Last year I shot a passion project that showed someone through their journey with cancer, this year I wanted to show the many faces breast cancer effects. I had everyone pick a word that describes their journey and a little about their story. I'm so grateful they were to open up to me and tell me their story. Thank you for everyone who came, thank you to my DREAM team for make these beautiful people feel special. So grab some tissues and read their stories

Meet Lisa, currently going through cancer here's her word and her story 

Hope- 
February 26, 2019, 11:30 AM, the call that forever changed my life. I was numb. "Am I going to die?" The question I needed an answer to but was afraid to ask.
Stage 3, BRCA positive, triple-negative. "What does all this mean?" Well, it meant, a bilateral mastectomy, eight rounds of chemo and six weeks of radiation.
This cannot be happening! 
I decided right there and then, (well, after thetears were done) and with the help of my wonderful husband, that I will be strong. I will get through this!
I fight for my three sons and three stepchildren whom I want to be an example of strength.
I am so blessed to have such a close family, amazing dear friends, and such an incredible "work family" who all truly keep me going with love and support. I could not do this without them.  
My journey is not over yet, but I will stay positive and keep smiling, knowing I will beat this.
Sure I have some days where I cry, I'm allowed! Then I wake up and start fighting again.
Each day is a gift, take nothing for granted, and LIVE, LAUGH, and LOVE!
 

Meet Stacy, She was my Muse last year, She rang her bell in June and one of the most beautiful people I ever met inside and out, Here's her word and story 

Awaken-
Breast cancer awakens a victim in multiple ways. You hear the word cancer and suddenly priorities change. The little things don’t really seem that important to you anymore. You are awakened by the amount of love and support from not only your friends and family but by your nurses, doctors, and people that you maybe had one or two conversations with years ago. You are awakened by the amount of strength you have to fight even when you’re tired of fighting you still somehow find more within you. You are awakened by the inner beauty and confidence you find in yourself after losing all your hair, which is what you considered a way to identify yourself and personality. You are awakened by how many people are affected by cancer because every chair is occupied at every treatment you attend. You are awakened at your last treatment that the battle is finally over and you suddenly feel the weight lift off your shoulders. 

I fight because I was awakened in all those ways. I hope that my words will: awaken the women who are too busy to go get the mammogram they’ve been putting off; awaken the women who don’t think it’s necessary to do self exams; awaken the men and women who have not been tested for the BRCA 1 or 2 gene that runs in their family; awaken everyone.

Meet Aldo, I met him 4 years ago during a Real Men Wear Pink Campaign, He has been a real man fighting for awareness of cancer and truly one of the most inspiring men I have ever met! Here's his story 

Strong-
It was October 2013 that our lives changed forever. My wife Nickie, 37 at the time, was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. The disease was metastatic with cancer in her bones, liver and lung. It all started with a small lump in her breast and zero symptoms. After getting it checked out , the Dr thought it was isolated but Nickie demanded a Pet scan. The Dr was reluctant at first but we got the approval. To our shock and the Drs , it was not isolated but metastatic. From that moment on with several Dr opinions and many family discussions, Nickie decided to fight and that she did. From chemo, radiation, pills, shots, surgery, ER visits and more, she never gave up and was the strongest person I’ve ever known. Her specific disease had a 2 year prognosis, but Nickie fought for 5 years. She didn’t back down and always did things her way. She didn’t let cancer define her and she lived her life to the fullest she could. On October 23, 2018 she passed away at the age of 42. Heaven got the most amazing angel that day.

Meet Danielle, When I opened up and posted about this project she was one of the first people to want to be involved and she messaged me about wanting to show strength for her kids- Heres her word and story 

Blessed-4 yrs ago on july 29th I was diagnosed with stage 3 triple negative breast cancer and I was scared to death and numb because I was mother of to amazing girls and at the wife.. and at the time I one goal was my trip to Disney with my family I was not missing during my treatments.I had 3 months of chemo and double bystemtemy and 4 months of radiation and one more surgery. My doctors at the cancer center of Lehigh Valley hospital cancer center were amazing and at the age 41 I am still in remission. And doing my best to a the best single mom I can be with my 2 chance at life.. personally I miss looking in mirror and miss feeling beautiful about my body and smiling (between the treatments and cancer they took my teeth and well it's hard thing to deal with at times)but I am a survivor and warrior...knowing what I know now about 2nd chance of life I take one day at a time and pray one day I will find true love 
again..
 

Meet Jeneane,  my very last sign up but she showed up and showed so much strength 

Empowerment-
My story behind on my 40 the birthday when I was given that dreaded"it's time for your first mammogram. This is one test I'm glad I didn't put off. They found two tumors both cancerous. I had a bilateral mastectomy on 9/27/2010 with reconstruction. After several months of chemotherapy I thought I was in the clear. Fast forward five years exactly. I noticed a lump under my arm.  I went back to the surgeon only to hear those dreaded words... It was back. Later I found the entire breast was actually filled with microscopic pools of cancer cells. 4 months of chemo, then two surgeries, another year of chemo and then 26 rounds of radiation and I'm in remission again. Hopefully for good this time!
 

These cuties were there to support their mommy, they loved being behind the scenes and helping all day long

Mommy- 

Elizabeth didn't have a paragraph but she said that her mommy was so strong and all the ladies there was so beautiful, I wanted to show that kids are effected too
 

This is Laura, I met her many years ago, I would call her the best volunteer around. Always supporting the cause but also a survivor.  One of the sweetest people you will ever meet

Live- The day I was diagnosed with breast cancer I decided to LIVE. Live the moments of my life to the fullest, however many of them are left. Live with a smile. Live with kindness. And most of all, LIVE HAPPY.
 

This is Lauren, I met her earlier this year for another shoot and she was so beautiful and fun, when I posted about this passion project she messaged me right away and wanted to be involved. It was so lovely that someone so young cares so much. 

Curious- 
For as long as I can remember, I was always curious as to what my “grandma in the sky” would have been like. She passed away on my birthday, but 6 years before I was born. After a tough battle, breast cancer got the best of her. I pray that we find a cure so no other child has to ever be curious about what there grandmother would have been like.
 

This is LizBeth, She showed up so happy and so much support I have seen all over facebook for her. You could tell clearly she has the biggest heart. 

Embrace- I have fought the fight!! I was embraced by so many people....community, family, friends, physicians and hospital staff. I also embraced myself to be positive and strong. Along with I believe I have embraced others in their fight. Never Give Up!!!
 

This is Fernanda,  She was a co-worker of mine and when we got together we spent our days laughing.  She is one of those people even if you met her once, you'd miss her. Her story is truly amazing. 

Shattered- It was a typical Sunday night, Tom and I were enjoying some much needed down time with our children, Leo and Milania. Things had been so chaotic with finishing house renovations, putting our house on the market, looking for a new home, work, school and family life. We were trying to soak up as much time as we could before becoming a family of five. Milania climbed up on my lap to snuggle and in the process, she accidentally elbowed me in the chest, later that evening… I found a lump.
I went to the doctor the next day for a typical pregnancy follow-up at thirty-three weeks. She said not to worry, it was just a swollen milk duct and it happens to many women. That night I couldn’t sleep and called the doctor in the morning to ask her for a referral. I went to a specialist for an ultrasound and the doctor confirmed that it was a tiny infection. Tom and I were so relieved. I took the seven day course of antibiotics and the lump remained. I returned to the specialist and she gave me two options, give birth and the infection would clear on its own or have the lump removed. I told her to sharpen her scalpel. Upon removing the lump, she said, “I see cancer every day and this is not cancer.” She said she was going to send out the biopsy as a precaution. I didn’t give that appointment much thought aside from the discomfort of stitches. A few days later on my drive home from work, I contemplated what area of nursing I wanted to pursue. That’s when I decided I wanted to work in children’s oncology. I thought what was chemo like? What does a person with cancer endure? How would I feel if I had cancer?  
The following day I got a call from the doctor, she said “I’m really sorry but your biopsy came back and I’m shocked. I don’t know how else to tell you this but you have breast cancer.” I stood paralyzed in the corner of my son’s bedroom and for a brief moment, time stood still. I didn’t know how to process what I had heard, I lost my uncle and grandfather to cancer and was certain I had received my death sentence. I wrapped my arms around my abdomen and began sobbing. My husband heard my cries and rushed upstairs, he asked me “was something wrong or was I in labor?” I said the specialist called and I have cancer. The look on his face was the same way I had felt, completely shattered. In fact, when you tell your family and friends, they all have the same look and it feels as if you’re reliving this heart-breaking moment over and over again. Tom hugged me and reassured me we would be okay. The next two weeks were a blur. In while I was physically and emotionally exhausted, I couldn’t wait for our family to meet our second daughter.
In late April we welcomed Giavana, her name means God is gracious. We got to enjoy her first few weeks in a state of blissful chaos. I had my port surgery, we sold our house and moved in with my in-laws who were so gracious to let us stay with them till settlement on our new home. When she was just six weeks old, I start chemo. June 6th was one of the most emotional days to date, not because of what would happen to me, but because I could no longer feed my daughter the way I would have liked or care for my other two children the way I had planned. My husband and I walked hand in hand to my first chemo treatment which was over nine hours long. I don’t remember much after the Benadryl but the days following were absolutely horrific. They warned me that the side effects of chemo were cumulative and by cycle four I could barely stand the excruciating pain. My father took me to the remaining five treatments and numerous surgeries. I always tried my best to smile and be strong around my parents but truthfully know they were the brave ones quietly praying over me as they watched me suffer. 
The past two years have been filled with painful trials and heartache. Through it all, I thank God for allowing me a second chance at life and sustaining us while we were at our lowest points. I am frequently reminded of His grace and provision, often in circumstances that seem impossible. I would like to thank our families and friends for all of their support and giving us numerous reasons to remain strong in our fight. We count ourselves fortunate to have each and every one of you in our lives.
 

Meet Robin, She came with her friend Lisa and wanted to support her but was also one of the most loving people all day.  

Inspiration- 
My story, or should I say chapter, because my story is not over yet…. It all started out with my mammogram August 2016. I remember complaining to my friend the morning before I had to go for my yearly mammo – about how much I hated that test, and I even said, “it was such a pain to have to get it done.” I have gone for my mammogram each year since I was 35 and many of those times, I had to follow-up with an ultrasound because they weren’t sure due to density of my breasts. They called me two days later telling me that I needed to come in for an ultra-sound. I thought to myself, “here we go again”. This time, during the procedure, they were starting to say words like “suspicious”, “concerning” which they have never done before, and told me I needed to have a biopsy for an area of concern. I went in for the biopsy – which hurt like hell! They had to send out the sample and we made an appointment a week later to hear the news. September 1, 2016 the horror movie started to play. The doctor and nurses were at the table, my husband and I on the other side. He started by confirming the worst. He said, “that he had the test results, was sorry to say Robin you do have cancer” …. That was all I heard the rest of the conversation was a blur. Thank God my husband was there to hear what was being said and ask the right questions. 
Since that day, I have been through so much. I had to get a port put in, they started chemotherapy in November 2016. Thanksgiving morning, I began to loose my hair in the shower. Two days later, my husband shaved my head which was extremely difficult. I cried and cried when it started to come out. I was given 16 rounds of chemo treatments and finished up in April 2017. I then got tattoos and mapping to start radiation. I had to be re-tattooed because they could not line up the markings accurately. I received a total of 35 treatments. My treatments were long and tiring. I had to hold my breath during the session because my tumor was under my breast, but over my heart. Which made me have thirty to forty minutes on the cold, lonely table. During this period, I also had countless doctor visits, cat scans, pet scans, blood work. I was pricked and prodded, sore, sick, and very weak. My immune system started to get low so I could not even allow friends and family members to visit. It was extremely difficult for all my love ones watching me go through this. 
Since that horrible day, I have turned my diagnosis around to be a positive thing. I never let the cancer define me, rather I wanted to define it. I have had the privilege of sharing my story publicly to a woman’s group, I became a member of 2 cancer related organizations – Patients, Family Advocacy Council (P.F.A.C) through LVHN and joined the board of The Chemo Bag. I also, took part as a patient actress in a what-to-expect video for Lehigh Valley Hospital Radiation Center, which will be released in a few months. I am now three years post cancer diagnosis. My doctors can’t say that I am cancer free yet, but they can say there is no evidence of cancer in my body. I will continue to share my story and help others stay strong and fight. 
Throughout my journey there were many sayings I began to embed into my daily life and ones that I really believe… that there is strength in numbers, nobody should have to fight this alone. You are stronger than you know, and I got this! Everyone was so supportive. I could not have stayed so positive without them supporting me and giving me the inspiration to move on. They all said I was amazing and so inspiring.
 

These stories were so amazing and touching,  but I also wanted to thank my team who helped make this day possible

Gina Pede, One of my best friends spent her time doing hair for all the ladies to make them feel glamorous. She is truly a girl's girl.  Full of love and big hair and laughter.  She's AMAZING at all things hair, If you're looking for amazing hair, braids, updos, wedding looks, SHE'S YOUR GIRL. Follow her at @GinaPede on Instagram to see her work and book your appt 

Ingrid, I met her years ago and we talked about collaboration forever,  She is as beautiful inside as she is on the outside.  SO many of the ladies she did started crying or were overwhelmed when I took their pictures.  They said I haven't felt this beautiful in a long time.  This particular beauty in the picture was so grateful that she gave her eyebrows.  She does amazing glam makeup and natural. She also does hair and is a fashion influencer.  Reach out to her for your beauty needs.  Follow her on instagram for your make up needs @ingypamua

This is Tim of Steel Pixel Videography, he's been a good friend of mine and one of my favorite people to partner with for any wedding or event.  Truly a sweet person and loves what he does.  If you're looking for video for any event, corporate or wedding, he's your guy. Follow him at @SteelPixel 

This is Meghan, She was my assistant and my behind the scenes girl, I called her my hype girl for this passion project.  Meghan is also an AMAZING photographer, I call her my photography bestie and she is truly a baby whisperer. She helped everyone all day long and I loved having her amazing energy and love there to share. Check out her amazing work https://meghanmariephotos.com 

That's me in the middle, behind the scenes taken I loved so much about this passion project.  I just wanted to share how important it is to bring Bring Breast Cancer awareness to the surface.  Its so easy to donate money to charities but to know the story, the faces, the different people effected will help us one day get closer to a cure.  Reach out to your local groups that help cancer patients, that help survivors, that raise awareness, that bring love and light to all those effected.

Thank you so much for reading my passion project.  Hopefully this gave you some insight on this matter as we continue to fight for a cure. 

Real Men Wear Pink is a fundraising event/cause/mission for the whole month of events for some amazing men who have a HUGE impact in their areas fundraise and collect donations and create events and raffles and endless ways for people to give to their local women who are effected by breast cancer. This fundraising provides wigs for women, rides to and from Chemo, hotel stays for them and their families, phone calls to their local support hotline as well as many other things.  

After months of prepping and picking and nominating the perfect men who would actively help raise funds for breast cancer, wear pink every single day in October and show up and host many many events to send the message of Hope and help inspire others to be apart of something so big.  

This year though, I think it was bigger than anyone apart of it event realized, The men were something special and really big goals and crushed them over and over again, the American Cancer Society team ran around to every single event so the men always had support in their events,  Endless Volunteers that helped in many different ways,  As well as photo and video team their to document so many of the big moments. 

This year I wanted to help someone directly effected by breast cancer, someone who could show elegance and grace and what it is like to be bald and beautiful.  My stunning friend Stacey, who is 27 and kicking butt and going to chemo till June (Can't wait to ring that bell with her) I wanted to show everyone why and who we fight for every day, why we fundraise and why we hustle so hard.  So I called on some of my amazing friends who empower and make so many feel beautiful.

Thank you so much to Holly Plank from Pure.Salon in Allentown PA,  let us use her space and styled the wig, but also Stacey's hairdresser and friend who supported and donated time and services to the cause. 

MaryBeth Peters who is a professional Lash Stylist to give her some lashes and glam makeup to make Stacey feel beautiful 

Rahmieneh for donating jewelry to give us the perfect pink glam to send the message 

Fox and Finch for allowing us to use their location on a closed day when the weather failed us that day in November. 

After this session, Stacey actually spoke at our BIG event, the Pink Party and I would like to really think that was the big PUSH to greatness.

After her strong words told us her story and inspired us to be great and fight even harder for her and women like her all over the world.   Stacey is EVERY woman, she's someone's daughter, someone's loved one, someone's sister, She's someone's SOMEONE. 

THANK YOU STACEY for daring our men to be great, they happily accepted the challenge and kicked butt raising big numbers.  But no one said we couldn't have some fun for a good cause.  

Here's some of my MOST favorite moments of this years Real Men Wear Pink 2018 Lehigh Valley 

That being said- We raised over $136,000 in the month of October, that impact is huge and we are truly making a difference in the world! 

So many people wait for "occasions" to celebrate your life, your love, your joy and your happiness. I am here to tell you, don't wait for those moments to celebrate your joy.    It is ALWAYS a good time to capture your life.   I know so many times, we don't like how we look in pictures or there's not enough time to set up a photo shoot or some excuse to why it can't be done but don't discredit the importance of a moment.   Several times over the last  6-12 months I have gotten numerous emails from clients I previously captured who lost a loved one and the moments we had created were the last pictures of that person.   It is so important to have those pictures of the people you love, you never know when it could be the very last time you get to capture that moment with them.  We shouldn't have to wait for a special occasion to celebrate your family or your loved ones.  Capture today, spring 2018 being a time in your life you feel this way. It could change tomorrow, you could meet someone new tomorrow, you can get a crazy hair cut, you could have kids, you can change so much in such a short period of time.   Personally, I can tell you how I felt, what it smelt like, what the weather, my favorite song at that time just by looking at a picture from a special time in my life.   Don't make an excuse to not capture what matters most, THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE. At the end of the day, when our days are numbered your photographs are all you have left behind, and your children, grandchildren, friends and family will savior that the most.  That picture will be looked back on and thought fondly of remembering the truly amazing human being you are and the mark you left on that person's life.   So if you hate taking pictures and give a million reasons why you shouldn't, I challenge you to do it for your loved ones.  Do it for them, because one day that picture will mean everything to them.  So take too many pictures of your kids WITH YOU, snuggle close and capture you and your loved ones, book an impromptu photo shoot to document the POWER OF RIGHT NOW, THIS MOMENT in your life, the time you'll never get back.  

Laugh a little more...

Love a little more...

Cry a little more... 

But most of all, don't forget to capture it for these moments we will never get back. The amazing YOU, You are today! 

One of my favorite moments when this mama saw her beautiful daughter and started crying.. 

GPS your photo shoot location a few days before so you know how to far it is from you and you get an idea of the general route to your photo shoot. 

Try and come to the location where the session is 10-15 minutes beforehand fix hair, make up, change if needed, so you don't feel rushed during the session.  

• Dress what makes YOU feel best. If you are uncomfortable wearing the outfit, it will show in the images, so go for something that makes you feel attractive.
• In searching for the perfect outfit, look at your home décor. Where will you be putting the pictures? I always find it's best to keep your home's flow and color scheme in mind.
• Let your photographer know how many outfits you have in mind, if you have a 20 minute session and 3 or more outfits , it cuts into your time and you may be limited on the shots you would get so consider it carefully. 
• If bringing a pet, be sure to bring treats. Sometimes, pets are harder than people to get the attention of.
• Check the weather leading up to the session. I wouldn't want you to be too hot or too cold for the session.
• If you wear glasses, ensure they are glare proof to prevent from taking away from your eyes. Also, transition glasses will dim outside, so evaluate if you are okay taking pictures without them.
• If bringing little ones, sometimes it's good to bring a change of clothes and a snack.  We know little ones tend to get dirty easily and we want to make sure the children remain happy. 
• Consider a possible theme or an idea so it's an activity or thing you and your loved ones enjoy doing, sometimes it allows the moment to be more natural and doesn't feel as force (ice cream store is always a good idea and everyone is happy going there)
• Be in the moment,  try and turn off your cell phones during the sessions so you can be in the moment with your loved ones and create new memories with them. The session will move along faster if you are present in the moment. 

Relax!  You've captured some great memories with your photographer, some of them will provide a sneak peek (I know I do)  Start thinking about decorating your home and potential prints you may want and for whom so when your images are delivered you'll be ready to go! 

For my typical photo session, What I like to take about an hour to an hour and half with each of my clients,  Especially if there is children involved they will need to warm up to me so we can produce the best smiles and most personality.  From there I take about  150 to 250 images, I shoot away, rapid fire and try and gain perspective of everyone involved personalities.  Typically I make a lot of noise from all the excitement cause I love capturing the moment so much. 

Now after the pictures have been taken I like to go home and edit right away!  I will post some teasers and then  send you a special  link to your images to download right away and send to your friends and family!

Now you can choose which option you want, You will  recieve a high resolution DVD or digital download of your photos!

Parties and events vary on edits. There is so many images to choose from, I will work personally with everyone to make sure you have your favorites and everything is customized to your wants and needs. 

Any further questions on the process, please feel free to contact me with questions and concerns  [email protected]