."We'll get through this. I love her more than the day I married her."
THAT is not a Catch-22.... that is love, that is commitment.

Finding herself....

2010-10-11T06:30:00.006-04:00

Occasionally we go through trials and we learn something... some THING or something about ourselves. Roberta is a victims advocate by profession, but has become another sort of 'victim's advocate' since discovering a lump in her breast. Saying finding the lump and discovering it was cancerous, was the 'biggest surprise.' She's usually standing up and defending others and now she needed to become the advocate for herself. She said she's had 'remarkable support' from those around her, including a co-worker who also shaved her head when Roberta's hair fell out. She wants to now spend her time reaching out to other women who are undergoing treatment for various cancers. Married a short 10 years to her loving husband Randy, she says, "I take nothing for granted, not my husband, my home....nothing."
I think she's learned a lot about herself and her cancer. Stay informed. Stay in touch, literally, with your body. As we enter October, Breast Cancer Awareness month, remain an advocate for yourself. Be aware of changes in your body. As I saw a poster this week for this months campaign, it said, "COP A FEEL, Know your girls!"

Surviving on faith....

2010-10-08T06:34:00.008-04:00

Sometimes faith is all we have.
faith |fāθ|
noun.
1. complete trust or confidence in someone or something : this restores one's faith in politicians.
2. strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.
• a system of religious belief : the Christian faith.
• a strongly held belief or theory : the faith that life will expand until it fills the universe.

After waiting a year after finding her lump, Addie J., finally went to the Dr. to investigate.... (sometimes faith is all we have to hang on to).
She was given the diagnosis of Stage 4 Breast Cancer, and her faith still remained.
Regardless of the "proof" of a biopsy, she still hangs onto her faith and her family. She says, "This has totally changed my life. I look at things totally different. Besides my family, I only have God to hang on to." Sometimes faith is all we have and reaching out to a God we can't see our touch, but still believe in and believe He will help us.
That's what faith is, believing in something we can't see or touch. An object of belief. The promises of God. Word or honor pledged. Trust in God's character, belief in His testimony and entire reliance on His healing.
Sometimes faith is all we have.

Enough is enough...

2010-10-04T06:14:00.009-04:00

Sometimes we just go through so much, either physically, emotionally or mentally... we're just under it for so long and then we just get fed up and say, "Enough is enough. I QUIT." I've been there, I'm sure you have too... but probably not under the same circumstances that 73 year old LaVone has...
Diagnosed in the fall of 2009 with Stage 3-4 Colon cancer, LaVone endured chemotherapy for one round of treatment, but the side effects were so devastating for her, that she chose to discontinue treatment all together. She says, "Chemo was really hard for me, so the day's in-between had to be productive. I just kept thinking that tomorrow would be better." I'm sure making that decision was the most difficult decision she ever had to make. Coming from a huge family of 11 children, she always had family around and was probably never alone. But now, she finds herself pretty alone, with few friends and no family close by for support. I sense a 'lost' feeling as she looks far off.... missing her daughter and grandchildren who live far away.
As she cuddles the custom made stuffed bear her grandchildren made for her, she gets teary as she talks about them and wishing she could see them more. I'm almost sure that as she approaches the final season of her life, she wishes she could fill her life with the laughter and chaos that 11 children must have filled her home growing up. She has a sweet smile and also says that "laughter helps... I try to find reasons to laugh."
Are you missing someone today? Is there someone missing you? Make the effort to reach out across the miles, whether big or small, and make someone smile today. Fill someones day with laughter. Show someone that you love them... whether we have cancer or not, we have no guarantees that we'll get a tomorrow.

Be Proactive, Be Strong...

2010-10-01T06:17:00.008-04:00

Education....we're educated from the time we're born, we are read to, sent to school and most times, off to college. We read, we study and we take tests; sometimes we pass, sometimes we fail, but through all of it, we learn something. Sometimes, it not necessarily what we set out to learn. Sometimes we learn something by accident or information that wasn't our original destination.
Colleen W. studies....she's been studying since her oldest sister was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer and then later the same year, with breast cancer. Learning about the BRCA gene mutations and being tested herself, Colleen decided to proactively have a hysterectomy, thinking she was educated and armed with information, she could intercept this "thing" and avoid her sister's experience.
BUT, when the pathology report came back, Colleen learned that she hadn't actually intercepted the cancer, it was already there and she began the fight of her life. Moving from New Mexico during her chemo, she felt "isolated and alone". Entrusting your treatment to a new cancer center and new oncologists, is a brave move. But, armed with information, she felt powerful and in charge. Now, on the other side of chemo, she's facing new decisions regarding her care and treatment... again, arming herself with information, she's making proactive decisions about the next step. Her words ring in my head, "Arm yourself with information, because information is power. When you have that kind of power, it is possible to what is necessary to keep yourself healthy and cancer free. Be proactive, be strong." In learning about her sister's cancer, Colleen discovered she had it too, but she's being proactive, still studying, still learning about HER cancer and how to aggressively fight it.
As a personal trainer, I'm sure that she'll use all of this experience to help other women she encounters, to educate those around her about her journey through cancer. "After being through it, it's not fun, but you can get through it. It's wonderful to be done." She's gorgeous on the inside and out... beaming energy and joy at being on the other side of this battle. You can see it on her face!

Creating a Party from Cancer!

2010-09-30T06:49:00.008-04:00

Diagnosed with Stage 4 Lymphoma, Traci J. wasn't going to let cancer steal her joy, nor her love of a good celebration. After a dramatic and unexplained weight loss, Traci was found to have a tumor in her intestines and was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma after being sick for almost 18 months. She speaks of the need to find just the "right Doctor for you... someone you can feel comfortable with, trust and that will treat you like a person." Somehow, facing this grim diagnosis, she invited 14 women to accompany her to the wig shop for a celebration... she relates a story much like Olympic judging, complete with her friends voting on wigs they liked and didn't like! They had dinner and drinks and she ended up buying two wigs... "a me wig and a sassy wig!" Seeing her without her wig, she has a tiny elfin appearance, with the cutest little smile and accompanied by someone who obviously loves her, with or without wig, with or without cancer... her devoted and attentive husband. They have so much love between them, it's palpable.... and enough to share with a daughter they welcomed into their home from Guatemala. When she learned about her mother's cancer, she asked if she was going to die. Traci's ever positive comment was, "I can't promise I won't die, but I do promise I'll FIGHT." She has found that journaling has helped her and has started her own blog, as have many cancer patients, at caringbridge.org. Her 'helper' during chemo has been her iPod and the music she loves..."I have to find the laughter in the process."
Can we find laughter in our days and our situations? I'm sure that no matter what we each might face today, it's not cancer and it's not threatening our lives. Traci manages to find humor and laughter in her situation, can't we? Look carefully today at how you react to comments, news and others around us... there's probably a lot to laugh at if we look with Traci's eyes.

Our first billboard is up!!

2010-09-29T05:59:00.005-04:00

Have you ever had a dream? Sure you have! But, have you ever had a dream, that seemed so far fetched and wild, and you thought could never come true? BUT, eventually, it did? Can you believe it?
Well, I had a dream....several years ago, to use my photography skills for something good. To have the ability to 'give' it away to those who needed it more than me, who couldn't afford it or who would never have them done otherwise. The far fetched dream of starting a non-profit came true. With some hard work, persistence and some help from those who believed in what I was doing, we got that coveted 501(c)3 status.

Then I had another dream, to use this non-profit to do something amazing.... photograph women who were undergoing treatment for cancer and had lost their hair. My husband thought I was nuts, people looked at me like I was crazy and I'm sure wondered, "what woman will ever think about having a portrait done without her hair?" WELL, almost 60 Bold and Beautiful women later, here we are at almost the conclusion of this project.

At the beginning of this project, I thought of ways we could use these images to bring awareness of these diseases to the community... and I dreamt of someday having these women's faces on billboards throughout the community! WOW! That would be cool, for these BRAVE women, to be on a billboard, 30 ft. tall and 60 ft. wide, showing the city what cancer looks like, but how beautiful they are! Some real "In your face" images... stark, provocative and real... but beautiful.

Yesterday, we saw the first step of this dream coming true. Our first 'teaser' billboard went live on the south side of Lansing!! Adams Outdoor has generously offered us space on some of their billboards throughout the month of October. What I thought was a far-fetched dream, HAS become a reality. I actually cried. To see all of this dreaming and hard work come to this.... is very moving for me. To see these women, who have 'bared' themselves through this project, getting the publicity they so deserve, thrills me. To see the community come together to help promote this project through the print media, radio and now these billboards, is humbling.

I am so thankful to these women who have shared their lives, feelings and this most intimate journey through cancer. I am so grateful that you chose to trust me with your appearance and your feelings. I will forever be changed and my life and career will never be the same. Thank you for helping this dream to come true. Thank you for being a part of such a moving project. I know our community won't be the same either.

Dreams do come true. Don't ever think that they won't. Work hard. Invest yourself. Pray. Ask for help... and be thankful.

Protecting his mother...

2010-09-28T07:12:00.003-04:00

Every now and again, you might run across a young man who just makes an impact on your life. In our current social situation, man young men have drooping pants, have earbuds inserted in their ears, listening to some unintelligible music, are texting on their phones, don't look you in the eye and certainly wouldn't be caught dead, showing affection for their mothers. I don't want to make generalizations, and I know that MANY don't fit that stereotype, BUT, the young man I met was a bit out of the ordinary or at least how I'd like to see my son treat me, should I ever find myself in this position.
Nick is VERY protective of his mother. He obviously loves her very much and it's also obvious that he would do anything to protect her from this ravaging disease that is threatening to take his mother away from him. He literally says, "I'll kick anyone's a** who looks at her funny or makes fun of her."
As he holds her during their photo session, Kathleen cries.... she says nothing, and doesn't have to. It's obvious what goes through her mind. They both look tired, tired of working to keep their farm going, tired of Dr. visits, tired of cancer, just tired of fighting what appears to be a steep uphill battle. Originally diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2007, she now is fighting a recurrence, with the disease now invading her bones... and it's obvious, it's painful and makes life very uncomfortable. But, she's fighting and when she fatigues, her young knight in shining armor has his sword drawn and is ready to do battle for her! Such is the love of a son for his mother.

Kathy's words of wisdom for us... "Make sure you get your annual exams and do those monthly self exams. I thought it couldn't happen to me. But here I am."

We WON!!

2010-09-27T08:45:00.002-04:00

I want to thank those that voted for us on the SMILE.fm radio promotion!! While we didn't win the BIG prize package, we did end up being one of the top 5 finalists and did win the ability to place a table of information at the upcoming concert this week and a $1000 radio promotion package on smile.fm (88.1) radio... a Lansing area, Christian radio station. We'll take all the promotion that we can get and I'll be there Wednesday night with a display of some of the amazing women we've photographed! I hope to be able to speak to lots of people about what we're doing.

I'm away from my office and the ability to post more photos for another day. I'm attending the funeral of a dear photographer friend today. He and his lovely wife have been huge supporters of The Oldham Project and I need to be here. I'll be back tomorrow with a fresh post and another "beauty of the day" and a powerful story to share!

Thank you for your faithfulness!

Cancer doesn't discriminate....

2010-09-24T07:15:00.006-04:00

Cancer is an equal-opportunity killer, it doesn't care about sex, race, religion, or AGE. These are not the "normal" faces of cancer, or what you would think cancer 'looks like'... these are young, beautiful, vibrant young women who have been stopped in their tracks to fight a disease trying to steal some of the best years of their lives. They are 20 and 26... and should be thinking about college or starting a career or finding the love of their lives. But no, their days are consumed with chemotherapy or radiation, feeling sick to their stomachs and doctor appointments. They have perhaps mentally planned their funerals and thought about who would inherit their 'things', should they not come out on top of this battle.

Please follow this LINK to read a bit more about two of these amazing women. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers... they shouldn't have to be going through this at their age. Let's all pray that these days will pass quickly, that their treatments will go well, that they will gain physical and emotional strength and those that love them will rally around them to hold them up when they feel like falling.

Also please remember to VOTE here for The Oldham Project in a local radio contest. It only takes a moment and you don't have to sign up for anything. We would love to win this funding for this project. You can vote numerous times, from different IP addresses and on different days, so please continue to vote! We certainly appreciate your support of this program and interest in these amazing Bold and Beautiful women!

Finding your spiritual self...

2010-09-23T06:15:00.010-04:00

We all have a spirit... I don't care what your 'religion' or faith, we have a spirit within us that guides, comforts and directs us. Clare R., says that her cancer journey has been a 'spiritual one' . Being proactive and finding her own breast lump, which proved to be an aggressive breast cancer, Clare says she that the overall treatments for cancer in the US. needs improvement. She's a 20 year resident, originally from South Africa, now firmly entrenched in Michigan and American customs... recently going through the senior picture process with her high school daughter. Thinking about her daughter and breast cancer, she's concerned about early detection and the debate about mammograms in younger women..."things need to be changed."

Her cancer journey has brought her to a new knowledge of herself, "finding that being inside you and feeling joyful, no matter what." She says she is working on finding a BALANCE and discovering many life lessons while on this journey. "Self care" is important, learning to love and care for oneself and acknowledging yourself and your needs. Of course having family and friends there to support you is important too... but she reiterates, "it's been a spiritual journey of self discovery. I see myself as lucky." "I'm rethinking my life and priorities." Discovering the book "LIFE OVER CANCER" Dr. K. Block, really helped her discover many other complementary therapies with chemotherapy and radiation. Reflexology and acupuncture are a few therapies that helped reduce the many side effects of treatments.

What do you have inside you that you've never discovered? Will it take a cancer diagnosis to break down the walls of self-discovery? Will it take staring your mortality in the face to acknowledge yourself and your needs? For women, it's particularly difficult to take time for ourselves and to tell someone we NEED something or that we need help... today, take a moment to look deep inside. WHO may be lurking just under the surface that we show everyone else? Most likely, someone you haven't seen in a while.

Also, if you haven't VOTED for The Oldham Project in a local 'contest' for some funding for our Be Bold, Feel Beautiful, please click HERE to vote and then make sure to ask all your friends and family to vote as well. This money could help us expand this program and run it for a longer time frame! Thank you from all the amazing women we've served so far!

We need your VOTES!!

2010-09-22T14:38:00.003-04:00

The Oldham Project is one of the nominated charities to receive a portion of an upcoming concert proceeds as well as other monies and promotion if you VOTE for us! Please follow this link and vote! Voting will end on Sunday night, September 26th.
We certainly could use this money to promote our Be Bold, Feel Beautiful campaign. Forward this to as many people as you can so that we can win with the most votes by Sunday! I'm counting on all of our faithful readers to help us with this amazing promotion!

Thank you,
Terri

Does GUILT ever haunt you?

2010-09-22T07:00:00.007-04:00

Have you ever felt guilty about feeling well and being healthy? Until this project, I certainly hadn't. Sometimes I feel guilty about having such a good life, but not guilty because of my health... that I wasn't as sick as someone else. We tend to take our health for granted, until something happens and we're sick all of a sudden... then we just want to feel good again.

Annette A. sometimes feels guilty about having cancer and still feeling so good. She's positive, upbeat and appears to be perfectly healthy, just bald and undergoing chemotherapy. "I feel guilty. I'm feeling good, my counts are good... so many women have it so much worse than I do." A STRONG advocate of breast self-examinations, Annette even sports a shirt given to her by a family member, "Don't slack, check your rack." Finding her own 'lump', Annette says, "I can't be angry at the world, I've got to take control." Her two sons, as well as family and friends are her inspiration and keep her moving forward. She's still working through this and I'm sure inspires those she comes in contact with. She also says she's come to appreciate the simple things in life and she "doesn't take anything for granted" anymore. Just knowing a little bit about her, I KNOW that she will move through this cancer journey as though it were just a 'lump' in the road, not letting it slow her down, but learning from the experience and improving her life because of it.

Can you change your life before an illness strikes you? I'm certainly learning from these women....every day. Ladies, let's be PROACTIVE and check those racks! We can't rely on just mammograms. Get familiar with the 'girls' and question anything suspicious!

Some upcoming events you may want to help with....

2010-09-21T07:04:00.003-04:00

I have a couple of fundraising announcements that I'd like to make you aware of! Opportunities for us to raise awareness and make a little money for The Oldham Project and I'd love you to consider participating in some way or sharing it with others.

Women LOVE jewelry.... well, most women! There is a Lia Sophia consultant who will be donating the proceeds from an upcoming show, to our project!! If you can't attend, please consider calling to purchase something from the catalog or online. With Christmas coming, this is an excellent opportunity to pick up a couple very nice gifts for those special women in your life!
Party details: Hostess is Julie E., one of our Bold and Beautiful women, who will host the Lia Sophia consultant, as well as a couple other home party consultants at The Atrium Event Center, 2685 Jolly Road, Okemos, 48864, on September 27, 2010, from 6:30pm to 9pm. If you have questions or would like to place an order, call Julie at 517.676.4166. You can view the jewelry catalog here. I hope to attend with some of the prints from our project and share a bit about what we're doing with this project! I'd love to see your beautiful and smiling faces!!

And, on Saturday, October 9th, I will be speaking at another fundraising event at The Grand Oak Herb Farm. She is hosting her annual "High Tea" and 50% the proceeds will be donated to The Oldham Project to fund our campaign and help with the Gala expenses. The Pink Ribbon Tea will be a lovely event with lovely things to eat. If you've never been out to the Herb Farm, it's a delightful place with a peaceful atmosphere and gorgeous things to buy. Details about the tea and registration information can be found here.

Our calendar is going to the printer this Friday and will be available to start selling by October 4th! I'd love it if you'd contact me and let me know how many you'd like and if you'd be willing to take a few to sell for us at your office or perhaps at the cancer center you attend. All the proceeds will go to The Oldham Project and making this Bold and Beautiful campaign even better next year! You can see here just how gorgeous this calendar will be and what an impact we can make on this community!

Thank you all for your continued support and let me know if you'd like to pre-order a calendar. They will be available for a minimum donation of $12.

The women who surround us....

2010-09-19T09:27:00.009-04:00

Much like little sapling trees are protected and sheltered from storms and uprooting winds by the taller, older and stronger trees around them, Linda F. is held up and supported by the strong and encouraging women that fill her life... a tiny, pixie of a woman, she was floated into the studio on the emotional winds of these women.. it was a party coming in!
Most women have a strong support system of other women surrounding them; who by their very nature, are nurturing, helpful and stong people, willing to reach out and much better at giving than receiving. Linda's strong Italian family ties are what keep her going through this very difficult journey through ovarian cancer. "I have days that I'm scared to death and days that I feel like this isn't me, it's happening to someone else. I hope I have a lot of life left..." All the women sitting around her to chime in with, "you sure do!" The chatter, laughter and emotion in the room is palpable.
Linda and her cast of female supporters are now all advocates of early cancer detection. The demon, ovarian cancer, is a silent cancer... many not being detected until the disease is well advanced, and confuses patients with symptoms that mimic so many other illnesses. They speak knowledgeably about the disease, the BRCA genes and being tested, saying, "You've got to get educated." Young and old alike can fall victim to ovarian cancer, it does not discriminate and usually isn't caught early. Linda is now undergoing her second round of chemotherapy, but keeps a very positive attitude, surrounded by her entourage of those women who love her the most.

Ladies, please don't discount or disregard unusual symptoms.. abdominal bloating, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, menstrual changes, urinary problems, such as an urgent need to urinate or urinating more often than usual, or any other issues lasting more than a couple weeks. Please educate yourselves and be informed and proactive!

Another angel has joined Heaven's choir....

2010-09-18T07:02:00.006-04:00

I received word yesterday morning that another one of our Bold and Beautiful women have gone to heaven... Monica T. entered her new life in heaven on Thursday after a 4 year long battle with breast cancer. I spoke with a friend who had been caring for her for the past month and she reported that Monica had a rapid decline shortly after her amazing photo session, that her abilities to care for herself were compromised and she needed full time care. She remained pain free until the 24 hours before her death, entered the hospital for pain control and died peacefully and not in any discomfort. I am happy to report that either due to the contacts from her blog entry or family and friends, she was able to find loving and caring homes for all of her dogs... and it's reported that she found great comfort knowing that they would be loved and cared for as she would have. Heaven has a new angel in it's choir. Monica expressed to me her great faith in her Saviour, Jesus and has gone home to be with Him.
Note: Her friend Connie wanted me also to correct some information from her blog entry of a month ago... Monica didn't ride in the Ididarod race, she volunteered helping one year. It was my misunderstanding and my mistake. Monica didn't want to mislead anyone into thinking that she had actually ridden in the race. She was indeed a dog-sled musher and had several beautiful Siberian huskies. I stand corrected.
I say again... life is brief and time is a thief. Enjoy life my dear friends...you never know when it will be taken from you.

We've reached a HUGE milestone!!

2010-09-17T05:47:00.007-04:00

I wish I had pictures of celebrations, balloons and confetti to 'throw' around this blog!! We've reached an amazing milestone with this project!! We have officially over 10,000 hits on this site in a mere few weeks!! Thanks to all of our faithful readers! When I first told my husband I was going to start a blog to host the pictures of these amazing women, he said, "Yeah right, who would read that?" To say he was leery, would be an understatement. But, after a single week and we had 100, he began to think a little differently. Now, several weeks later and with analytical numbers that most bloggers would envy, here we are!! The average time spent on this blog is almost 2 hours and we've now had people reading from all over the country and even at least one international reader. These images and your amazing stories of courage and beauty are reaching people you will never know. Your bravery and encouragement is affecting men and women going through the same trials.

I am so encouraged as we move into our final weeks of this project! Calls continue to come in daily, with more women wanting to 'help someone else' by being bold and taking those wigs off and sharing their lives and their cancer journey! I am blessed beyond measure to get to meet and know so many amazing women, who are now and always will be part of my life.

I will be away for a few days... don't know if I'll have time to post. My 94 year old Grandmother went home to heaven last night and I'll be traveling 'home' to be with my mother, during these difficult days and the funeral. She lived a long and very full life... she was an amazingly determined and independent woman, being widowed for almost 40 years. She was a hard worker and built a very successful catering and cake decorating business, which she continued till about 10 years ago. These past couple years were very difficult for her and she is now at peace, in a much better place and with my Grandfather and most of her children. She lost 4 of her children in the past couple years and missed them very much. She will be remembered with the fondest of memories.

"United Hearts", women caring for each other....

2010-09-16T05:42:00.008-04:00

I have so much exciting news, some of which I can't share quite yet, but will as soon as possible. First, we've received so many calls since the Sunday article in the Lansing State Journal, which you can read here if you missed it the first time around. I have 5 women coming in today to be photographed and more tomorrow, with several more who've called, but haven't scheduled yet! An amazing response of women, wanting to help other women!

I'm thrilled to announce that we'll be partnering with Citadel Broadcasting to create a fundraising calendar using your gorgeous images! It will be a 15 month calendar, starting with next month and continuing through December 2011! It will sell for $12 and all proceeds will go to The Oldham Project!! We will be working with their creative department to design it and work with a local printer to have it available for the "Pink Tie Affair" event on October 4th! I'm hoping that all of our Bold and Beautiful women will want at least one for themselves and be able to sell a few more to family and friends for us! It's not often that someone offers to create and print something like this and WE get all the proceeds! I'll keep you posted about where and when you can start to purchase them!

Also, I wanted to share a bit about one of our sponsors... Petra Azar and the "United Heart" jewelry. She has generously donated 12 pieces of this jewelry that we'll be giving away at the end of this campaign! Necklaces, earrings and rings!! The United Heart and it's unique design and magnetic attraction symbolizes the bond of sisterhood that helps these women through this most difficult journey of cancer and chemo. This battle will forever join these women together in a unique sisterhood, just as the magnetic closure of this jewelry bonds it together in such a strong and seamless attraction. Please stop in sometime at Wheat Jewelers in Okemos to see all the gorgeous and unique pieces in this collection! Mention this project and let Kevin know that you've participated in the Be Bold, Feel Beautiful campaign!

And lastly and most excitedly, I'm happy to announce that our annual fundraising Gala to honor these women will be January 13, 2011 at Eagle Eye Golf Club in East Lansing, MI. Please mark your calendars now to make sure you're able to attend this amazing event. We hope to have all or most of the women who participated in this campaign attend so that they are able to meet each other, share their stories and be honored for their bravery through this journey of cancer! I may have more exciting news about the event to come in the next weeks, so stay tuned!!

Let's go out today and tackle the world with the same courage and optimism that these women approach their cancer!

I love parties!!

2010-09-14T06:11:00.005-04:00

The most amazing article appeared this past weekend in the Lansing State Journal and here is the link to read the online version. Read more about some of these fabulous women! Just since this article came out on Sunday morning, we've had a dozen calls and have scheduled 8 more women! More women wanting to help each other by participating in this program. All stepping out, taking off their wigs and being Bold! A 73 year old is even coming!!

We've begun the process of planning this upcoming event to honor these very Bold, Brave and Beautiful women! Lots of ideas swirling around to make this a very special event! One of our 'planners' has a VERY BOLD idea of inviting a nationally known woman, a cancer fighter, to join us as our keynote speaker.... we're deciding if it's even feasible financially. She's another incredible woman, in the middle of a cancer battle and I'm sure would be very inspiring to our audience. BUT, the issue is money. As much as I hate to do this, we aren't having much luck with grants or securing large corporate sponsors, so I'm relying on our faithful readers to help make this event happen. And not only happen, but be the biggest thing that's hit the greater Lansing area in a long time! These women deserve the very best and we not only want to honor them for their bravery during this project, BUT, to bring this project back next summer and fall and make it even bigger and better.

Look at what we've been able to accomplish with NO marketing. 5" x 8" postcards floating around the community at a few cancer centers and word of mouth. THINK about the numbers we could reach with a bit of money to invest in marketing! Think of the amount of women we could help to feel so good about themselves, while their in the battle of their lives!

I've made this so easy for our readers and visitors to this site... there is a small donate button, just to your left. Paypal makes it so easy to donate using either your checking account or credit card. If everyone of our almost 10,000 visitors donated just $10 or $20, we could make a huge difference. Please don't think that if you can't donate a large sum, that it won't make a difference. Lots of small donations can make a big difference!
100% of our money goes to this program. We have NO administrative costs, except our rent/utlilties and postage to mail these packets with CD's to our women. I draw NO salary. Our Board is totally volunteer. I am a volunteer. So please, consider giving something to help make this upcoming event so special, for these incredible Bold and Beautiful women. What would this project be worth to you.... should you be the next person given one of these cancer diagnoses?

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Together, we can make a difference. We are empowering women, making them feel beautiful and confident, during the fight of their lives.

Into our final weeks! We need your help!

2010-09-13T06:50:00.006-04:00

As we head into our final two weeks of the project, I have bittersweet feelings.... We've met and been emotionally touched by these amazing women and hopefully have made an incredible difference in their lives, as they traverse this journey of cancer. I've heard such positive comments and we've gotten such good publicity, I hope to finish these last weeks with more women than ever! I know that you are sharing this project with lots of people. I'm praying that the word will spread and we'll continue to get calls daily.

This past weekend, another wonderful article appeared in the Lansing State Journal LIFE section! Our beauty of the day today, Patty S. was featured, along with 5 other women, previously photographed for this project. Tricia Bobeda did an amazing job with the article and the photos speak for themselves. These women have been affected positively by this project and it's evident in their stories.

Patty S. was diagnosed May 14th, after battling a persistent cough for weeks. Not the diagnosis she expected... she started treatment within days and has undergone surgery, chemo and currently radiation. With small children, 5, 6 and 8, and one of them with special needs, she doesn't have much time to think about having cancer. She says, "If I didn't have kids, I wouldn't have gotten out of the bed. They keep me moving... I don't have much choice, I have to take care of them."
Her attitude is positive, as we find most of these women. Her prognosis is good and as she moves through this journey, she relies on a childhood friend for her support, her "chemo-buddy, Kristen."
As we looked at photos during her session, she laughs.... "It's still funny to see myself bald." She was a really good sport through her session... there were photographers there from the State News and the Lansing State Journal, photographing me, photograph her. So many cameras!! Lots of laughs as the "paparazzi" flashed and moved around us, making the situation both funny and a bit uncomfortable for both of us! Thank you Patty for your sense of humor!!

Let's keep our eyes open for those that might benefit from this project. We also are beginning to plan for the Gala that will take place to honor these bold and brave women. Currently, we're looking for local businesses, health centers, and retailers that are willing to host a large, poster sized print of some of these women during the month of October. We hope to complete a map of all the locations that these prints will be, so that those desiring, can follow the map and see them all... so if you know someone who might be willing, please have them contact me directly, using the contact information below.

Great publicity for The Oldham Project and Be Bold, Feel Beautiful

2010-09-11T07:04:00.006-04:00

I'm so excited about the recent publicity for The Oldham Project and "Be Bold, Feel Beautiful"! Yesterday there was a wonderful article, written by a talented writer from the State News, Meagan Choi. She captured what we're doing perfectly and articulated the feelings of these amazing women. Click here for link to online article.

Watch for tomorrow's Lansing State Journal LIFE section... another wonderful feature, profiling 5 of our amazing women and showing them off to the public for the first time!
Later this coming week, if you have the opportunity, pick up a copy of NOISE magazine, another custom publication of the Lansing State Journal, for a feature story talking with our two youngest Bold and Beautiful women, Channon and Heather.

I'm so proud of all of these women and their boldness! We are moving along, gaining momentum and reaching more women every day! Thank you all for your faithfulness in spreading the word. Together, we can make a difference in women's lives across this city and state!

"Saying goodbye..."

2010-09-10T06:32:00.006-04:00

Today, we'll say a final good-bye to my lovely friend Holly Martin at a Memorial Service at 10am, here in Lansing. If you haven't been following, or read back far enough through the blog, Holly introduced me to our very first Bold, Brave and Beautiful woman, Denise Acker. Holly and I had been friends for years, since she married my husbands' boss, 10 years ago... Holly and Greg moved to Iowa and then to Minnesota, where she passed away gardening.... the very SAME day that Denise passed away....just hours apart.
I spoke with Holly within a couple hours of her dying. We talked about Denise and how she was now at peace and out of pain... AND how life was such a treasure and that we needed to cherish it. And then, she was gone too. How ironic. I still can't get my head around it. I still keep a voice mail from her on my phone and wear a necklace that she gave me when I photograph these amazing women. Funny, how life can send us a curve ball....

Harriet (Holly) Hunting Martin, age 48. Died August 13, 2010, leaving behind her husband of 10 years, Greg Martin and daughter, Sydney, age 8.

Friends, live is brief and time is a thief. It's my mantra, I live by it every day. I try to get the most from each and every day. I strive to make the most of every bit of time I get with my husband, my children and my family. I try not to take any of them for granted, nor treat any of those moments carelessly. I don't assume anything. Don't live life, just going through the motions. Loves and friendships aren't to be taken frivolously. Invest in your family and friends. Treat them as the treasures they are.... it could all change in a heartbeat. We are all just one phone call from our knees.

A Project Update...

2010-09-09T05:42:00.009-04:00

We are now winding down this project and are into our final three weeks of this campaign. I can't tell you how much this has meant to me and I KNOW how much it's meant to these amazing, Bold, Brave and Beautiful women!
I am hearing comments like, "I want to thank you for the most wonderful afternoon. I felt so beautiful. We had an extraordinary experience, almost spiritual in a way. I'm so GLAD I did this. I felt so alive when I left, I felt like I could have taken on the world."
or
"This is an awesome thing you are doing for women. It was so moving watching you photograph my sister."
or
"I want to share with you that as of the afternoon of my photo session, I have been wig-less. You made me feel so confident!"

THAT is what this entire project is about. Empowering women. Making women feel beautiful. Helping women to feel confident and emboldened during a struggle in their lives.

I want to update our faithful readers on some exciting things that are happening with our project. Sometimes my head swims with the progress of this campaign and the amount of support we are garnering.

We are nailing down the final date of our GALA to honor these amazing women. It will be either January 13th or January 27th, so mark your calendars to be there. It will be held at Eagle Eye Golf Club, very near the studio in East Lansing. It will be a very special event to treat and recognize your braveness and your journey through cancer. Each of you will leave the evening with an 11 x 14 mounted portrait of yourself to remember this empowering time in your lives.

We also will be creating a fundraising calendar using some of the images we've created during this project. 100% of the proceeds will go to continuing this project next year and making it even better. Do you realize that we haven't spend a dime on marketing this project... it's been the lovely women participating that have made this happen. YOU have been sharing about your experience and spreading the word for us! Imagine what we can do and how many women we can reach if we were able to invest in marketing our program!! The calendars will be available in a month or so and I'm hoping that all of you will help us to sell a few! If you're interested in helping with this calendar project and either selling a few personally or locating a group or location to sell some, please let me know! The more we sell, the bigger and better we can make this project and reach a larger number of women next year!! I'm so excited to see it actually in print.

Lastly, watch the Lansing State Journal this Sunday, September 12th. In the LIFE section, they will begin a profile of some of the women who have participated in this campaign! I don't know who they are... it's a surprise to me too! They'll have photos and interviews from several women and will continue to showcase this campaign till it concludes at the end of the month.

I'm so thankful for all of you and what you've done in my life through this project. I know I've said it before, but, I will never be the same person because of all of you... You have given me more than I could ever give you in a portrait! I'm so thankful for all of you!

"The deck is stacked..."

2010-09-08T07:18:00.008-04:00

Do you EVER feel like you've been dealt more than your share of crap in life? Like the deck is sometimes stacked against you and no matter what, you'll never overcome? I can't imagine being the 'underdog' more than our beauty of the day.... Harriett J....
Just imagine... spending 18 months of your adult life in a wheelchair, because you almost lost your feet? Or how about, being abused as a child? Or how about the pressure of all that leading to drowning your sorrows in a bottle? And let's talk about being diagnosed with a debilitating chronic illness? And then add to that, CANCER. How much can one human deal with??

BUT, Harriett HAS overcome... despite all odds. She is a warrior, strong and brave. A mother of 3 grown children, she remains strong and a living example of perseverance through multiple trials. Cancer has given her a new determination, when most would crumble under the weight of it all. BUT, she also says, "You have to let people know where you're at inside- people won't know unless you tell them... and then, you have to learn to accept the help offered." Which is difficult for such a strong, independent person like Harriett. "Get your family involved in the decision making process." I'm sure it helps being surrounded by a supportive and loving family. Reach out to those who love you the most to hold you up, encourage you and want to help. When we don't allow those around us to help, we rob them of the opportunity to show us how much they love us. We steal from them the chance to demonstrate their affection for us... "let people help when they want to."

When cancer threatened her self image, she fought back and bought something that made her feel sexy. She started riding a motorcycle and was given this amazing leather jacket. She has rallied and is now going to speak about overcoming to her AA group. When such stress could have driven her back to a bottle, she's overcoming all the odds! "With cancer, there is a whole lot of negative.... you have to stay positive!" Regardless of the cards in your hand.

Talk about ATTITUDE! This lady's got it!

2010-09-07T06:42:00.017-04:00

I'm back faithful readers... the ride didn't go like I'd planned, but I gave it my best shot! The rainy, cold and windy weather won out. I'll try again... I remain positive, knowing that I was physically able to do it. That will drive me next time!

Talking about attitude, Jan B. is FULL of ATTITUDE! She was diagnosed with Breast Cancer on March 10th this year. She's traveled through her journey, remaining positive, humorous and bringing others on board her COURAGEmobile. Rather than find her hair all over her pillow each morning or a drain full in the shower, she initiated the process, with her typical humor and had a 'Hair Removal Party'. She sent out invitations and 18 friends and family helped her 'celebrate' her positive attitude with food and drinks and then, with her typical, proactive approach, she cut her hair off. She says, "Everyone on this earth has a road to travel... if this is my road, then I'll take it and hopefully, be a better person at the other end. Not everyone HAS treatment options, I'm fortunate to have chemo and radiation to help me. I GET to do them." Now, is that attitude or what??
She shared the most amazing story with me and I have to share it with you. It personifies Jan and her attitude. She doesn't know where it came from, so all the credit goes to some amazingly positive person somewhere.

A woman going through cancer treatment was losing her hair. She awakened one morning to find that she only had three hairs left on her head. She said with enthusiasm, "I think I'll braid my hair today." And she had a very good day. She awakened the next morning and found that only two hairs were left and she said to herself, " I think I'll part my hair down the middle today." And it was a very good day. Of course, the next morning, upon looking in the mirror, she saw only one hair left. Cheerfully, she decided she'd have a ponytail and it was a very good day. Upon waking the next morning, she found her head totally bald. Excitedly she said, "I don't have to do my hair today!" And went on to have a very good day.

This story emulates Jan and her attitude. What does your attitude say about you? Do you see the positive in everything happening around you? Do you look for the best in people and situations in your daily life? Jan says, "We all belong to a club we didn't ask to join and my disease will not define me." Does your attitude label you? Are you living life, looking for the beauty in the road you're on? Can you help someone today see the positive in their situation?

I am on the road.

2010-09-01T11:50:00.003-04:00

Just to let you all know, I'll be riding my bicycle to the Mackinaw Bridge for the next 5 days. It will be a time of must needed rest and relaxation. Haha. I will be posting daily on Facebook. If you are not my Facebook friend, friend me. www.facebook.com/terrishaver. And if you are my friend follow my progress to the bridge. I will be back on Labor Day with new photos and stories of more bold brave beautiful women. See you Monday. Thank you faithful readers.

"Are you making memories of moments?"

2010-08-31T06:55:00.002-04:00

When I was diagnosed with Lupus many years ago, so many thought ran through my head... "will this kill me, who will raise my kids and how will they remember me?" I'm SURE that all these women think the same thing when they hear the word cancer. Mothers just do that.

Tracy B. was no different. She relates that after the initial, "it's not fair," that her next thought was, "who will raise my children?" Tracy is a huge scrapbooker, a Creative Memories consultant and memory keeper, as many women in households are, but she creates wonderful, visual memory books for her family. For her, it's a productive diversion from cancer and the rigors of it's treatment. Discovering her cancer at Stage 2, Tracy says, "I wish it was found sooner, but I pretty much do what I have to do, to get better and have this over with." She wants this particular memory to go away, so that she can get onto raising her two kids, and creating wonderful memories with them. When I asked what she does to get through this, she relates, "I pretty much do anything that I like, sometimes scrapbooking or getting outside to enjoy fresh air. Cancer has changed me, but yet it hasn't... I'm still me, just with cancer."

Memories. What does that word conjure up for you? For me, it's things like gardening with my Grandfather as a small child when we lived with them. It's a mental picture of my husband proposing to me. It's pictures in my mind of each of our children being born or cute things they said and did as little ones. Vacations, trips and the beauty of our daughter as she walked down the aisle.
Graduations, parties and celebrations. Generally all lovely thoughts, very few, if any sad or unpleasant thoughts. Isn't that how it usually is? We tend to remember and photograph the good things and the sad or painful thoughts pass away.... During these days of chemotherapy and sometimes painful treatments, are you looking for some small morsel of joy in each day? Trying to find something funny to laugh at? Making memories of the moments? This is a time in your life to be documented and I'm so thankful that so many women have stepped up and been Bold and Brave. We've captured some wonderful images of beautiful women, who are in the fight of their lives and hopefully, will pass through this battle and come out stronger on the other side... and this will just be a memory. How can you make it a good memory? How can you make this a pleasant memory? How can you help to make this a fun time for someone you love who is going through cancer? Send them funny cards, sending them a silly hat or wig? Hold a party for them at chemo? Create a theme for the chemo room and decorate it? Be creative. Steal ideas from someone else.... anything to make this trial a pleasant memory. To brighten someones day. To help them get through this... who knows, you may need it yourself someday.

"It's not about the hair...."

2010-08-30T08:15:00.006-04:00

Jill R. spoke right up to tell me, "It's not about the hair... It's about staying alive." Finding her own lump, just 6 short months after her annual mammogram, she speaks about the importance of breast self-exams. "You just can't always trust the mammograms and leave it at that." Exams are important, especially for younger women who don't have regular mammograms! Keep vigilant.

Jill, who has always put others ahead of herself, chose to work during her chemotherapy treatment... "I just knew if I sat down to feel sorry for myself, I might not get back up again." She knows sorrow and she understands hard and emotional work.
Dedicating herself to working with those who are mentally and physically challenged, she knows how difficult it can be. She and her husband adopted an older child with Down's Syndrome and cared for him till he passed away from complications of Alzheimer's disease at age 62. Imagine caring for a child who is older than you? Imagine the special needs he required? But she didn't hesitate when it came to where he would go as a group home closed. She has always put others needs ahead of her own...
So, it was no surprise that she chose to work with those same types of special children all through her treatment.

She also speaks to the importance of finding a support group... "only they can really help you because they are going through the same thing". They too, have cancer. Don't think that you can do this on your own... you'll need more than the support of those around you. "And you have to find the humor in it", she says with a smile that brightens the room. Somehow, I think this is a normal facial expression for her. It fits.

Swimming upstream...

2010-08-28T15:07:00.011-04:00

Don't you sometimes feel like you're swimming upstream, and not getting anywhere....like one of those tiny pools they advertise on TV at 3am... swim and swim and swim... in a pool, not much bigger than a bathtub and getting nowhere. I need to see progress. I need some satisfaction. I got that today!!
Today was a day of catching up for me. Things with the project have gotten out of hand, photo sessions were backing up, correspondence needed to be written, my desk needed a cleaning. All the things I'm terrible at and usually put off till days like today. My beautiful daughter Emily, who may or may not have a bit of OCD... organized all my envelopes for those getting CD's and then ORGANIZED my paperwork!! In a notebook. With dividers. And sticky notes, where things need something more. Isn't that amazing??!! She and her father are BIG fans of office supplies, sticky notes and binders. She obviously didn't get it from me!
These brave women will not be defined by these cancers and peoples reactions to it and by God, I'll not be defined by the mess on my desk! I have conquered.

I'm proud to tell the following women that your CD's with your images finally went out in today's mail!!
Maureen N.
Stephanie V.
Laura G. and Mallory C.
Angie T. and Jen M.
Sharon K.
Monica T.
Sabrina M.
Lorraine A.
Thank you for being so patient with me. But, I'm thrilled that the project is still gaining momentum and the phone keeps ringing. I'm so thrilled at a phenomenon is occurring that I never considered when this blog started... you women are beginning to talk to each other, encourage each other and developing 'virtual' friendships with cancer as your common bond. ONLY you, who are walking through this journey, can speak into each others lives. We, on the outside, including your families will NEVER be able to say, "I know how you feel", unless we too receive that devastating diagnosis. I am blessed daily by your comments to each other and by the comments received by your "fan clubs."

My initial goal of "empowering women to be bold, brave and beautiful" and to face your disease head on, knowing how beautiful you ARE, is being accomplished. I can rest in that.... as soon as my desk is clear and every woman in town who is struggling with her self image and confidence during this tough time is photographed! Please keep spreading the word... we are empowering ALL women, one bald one at a time!

"A lady and her shoes...."

2010-08-27T07:02:00.002-04:00

There are lots of things that make women feel beautiful, feel special and just plain, feel good... I personally love cards. I love to buy cards, even when there isn't an occasion, but just to have. Especially the ones that make me laugh out loud in the store. I have a large box of cards that I can always go to quickly and pull out just about anything, anytime. But mostly, they are the funny ones. They make me feel good...silly huh? Anyway, my Mom always bought lipstick. She had a million, well maybe not a million, but as a kid, it seemed like that.... tubes of lipstick. It obviously made her feel pretty and good about herself.

Elizabeth T. loves buying and wearing stiletto heels. She said she wears them to chemo...EVERY TIME. "They make me feel pretty and sexy and they're fun." When I asked how many pairs she had... she rolled her eyes and said "too many." Sounds like a fun closet!! The nurses at the Oncology Center were amazed and thrilled with her choice of footwear each week...
Sometimes, the smallest things will make us happy... it doesn't have to be a new, shiny car, or a big house, or a big diamond... think about the people in your life that are struggling, think about how you could make their day a bit brighter with just a small thing... just a thought and a quick call. A silly card with a loving word. A flower left on a desk. A sweet treat when least expected. A gift card to a special place. You never know how you might make someone's day....
Elizabeth is that kind of person. She was trying not only to make her own day at chemo tolerable, but brighten the day of the nurses that were subjecting her to more of the tortuous chemical cocktails. She made them laugh.

A common thread continues to run through the lives of all these women... their faith and their reliance on family and friends for support. "I have another sister with Breast cancer too...it's difficult being separated" by distance. "I wasn't happy about getting the same diagnosis, but happiness is just an emotion that changes every day, but the joy of the Lord is my strength. That doesn't change. He doesn't change. His love doesn't change."

Elizabeth related to me later before leaving the studio... "I really haven't wanted to look in the mirror, but after seeing some of these pictures, I really do feel bold, brave and beautiful. Does everyone feel this good when they leave here?"
Maybe if they're wearing those very cool shoes!!

"Live today like you don't have tomorrow..."

2010-08-26T05:54:00.010-04:00

How would I cope with a staggering diagnosis? What would I say? What would I do? How would my family react? What reserves of strength would I have to draw upon to cope? What courage would I have to muster? I don't think I'd react with the courage and bravery this 26 year old has.... and I'm a 50 something adult, with years of knowledge and wisdom under my belt.

It was a tough week last week, with TWO 26 year old young women in the studio. Both facing some serious struggles, but I was humbled with the fortitude they both demonstrated. I kept thinking about my own girls, 24 and 26. I can't imagine the agony of their Mothers.... Having carried this beautiful thing for 9 months, giving birth, applying bandaids to skinned knees and soothing broken hearts....but cancer is one Boo-Boo, that you can't put a band-aid on. A Boo-Boo that's invisible and is trying to kill your beautiful baby and you'd do anything to take it away or take it on yourself. Where do these kids get this kind of courage and strength?

Heather A. is facing a tough battle. She spends a month at a time, away from her little boy, in the hospital undergoing chemotherapy and then re-building her immune system. Then she goes home for a short couple weeks and then starts all over again.... trying to amuse herself in her sterile hospital room, dreaming of the day when this terrible thing is gone and she can have her life back again. AND, she continues to concentrate on the positive....despite the constant poking, prodding and isolation.
Her smile is so beautiful and her eyes say so much. It's so unfortunate that she says she's experienced such stereotyping... just because she's young, people ASSUME that she's shaved her head to 'make a statement or be rebellious'.
"People say such cruel things... I've been accused of being a racist or part of some skin-head group and I even heard someone say that I'd pulled a 'Brittany'. I'm just not the typical face of cancer.... it's not common to see cancer in young people, so people make unfair judgements and say mean and cruel things. People are just so small-minded".
Cancer CAN and DOES strike at any age. Do we make assumptions? Are we small-minded? Do we have prejudices? Try to always assume the best about people. Give those we encounter the benefit of the doubt. Like Heather, concentrate on the 50% positive of the 50/50 chances we're given.

3 Strikes and she's NOT OUT!

2010-08-25T10:03:00.001-04:00

You've all heard the baseball adage, "Three strikes and you're out!".... but when it comes to cancer, there are no 'outs', there is no giving up, there is no end of the inning, there is only a continued desire to fight and win the ugly thing called cancer.

Battling cancer is definitely a team effort, with Doctors and nurses assisting in the fight, being the 'trainers and coaches', but the real team is family and close friends. Sabrina M. has a team like that... she's got a huge team that's behind her, praying for her, helping her, encouraging her, and loving on her. Sabrina has been diagnosed for the THIRD time with a recurring breast cancer...she's had surgery, chemo and radiation and now she's starting it all over again. Why does this continue to haunt her? What is God trying to teach us through this? Like a baseball team struggling through a losing season, it sometimes seems as though we'll never catch up, never win...BUT, Sabrina has FAITH on her side. She believes that her God is a BIG God, and says that "He still does miracles and that He will never give me something that I can't handle". Faith is believing in things we can't see or understand. She has faith in her team... "My family and friends keep me going. It was pretty upsetting, being diagnosed the third time', but she presses on... with laughter, her bold and saucy attitude and a desire to win this fight. She may have three strikes, but this brave lady certainly hasn't lost the game.

Making lemonade when given lemons....

2010-08-24T05:29:00.007-04:00

Sometimes you're just dealt a crappy hand of cards and sometimes you're given a bunch of lemons, when you least expect it or deserve it. Stuff happens. BUT, how you play those cards or what you do with that produce, makes all the difference. You can just fold, sit out the hand or loose your shirt if you play foolishly... you can walk around with a sour attitude, blaming everyone and everything around you.... OR, you can make lemonade!

Meet good friends, Angie T. and Jennifer M. Buddies with cancer, opposite sides, but far from opposite attitudes. These women rocked the studio with laugher, joy and peace! Jennifer, a health care professional found her lump doing self-exams... she's a HUGE promoter of women doing exams... "I found this lump myself. Early detection promotes longer life!" She's adamant about women's health. She could be bitter and negative, "doing everything right. I'm healthy, active, ate right..." But she's made lemonade.
"I've learned not to be so hard on myself." And, she can speak from personal insight into the lives of the women in the health programs she develops.

Angie, a mother of two small children, is a woman of prayer and relies heavily on her faith to help her through this... "Prayer is powerful", she says. "You don't have to understand, just believe." The two women are trying to start a women's support group in their church for women who are diagnosed with cancer. "Sharing your weaknesses makes you stronger." They're making lemonade.
They want the atmosphere of the group to be fun and uplifting, silly and accepting. They wanted some 'fun' and 'silly' photos together to use for their brochures. They didn't have to 'pose' for these, they just were having fun and obviously care deeply about each other. They want women to know that they are not alone, that there is support and encouragement from women who have walked in their shoes. There will be other women to walk beside them during their journey...I think they'll do whatever they want and make the group happen... who knows, maybe they'll serve lemonade at their first meeting.

Communicating with love....

2010-08-23T07:34:00.007-04:00

I'm celebrating today as our numbers of hits on this blog site have exceeded 6000! We've grown exponentially, each day, now gaining between 300-500 hits! This is truly amazing and hopefully, will gain us the exposure to be able to reach our goal of making 200 women feel so Bold, so empowered and so Beautiful!! Thank you all so much for spreading the word about this site and these AMAZING women!! Let's keep it going. Share this with anyone you know.... they themselves might not be battling cancer, but THEY may know or work with someone who is! You never know who will cross your path each day, that might be secretly battling this horrible disease.

This bold, brave and beautiful woman communicates with more than her words... growing up with a deaf mother, Lorraine A. learned to sign at at early age and still continues to assist others in communicating by signing for others. Ironically, her mother also was afflicted with breast cancer.... Lorraine remembers her now deceased Mother, with tears in her eyes. Her Mom, who lost her hearing after spinal meningitis at 11 months old, and who also lost her own mother shortly after at age one, overcame all these obstacles to become a loving, active and communicative mother of 4 hearing children. Imagine never hearing the precious voices of your children, or hearing them say, "I love you Mom." Obviously a lot of love for her Mom and her courageous life's battles are contained in those tears. It's apparent that Lorraine has gleaned much of her courage and attitude from this mother who fought back against serious challenges. She tells me, 'I take each day as a gift, I try to enjoy today and not worry about tomorrow. I'm trying to enjoy each day to the fullest." She also talks about two other close friends who have already tramped through the journey of cancer and have come out the other side... who encourage her and are now helping her through her journey. The support of someone who has already gone through the fire is immeasurable. "They keep me positive." I suspect that memories of her mother keep her positive too....and daily give her the courage to make the most of every day, even though you might not 'hear' positive things, even though it might be difficult, even though she 'sees' a different body. As fire tempers metal, so the event's of our lives, temper us and make us stronger.

Have the courage to reach out to others around you. Really "HEAR" what they have to say. And for those of you on the other side of the battle.... reach out to someone coming behind you. They will appreciate the wisdom you might be able to share with them... or at least a shoulder to cry on.

"I'm just an ordinary person...."

2010-08-21T05:23:00.007-04:00

Let me introduce a very BRAVE woman, Carmen W. She came to us, without the knowledge of anyone around her, not her husband, not her children, not her friends. She states, "I'm just an ordinary person... someones mother, wife, daughter, sister and granddaughter...I'm fighting the same fight that so many others are." As all these brave women are, they are fighting a battle inside too... although they ARE fighting cancer, they fight another battle within. Doubt. When your world comes crashing down with the diagnosis of cancer, she said she asked herself, " What did I do wrong?, Why me?, How can this be happening to me?" as probably most every one of these women. Doubt can be paralyzing. Doubt can cause us to question everything in life. Doubt can bring destruction. Carmen said she needed to participate in this project to do something proactive for herself and for the benefit of other women coming after her. She wanted to do it without telling anyone around her that she was doing it, and made it happen. After enjoying her free makeup application, including false eyelashes, she hesitantly entered the studio, not knowing what to expect, but hoping for something liberating to happen. After several images were taken and she was able to see herself in the back of the camera, she relaxed and a transformation occurred. I think she actually SAW herself as beautiful, even without hair. I believe that she could "SEE" with her heart, what others see about her.... that she IS beautiful and that she is very BRAVE. A gentle and soft-spoken woman, she is boldly moving through this journey with a quiet confidence that others see, and she is hopefully learning to see. I hope that she'll eventually share this experience with her family and friends so that they can continue to encourage her in her bold transformation! As she shows us here, "Attitude is everything... and lipstick helps!"

NEWS FLASH!!

2010-08-20T20:46:00.004-04:00

I was so excited, I couldn't wait till morning to tell everyone. We received a very generous donation today that will allow us to purchase an 11 x 14 mounted print for each of these very Bold, Brave and Beautiful women. Hopefully, the monies will continue to come in so that the Gala that we'd like to have to celebrate them, will also become a reality! Let's continue to spread the word to everyone that you know, so that we might still be able to reach and make 200 women feel BEAUTIFUL!

"If I've got to go through this...."

2010-08-20T06:14:00.002-04:00

Good morning faithful followers! Today is a brighter day! I'm back in the swing of things and know that as Holly is laid to rest today, she'd want this project to move forward keeping her in our thoughts and knowing what a warrior she was!

I want you to meet a "light".... Channon M! She literally lights the room with her smile! Somehow it doesn't seem fair that a 26 year old should be facing breast cancer...but Channon doesn't let cancer define her, inhibit her or slow her down. She says, " I've got to go through this, so I might as well get something out of it. It's been an educational experience, not just for me, but for everyone around me. My co-workers have been absolutely amazing!" She brought a shirt that says, "I fight like a girl." And something about Channon tells me that she fights like someone who has a lot of life left in front of them! Someone fighting the battle of her life and that everything after this is downhill...she is a force to be reckoned with!
It always seems to be a common thread that runs through the lives of these women I meet... the support of family and friends is crucial to their survival. I'm convinced, if it weren't for my family and great friends, I wouldn't survive. They make me strive to be a better person.... I know these women are dependent on the people they love, that surround them to hold them up when they'd normally collapse under the weight of these devastating diagnoses. Her Mom knows full well the weight of bearing your children's pain... she'd would take this all on herself in a heartbeat if she could.... as we all as mothers' would rather bear the pain ourselves, rather than watch our children suffer. Channon's bright spirit and cheerful attitude have kept her going! She's anxious to get back to her job as a 911 dispatcher and is longing to get back onto her horse! "I have not been an easy case", Channon states, but it's my guess that her smile will make any Dr. want to get her back up on that horse as quickly as possible!

Picking up the pieces and moving on...

2010-08-19T06:11:00.004-04:00

I'm gathering strength each day to move forward and try to remain positive. This so isn't like me and I'm not sure what the deal is... loosing a friend, loosing two friends, loosing someone my own age, feeling vulnerable, feeling helpless???
I need to keep my eyes on the prize, live my life to give back and move forward! I am reminded of the prayer we often see...
"Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can, and
the wisdom to know the difference." This is all something I can't change, but I do have the power to change some things... and I am more determined to make these women feel so good about themselves. And to make other women just starting their journey through cancer, feel brave and less afraid of the process.

Today's post is a 'teaser.' We have so many amazing and beautiful women to come over the next couple days, with incredible stories! I've got to get busy... I've only got a couple images to share this morning, but will have lots more to share over the next several days... stay tuned.

Please remember, there are some things in life we can't do a darn thing about, but there are so many others that we do have the power to control... our attitude is one. Be happy. Be content and love without restraint. Thank you all so much for standing by me through this very emotional struggle.

We are products of our experiences. What are you?

2010-08-17T05:26:00.006-04:00

As I sit to write this morning..... literally feeling like I'm picking up pieces of life and somehow trying to put them back together to build the 'puzzle' of my life, I'm thinking about this project and how it's shaping who I am and what I will become. How many things, events and people will affect who we become? What comments will shape our thoughts of ourself and our self image? Do we mirror positive or negative comments spoken about us, or defy those thoughts and strive for more?

I keep saying that this project is changing forever, who I am. Each of these women impart something that is somehow shaping my future, whether it's their own thoughts about their disease, how they cope with trials or comments about how they feel about their family. I KNOW that my health has become very important. What we generally take for granted, could change in one heartbeat. I KNOW that my family is the center of my universe and will only become more so. I WILL cherish each moment we share together. I KNOW that I will proceed with this project, giving all the skill and tenderness I have to make these women feel absolutely beautiful about themselves. I KNOW that I need to invest my time and heart in those relationships that are important to me. I KNOW that I will only listen to positive self thoughts. I KNOW that I can do anything that I put my mind to.... and it has become a reality in this project. I am EVOLVING into something new, shaped by each of these women.

I got a call from a woman last night, who is so dear to me.... she related that she and her co-workers, all women, read this blog every day and they are changed by it too. They discuss their annual checkup's and the need to be diligent about self-exams. They talk about the women and circumstances and how it relates to their lives. We are accomplishing EXACTLY what I set out to do...make women more aware of their bodies, less afraid of the process of exams and the big "C" word and less afraid to be 'real' with each other. I suspect that there are more people out there who are being changed by the lives of these women who are sharing this intimate journey of cancer and it's treatment. Thank you to those who are being so BOLD and BRAVE!
Keep sharing of yourselves, hug those you love, let the experiences in your life make you a better person, not a bitter person.

* Holly and Denise collaborated on a book over the past few years called, "An Udder Story- The Boob Book and Other Cancer Stories." Holly's 8 year old daughter Sydney did all the illustrations for the stories. Holly had it self-published and managed to get a final copy to Denise the week she died. I'm looking forward to reading it myself. Thus, the photo of them with the cow with the udder. We all had quite a laugh about it and it will always bring a smile to my face.

Unspeakable tragedy... I'm still in shock...

2010-08-16T16:24:00.008-04:00

I don't even know how to go about blogging about the events of Friday... we not only lost Denise A., our first Bold, Brave and Beautiful woman, but hours later, we lost Holly M. the gorgeous, young, vivacious woman photographed with her...
She died suddenly and obviously unexpectedly at home while gardening. She wasn't even sick, nor complained of anything.... she just died while gardening at her home in Rochester, Minnesota. She loved and cared for Denise enough, that she made the trek to Michigan for these photos.... and was devastated at the loss of Denise on Friday morning. She and I talked at 10:30am about Denise's passing and how we need to cherish life. She was so looking forward to spending the next 10 days with her husband and 8 year old daughter in their cabin in the UP. Just a few short hours later, I got the call that she was gone. I literally had to drive off the road and cry. I was and still am in shock. This just shouldn't happen. Not to someone so young and vital and energetic as Holly. Life truly is NOT FAIR!! I'm so sad for her husband and his little girl, that I can't even speak.
Cherish every moment with your families and loved ones. You NEVER KNOW when your last breath will take place.

Holly and Denise would want this project to move forward... to make more Bold and Beautiful women feel special. I'm committed to seeing this through to the end, despite this tragic weekend.
Please pray with me for both of these families...
Denise Acker, age 55, survived by her husband Morey and 2 son, and several grandchildren.
Holly Hunting Martin, age 48, survived by her husband Greg and her 8 yr. old daughter Sydney.

This has again, changed my life.

Loosing one of our own.... Is so sad.

2010-08-13T10:38:00.013-04:00

It is with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes I have to report that Denise A. passed away quietly in her sleep this morning. I was able to stop and see her yesterday afternoon and hold her hand and tell her how much her life has touched so many people. Her life has been an inspiration to those around her. She was a rowdy, no rules kind of a girl... didn't conform to what people thought she should be and through this past couple months, has been Bold and Brave in her attitude. She never, ever complained about pain or discomfort, even though, I'm sure she was. She never even considered wallowing in self pity, even though she had every reason to.... she will be missed.
I am so thankful to have met and known her. I'm so thankful for her willingness to be a part of this project. I'm thankful for her laugh and her smile, even though she knew her time was very limited. She would not want us to mourn her, but to celebrate that this journey is over and she is at rest. She would be the first to tell us to lift a glass in her honor and have a big party to remember her. She would have been celebrating her 20th wedding anniversary on Monday.... she did desperately want to be here for that, and I'm sure that she will be... in spirit. She leaves behind her husband of almost 20 years, Morey and her son, Matthew, both of which cared for her 24/7 till the end and her dog, "Chicky".
Please remember to keep her family in your thoughts and prayers. I know that this all happened much faster than anyone anticipated and that they will struggle without her. She was employed by the Lansing Fire Department and was much loved by her co-workers... they have been so supportive and caring. They too will miss her smiling face!
God Bless you Denise. I am thankful for you and will miss you.

The value of friendship....

2010-08-13T07:29:00.004-04:00

Friends sometimes come in unexpected ways, from unanticipated circumstances and close encounters of the 'same' kind.

Meet Karla M. and her friend Sally K.... two women, fighting the same battle, diagnosed almost the same time. Their cancer differs a bit in actual type and markers and chemo 'cocktail', but that hasn't changed their mutual focus....
1. Maintaining their sense of humor. 2. Reliance on each other for support. 3. Sharing insights on this new place in life. 4. DECIDING to find that new 'normal' and live life to the fullest.
They are a hoot! We had a great time in the studio and their faces say it all... they are moving through this journey, adapting to what comes along and hoping to find their 'new normal' on the other side. They both say that they'll NEVER be the same because of cancer, but who could. They have found that reliance on each other and middle of the night phone calls have made them who they are now....survivors.
Karla writes, "When I saw my picture on the blog I didn’t recognize myself, you’ve made me see that I’m still “in there” somewhere. Sharon and I had a wonderful time today with you…and we’re both really excited to see our picture!"
They both state that it's still difficult to look in the mirror and 'see' themselves, but they are still there... just a new and improved version!

Thank you so much for your continued support of this project. Please help make this successful by spreading the word, reposting this blog to your family and friends and let's make our goal of 200 women happen! We have a long way to go!!
See you next week! I'm off to enjoy some much needed family time!

Be a light to those in the darkness....

2010-08-12T06:57:00.004-04:00

Family. We all have some. Maybe not children, but siblings. Maybe not siblings, but parents. Maybe a husband. Maybe not. Maybe friends that are like family. Support from those that love us is so important to our 'survival'... emotionally and physically.
These women are so dependent on those around them to love them unconditionally, support them emotionally and help them physically. Whether is driving them to a chemo treatment, helping them around the house or understanding when they are cranky and tired...
Cindy K. and other women fighting breast cancer are secretly concerned about the young women in their homes and worry that their girls will eventually fight the same battle that they are. As Mom's, we'd do anything to protect our children from harm... with disregard for ourselves and our own discomfort, we fervently pray that we might fight the battle for them and bear the pain for them.
We all need to be aware of those in our midst that are fighting these battles and be an encouragement to them. Reach out to them. Send a love note to brighten their day. Make a call to cheer someone....anyone that comes to mind. Whether they are battling cancer or depression, a new job or a job loss. We all need support from those that care about us. Be that light in someone's day today.
You may not have noticed, but we've added Biggby Coffee to our sponsor list! They are donating a free drink card to every woman coming into the studio to be photographed. Just a small bit of enjoyment and thank you for participating!

I am going to join my husband's family for the next few days our annual Shaver family camping trip, taking joy in spending time with those that love me unconditionally and encourage me in my life. I need a bit of a break and this trip is well timed. I'll be back to posting next week, so come back! We have 6 more women coming in next week, so lot's more photos and stories will be coming! Enjoy your weekend with your family and those you love most!

Walking by faith, not by sight....

2010-08-11T05:13:00.006-04:00

Do you understand the absolute frailty of life? Do you understand the fear that so many of these women are feeling? Do you understand the utter frustration of watching your loved one crumble and disintegrate before your very eyes? I felt that yesterday.

Meet twins, Monica and Veronica. Monica's body is being ravaged by cancer. How is it that one aberrant cell can start a process that will ultimately consume this once, active and vital woman? The once Ididarod dogsled musher has been reduced to requiring full time care, a cane and the inability to put two thoughts together. And I could see the absolute panic and distress in her twins eyes as she literally tried to hang onto her sister for dear life to keep her from leaving. What God originally designed as one cell, becoming two grown women, living life all this time and then part of that "cell" leaving the other behind... can you imagine the loss? Literally, part of you dying. I could see the pain on her face. They are reliant on their faith...not what they SEE happening.
She brought one of her many 'sled dogs' with her to be photographed with... as my heart broke, she described trying to find homes for all of them before she's gone. That literally brought me to tears. I was moved beyond words. What a privilege to be part of these women's lives.

Please join with me in spreading the word about this project. I continue to receive notes and the posts on this blog about how these beautiful women are impacting so many others' lives. These women and their stories are reaching people we will never know in ways we'll never understand. I just know that my life changes with each woman I meet and photograph. I understand how fragile life is and will cherish each and every moment I'm given. I will make the most of every opportunity I have to share my photography with others. What will you share with someone you meet today?

Feeling pretty emotional today....

2010-08-10T05:36:00.009-04:00

The emotion of this project is catching up with me and I need to vent a bit, so hang with me. CANCER SUCKS! Sorry, for that, but it does. I learned yesterday that our very first woman to photograph, Denise A. isn't doing so well. Hospice is now involved and I'm just sad. It's just not fair... I know that life isn't fair. I've taught my kids that since they were little, but I still don't like it. I feel so helpless. Just so helpless. There just isn't another word for it. When I was a nurse, I always felt like I could do SOMETHING. But, this time I just feel helpless. Again, my friend Lisa G. and her book encourage me to press on, to do better, to do MORE. I'll have to throw myself and all this emotion into my photography. To create images that 'speak' and that illustrate the emotion of all these women..... for Denise.