Haven’t all of us been touched in a sad way either directly or indirectly by breast cancer? I’ll never forget the day my family all waited in a waiting room while my mom had her biopsy. We weren’t too concerned because the doctor had assured her that he was all but certain that her “spot” on her mammogram didn’t look suspicious. So we were enjoying being together as a family. We even laughed as we caught up on the stories that keep our family close. Then… the doctor came to talk to us, and matter of factly told us that her spot was indeed breast cancer, and she would need a full mastectomy, with likely chemo and radiation. Anyone who has had a similar experience knows exactly the emotions running through your body when you hear something like that. Shock. Fear. Grief. A surreal feeling like the world is spinning out of control around you. It stays with you. Fortunately for us, although she did have to undergo a radical mastectomy, they caught the cancer before it had begun spreading, so she was spared any chemo or radiation. So many are not so lucky!
That’s why it was such an honor for me to be asked by my friends at www.unvelope.com a high end, online greeting card company, if they could use my photos for a breast cancer awareness project. The photography would depict the different relationships affected by this insidious killer. I was humbled. They sent me this slideshow to show me how the photography would be displayed on the cards. I think they did such a beautiful job! Thank you, to my wonderful friends and family, who allowed me to use their photos for this project.
That part was sweet. But as the note at the end says: until everyone doesn’t know someone they’ve lost directly or indirectly to breast cancer, then I’m afraid there’s still far too much bitter in the world, isn’t there. But thankfully… it’s a cause many people are behind — and I’m hopeful that in the end, all the bitter will be replaced by sweet!
Congratulations Sandy for such an honor of having your beautiful images be on greeting cards for such a worthy cause. Your talent continues to bless everyone who sees your work.
Sandy, your work is such a gift to so many. I love the relationships depicted in your awesome photographs, as they emphasize that no one goes untouched by this horrible disease. God is using you in a mighty way and we are all blessed because of it!
Sandy, I must admit, I never looked at any of your videos prior to viewing my daughter Katelyn and Felipe’s wedding video. I was deeply touched by this video as I have a dear niece who was diagnosed with breast cancer, who underwent a radical mastectomy followed by chemo. She had no risk factors, was vibrant, healthy, an athlete, and a vegitarian. I’m happy to report that she is a survivor. Your pictures are indeed works of art all by themselves, but you are the true artist. You touch us with emotion in our deepest parts. Thank you for being who you are.
Merrilan! Now that’s twice today you have totally made my day! Thank you so much! This project is one I am very proud of and meant alot to be a part of. I’m so thankful your niece is okay! Thank GOD! I hear that when young people get breast cancer, it is usually more aggressive than when older people get it, so I am especially thankful that God healed her… tho I’m sure she went through alot to get to the other side.