A Pink Portrait

Finally I can upload this post! It's been waiting in the sidelines - because it involved some holiday surprises that I didn't want to reveal ahead of time.
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Melissa - the first recipient
of The Wedding Pink.

Melissa (a BC survivor I met through the Young Empowered Survivor group) and Jeff (her then-fiancé) received a wedding giveaway a couple of years ago. It was made possible via The Wedding Pink, a giveaway presented to a couple whose lives have been recently touched by breast cancer. It's a spectacular event held for one couple each year. Cheryl Ungar, the founder, is a 21-year breast cancer survivor herself. Although the focus of this blog post isn't about the weddings she orchestrates and photographs, I would like to promote this wonderful opportunity in case blog readers know of well-suited couples (now, or in the future) that may want to apply for this giveaway. Check out this informative page for submission guidelines, what the wedding includes, and additional information. The three 'biggie' submission guidelines are:

- Your life must have been recently touched by breast cancer. The experience is not limited to the bride, but could be with the bride or groom's extended family.
- You must be engaged or soon-to-be engaged at the time you submit your story.
- Submissions are open to legal residents of the United States.

Cheryl's philanthropy doesn't stop there. She also set up Pink Portraits - complimentary photo sessions for breast cancer survivors. I knew about this opportunity in late 2011. I checked her web site occasionally, looking for new portrait subjects and their stories. I loved the pictures. I laughed, nodded, and cried when I read their stories. Still, I wasn't sure about contacting her or doing it until the time felt right. I hoped that time would sneak up on me. And it did!

Cheryl (photographer), and Natosha Cooke (makeup artist) arrived at our home and for the next two hours I got to know them, they got to know me, Natosha made me up (not clown face, just me - enhanced!), and Cheryl worked hard at trying to get her subject to "work it."  :)  It was a positive experience full of meaning.

When I saw her photographs from our session, I was in awe. And I wondered: Was that me?! How did she manage to capture my micro-expressions that so clearly express who I am? What will I look like a year from now? and on...

These pictures were taken after all of my surgeries and treatments. My hair had grown in and I felt better than I had in >18 months. Choosing to have pictures taken when I did ended up having a lot more weight and meaning than I anticipated. I think I look strong, calm, and maybe even a little mischievous in some of the photos.

I am reminded of what I've gone through and how life has changed for me.

I am reminded of my own mortality.
I see a person eager to live life.
I see a fighting spirit.
I see a loving being.
I see life. And possibilities.

To read my story as written by Melissa (yes--it's the same gal that's pictured at the top of this post), check out "I Rocked the Bald Look!" on Cheryl's blog.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~   Fundraising Update   ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Please continue to help me raise funds to support awareness of and support for the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation. I am a TNBC warrior myself! 

My goal is to raise $3,333 by March 3, 2013. 
As of today, some of you have helped me raise $1,074. 
There are 6 days left to raise funds. 
Please help and/or pass on the word! 

Hey, tax time is just around the corner. Need to help your numbers with a charitable donation line item? This is one way to do just that!  

To go to my personal fundraising page, find out more information,
or to donate, click HERE.

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