Cancerversary! ~ November 2013
Not too long ago, a client of mine contacted me with a request for a photo session. Not an unusual thing…I’ve had the opportunity to photograph her and her growing family several times over the past few years. They are a beautiful family and it is always a pleasure to catch up with them. However, the request on this day was quite different than anything we’d done in the past. She wanted to do a photo session in advance of what she called her “Cancerversary” celebration. She shared with me that, about a year ago, she had been diagnosed with rectal cancer. Recognizing that the resources available to those diagnosed with rectal cancer were hard to find, Anissa, a healthcare professional, decided to do something about it. In addition to the big task of beginning her own chemotherapy and radiation treatments, she decided, with the help and support of her family and friends, to start the Ferguson Foundation. The Ferguson Foundation, Inc. is an advocacy group that supports individuals affected by rectal cancer. (Please feel free to make a donation by visiting her site at www.thefergusonfoundation.net) She decided, in the midst of her own struggle, to try to help others. How incredibly awesome…and courageous. So, as she approaches the anniversary of her diagnosis, she has decided to host a celebration of life. She continues to fight her battle, but chooses to praise in the meantime. Which brings us to the purpose of this photo session. She wanted to document this moment in her and her family’s life. She wanted to give witness to the fullness of her life and the love that surrounds her. And I truly hope that that is what we achieved.
To be honest, I was quite nervous about this session. The weight and importance of it. But, I felt truly honored to be able to capture this for her and her family. With the help of talented make-up artist, Erica Coates of Creating Visions Makeup Artistry, we were able to bring Anissa’s vision into being. I didn’t want the photos to be all about her battle, but I didn’t want us to run from it, either. So, we did a little bit of both. Here’s what we came up with….
And just a little out-take with the guys…
Continued prayers for Anissa and her family as she continues to both conquer her battle and help others face theirs! I’m truly humbled by the opportunity to take part.
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