We all have battles that we face in our life. Most of the time we fight them privately. What if that battle was seen by everyone you came across? For the case of these women who faced breast cancer, their reflection became a battle of life and death.
The idea to do a free photoshoot came when I was editing Pam’s testimony. I thought how amazing it would be to host a few women who had or are going through cancer with a shoot. Even though the battle of breast cancer is more than appearance, looks plays a big role in how we feel. I wanted to be able to remind them of how beautiful they are.
I presented the idea to my hair dresser, Roni and good friend make up artist, Veronica they both accepted the project with such excitement. I also invited the youth pastor from my church and one of my best friends to help me host the girls. Everything was coming together, even my lovely senior pastor opened up her home to us for the shoot.
When the women first began to show up, I wasn’t sure what to say. As they opened up and share their journey with breast cancer, the serious tone in the room began to transform into laughter as experiences were being shared. As each woman got her hair and make up done, you could see the their moods changing. When Lisa saw herself with her make-up, she said, “Hello stranger.”
When we walked around the mansion each girl was taken by the beauty of the house, forgetting the house was just the background. It was so much fun to seeing the girls pretending to be models. I kept telling them them they were doing great.
Pam:
Pam told me one of her friends wasn’t feeling good to do photos but she would come to the party. I told Pam that maybe she would like to take a group photo. When Pam told her the idea, she loved it. It was great to see the women supporting each other, giving one another tips. It made the words “breast cancer” less scary.
Paula:
I wish I could see the expression of the women’s faces when they see their photos. I know that their friends and family are not going to see the fancy camera work, the great make up, or the hair but they will see the true beauty of their fearless brave mother, daughter, friend and lover.
Sandy:
Lisa:
Its hard to pick out what made that afternoon special, for me but being in a room with women who went through a life and death situation encouraged me that God helps us through the valley by blessing us with each other.
Behind The Scenes
Thank you to everyone who was involved:
Briana Marie Jimenez – Host / Michelle Villanueva – Host / Monica Briano – Photographer / Veronica Duran Esparza – Hair / Veronica A. Hernandez – Make-Up
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