Fight Pink Calendar Project 2009
At last! The “Faith & Inspiration 2009″ Surviving Mothers of Breast Cancer Calendar is complete! We want to Thank Nevada Cancer Institute for giving us the opportunity to contact the women that were photographed within the calendar.
Below are the images that were used within the Calendar, alongside their corresponding short stories of each Survivor. You’ll be able to see them in greater detail from within your calendar. The images capture the pure essence of survival and beauty of the wonderful women and their families who took part!
Fight Pink™ would like to take this opportunity to thank all participating mothers and their children who participated in our calendar project. Special thanks goes out to Edison Graff Photography (Photographer) and Steven Sunga, (Make Up Artist), who both donated their time and professionalism to make this what we plan to be the first of many fund raising calendar projects.
NOTE: A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Nevada Cancer Institute, as well as the Susan G. Komen foundation.
To purchase your copy of our first annual calendar, (that may become somewhat of a collector’s item), click any of the small blue ‘Lulu’ icons below. This will take you directly to our calendar where you can place your order via Lulu’s secure online shopping cart system. We’d like to thank you in advance for your support in helping us to achieve our goal of raising funds and awareness to help save lives and end breast cancer forever. Should you have any questions regarding Fight Pink™, please don’t hesitate to contact us using the details on our contact us page, and if you know anyone who you feel may benefit from our calendar, feel free to forward the link to this page to them.
Click the button below for your copy of the “Faith & Inspiration 2009″ Surviving Mothers of Breast Cancer Calendar. It’s all for a worthy cause.
Thank you
January
Survivor Anne, and her Daughter
I chose to participate in this project to pay tribute to my daughter, Amanda. After high school graduation, she could have attended many Universities for her undergraduate degree, but she chose to live at home to receive her B.A. in History, minor in English from UNLV in 2008. She chose to stay close to home because of my diagnosis of Breast Cancer in January 2006 , and again in December 2006. Amanda has been such a tender and loving part of my life, through diagnosis to survivorship, staying close by and helping with whatever needed to be done to achieve my full recovery – spiritual, emotional and physical. Now we know why God helped her make the decisions she did as a teenage girl, and why she has become the delightful young woman she is. -Anne
February
Survivors Colleen, her Mother Elaine, Aunt June, and Colleen’s Children
I am Colleen Seifman, and my breast cancer was a wake up call in my life. My husband of 25 years and high school sweetheart supported me through my lumpectomy and 36 radiation treatments. My two children, Erinn and Jake, were away at college and never let a day go by without a concerned phone call. I am blessed to have Nevada Cancer Institute who was referred to me. The team of doctors and staff were so loving and compassionate throughout my treatment. I brought my mom and best friend Kathy with me several times just to share the extraordinary service. Dr. Anita Pomerantz and Dr. Karen Milligan truly kept me sane throughout my treatment. My Momma and Aunt are cancer survivors. My mom, Elaine Gallagher, is a breast cancer survivor of 20 years. My Aunt June Pralle is a bladder and colon cancer survivor also of 20 years. These two sisters have taught me to trust in my faith and not ever dwell in the past. I am pleased to be chosen for the “Faith & Inspiration 2009 Calendar” and am thankful for each and everyday I can share my experience. -Colleen
March
Survivor Dee Dee, and her Son
I am a Stage IV breast and bone cancer survivor. I have been fighting this disease for almost 8 years. I am on four different drugs, Zometa, Femara, Herceptin and Tykerb. Tykerb is the newest drug which is used for patients who are no longer responding to Herceptin. I am committed to being a mother to my Son “Mac”, a lawyer, wife, sister and daughter until God calls me. Every day is a blessing. Live it to the fullest- no pity parties allowed! -Dee Dee
April
Survivor Elsa, and her Children
In the photo with me are my 3 children: Bryson (18), Brandon (16), and Brittany-Tiana (15). I chose to participate in this project because I wanted to let women know out there that it is possible to overcome breast cancer. I was diagnosed with Stage IIA breast cancer in July 2008. It was very hard to control my emotions after being informed of my diagnosis but I soon got myself together and fought this head on. I am a stronger person because of it. I started chemotherapy in August 2008. It was pretty rough there in the beginning but I am happy to say I have completed my last chemo treatment on November 7, 2008. My family, friends, and co-workers have been so supportive. They have always been there for me. Without their love, comfort, and understanding, I do not know how I would have dealt with this. Faith and prayers help a lot, too. It has been some journey and I am so very proud to say: “Yes! I did it! I am a survivor!”- Elsa
May
Survivor Heather, and her Children
I was diagnosed Dec 6, 2006 with Stage 1at the age of 32. I had a lumpectomy, chemo, and radiation. Just last week I did some minor reconstruction that involved breast lipo. Cancer rocked my world, like it does with anyone. However, I think the one thing that really got me through it was my positive attitude. I felt that having a positive attitude was my only choice, due to the fact that I have four young kids. I tried really hard to keep life as “normal” as possible for them. Seeing their faces every morning during treatment reminded me why I had to fight and endure treatment. I thought taking pictures for a calendar would be a positive experience for my kids. Although I tested negative for BRCA 1 and 2, breast cancer has entered their lives as such a young age. I am so fortunate to be able to be a part of “Faith & Inspiration 2009″ project to give them opportunities to spread awareness. – Heather
June
Survivor Sharon, and her Children
My name is Sharon Schoessler and I am 43yrs old I have been married for 15 yrs and have lived in Nevada for 25yrs. I have two beautiful daughters Mandy and Molly. Mandy is my oldest daughter, she is a freshmen in High school. She is my child who wears her heart on her sleeve. She is very thoughtful, loving and an unselfish young lady. Molly is my fertility child; she is in Kindergarten and loves it. Molly has lots of personality; she makes us laugh all the time. Entertainer, well like Kenny Chesney Molly has entertained us for the last 5yrs. She also loves the outdoors, rides her bike, plays with our dogs, and friends at park. In March 2006 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, Inflammatory breast cancer. Only 1% of women get this most aggressive breast cancer and I have survived. That was a very difficult time in our home, especially on the girls. Molly not recognizing me with all the changes I went through. Mandy who’s already been through a lot with me just had one more thing to deal with. She is a strong young lady and like me is a fighter. Six months prior to discovering my cancer both my parents passed away 5days apart due to their own medical conditions. My mom and I were very close and I know now… what I meant to her is more than words can express. My daughters mean the world to me if not more, and I’m only honored and proud to be called “MOM.” I have volunteered to do this calendar shoot for my girls and other children who have loved ones fighting cancer. There is hope , strength and faith for everyone .
You have to believe and take one day at a time- Sharon
July
Survivor Stacy, and her Children
I was diagnosed with multifocal DCIS in April of 2008. I have no family history of breast cancer, but knew that most patients diagnosed with breast cancer, don’t. We chose to have a mastectomy because of the multi-focal diagnosis. We are all survivors, not just of cancer but of life. I wanted to showcase that even though we get a curve ball thrown at us in this “life” and we may stumble, we will survive. I wanted to showcase survivors and their children, the legacy that they leave behind when they leave this earth, however they leave this earth, and that even though their life may end, their legacy will live on. “We enter this world alone, and we leave it alone, and everything that happens in between, we owe it to ourselves to find a little company. We need help. We need support, otherwise we are in it by ourselves….strangers, cut off from each other and we forget just how connected we all are. So, instead we choose love, we choose life, and for a moment we feel just a little less alone.” I want everyone to look at the calendar and feel that we are connected…and feel just a little less alone. Not just because we are women, not just because we are mothers, not just because we are cancer survivors, but because we are human and that connects us all….- Stacy Founder of Fight Pink and “Faith & Inspriation 2009″ Calendar Project
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” – Helen Keller
August
Survivor Ida, and her Grandson
In 1996 I completed my first year as a high school principal and it had been 15 years since my mother had a radical mastectomy when I was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer. For whatever reason I was not shocked of my diagnosis. I had recently been through a scare a year before, I had it in my mind that it would eventually hit home. I was blessed with one of the best oncologists in Denver. I was treated for 12 years and three regiments of chemo. When my cancer spread to my lungs I retired and my husband and I moved to Las Vegas to be closer to our Grandson, John Ryan. I have lived in Las Vegas for the last six years, and been with Nevada Cancer Institute since June 2008. My life has been filled with many blessings and it has always been filled with lots of laughter, strong support from both family and friends. I will not permit this disease to signify who I am…I was someone before it arrived in my life and I will continue to believe that I am the same person. Recently I have been faced with the death of my husband of 38 years and bone mets (metastasis) to my spine. I continue to believe that life still has its beauty and that I will continue to recognize the beauty in this world and the people I share it with. – Ida
September
Survivor Linda, her Daughter Lisa and her Children
My name is Linda Gilbert and in the photo with me are my daughter Lisa and my grandchildren, Jack and Olivia. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, I was very frightened. I had always been a picture of health my entire life so the diagnosis was very shocking. We found the cancer during a routine mammogram so I am a poster child for why it so important for women to get yearly screenings. The strength and support of my family, along with the wonderful care I received from the doctors and staff at Nevada Cancer Institute, helped me beat the disease. One year later, I am cancer fee and enjoying my life to the fullest. I still work full time but my favorite way to pass the day is with my new grandchildren. Being a grandmother is such an incredible experience. I am honored to be part of this project and I hope my story will motivate women to get their yearly mammograms – it can save your life! – Linda
October
Survivor’s Katie and her Mother, with Katie’s Children
My name is Katie Muldoon, and my mother and I are breast cancer survivors. My Mother Marilyn is 85, and a 12 year breast cancer survivor. I am 55, and an 11 month breast cancer survivor. Pictured with us are my children Kelly and Ryan. It was an honor to participate in the “Faith & Inspiration 2009″ Calendar project because awareness is an important tool in fighting all forms of cancer. Because of our faith, the love and support of our family and friends, and the cutting edge treatment we received from the Nevada Cancer Institute, we are proud and grateful to be breast cancer survivors. – Katie
November
Survivor Jane, and her Daughter
My name is Jane and I am a single mother of a wonderful daughter, Taylor-age 14. When Taylor is not reading, she enjoys dancing, the movies and theater. I am also the proud stepmother of Karim who is 26 and in the National Guard. My husband, Sharif passed away of lung cancer in September 2006 at the age of 53. I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer in July 2007. I had 6 rounds of chemo, 35 radiation treatments and a mastectomy. In May of this year I also developed arm lymphedema. I am so proud to be part of this project and to be a cancer survivor! I have so many people to thank during this long road of recovery-my friends and family in Canada, my newfound friends from the support group, my coworkers who were so supportive, and so many others that helped in so many ways-driving Taylor to dance, bringing meals, coming from California for my surgery, and much more!. Special heartfelt thanks to Lynda who was there for each and every Doctor appointment! But most of all, a loving thanks to my darling daughter Taylor who was there each and every moment with me and held back the bald jokes! – Jane
December
Survivor Pam, and her Children
In the picture are myself, Pam, and my three children Jordan (10), Hailey (7), and Emily (3). I chose to participate in this project because I wanted to help raise money for cancer research. If someone in the near future could receive better care when they are fighting breast cancer then that would make me happy. I also have 2 daughters that are at risk of getting breast cancer. Anything to find a vaccine or better treatment would help them as well. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2007 and finished radiation in July 2008. I am not the same person that I was prior to my diagnoses. I am a stronger person. I have seen truly loving people such as our neighbors, fellow church members, as well as extended family, help my family get through this. I am grateful for the love and concern that has been shown to my family. I am touched by strangers that I have met in the airport that tell me they will pray for me and my family. Without the support and prayers of friends, neighbors, and family I would not have gotten through this so well. I was also blessed to have great doctors. – Pam
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