Neither Julie, who organized and hosted this event, nor I knew what to expect from A Day to Shine. We knew we believed in its mission, though: to arm women who have or have had cancer with the one thing that proves elusive to all women: self confidence.
Apparently the women believed in our mission, too, because the event filled up almost immediately. Mia and Jessica, hair and makeup respectively, donated their time and endless abilities so that — like our other boudoir events — by the time I was clicking the shutter a transformation had already occurred. There are a lot of reasons I feel so strongly about our boudoir events, and I’ve shared them before, but I’ll say it again: Not for a second do I think women need to be made over to have better self confidence, but I do believe that it’s vital to remind ourselves who we are and that we’re beautiful inside and outside. Regardless of age, regardless of illness, regardless of convenience.
But you’ve heard what I think about it before.
Here’s what they had to say.
HOLLEN
After a bout with cancer seven years ago…
“I feel beautiful, sexy, and whole, in spite of all the physical loss and scars experienced from cancer. I am me and these photos reflex just that – fun, playful, sensual, naughty and care-free. The only missing for me in the photos is the “bad-ass” side of me, which, posing for them, WAS for me! So, I’d say the experience and outcome sum me up perfectly and have me excited to share them with my significant other, who for years has already been telling me this, I just could not see it for myself until now! Thank you!”
JOY
[Written before Day to Shine]
“Like most women, cancer survivors or not, I have some issues about my appearance and sexuality. My most recent diagnosis was carcinoma of the vulva. Not kidding (who would about that, right?). So after four surgeries, removal of the cancer and reconstruction I have lost a lot of feeling and look different than before.
The beauty though isn’t about a healthy, rockin’ hard body. (Although healthy would be nice). It comes from spirit, vitality, hope, joy and patience. I’m trying to return to my more positive attitude.
I rather hope that A Day To Shine will help me find a little something of myself. Spirit. Hope. Confidence. A little gift.”
[Written after Day to Shine]
“The event was a spirit-lifter. I’ve been inspired enough to pay much more attention to my self-care which I’d let go for a few months out of frustration of late side effects of my three bouts with the big C.
Thanks in particular to Julie, Susan, Claire, Mia and Jess. I felt gorgeous, pampered and was reminded of the beauty each of us share. By the way – I went to a Lymphoma fundraiser, a concert, after the shoot – everyone I spoke with thought I was one of the performers! That was fun!”
DEBBIE
“I had breast cancer as a young woman of 32, and after more than two decades of living cancer free I believied that I had beaten it. Imagine my surprise when, 22 years later, breast cancer returned in my bones. The process of fighting cancer the second time around was much more grueling in some ways than it had been the first time when I simply received double mastectomy. This time chemotherapy took my hair, yellowed my skin, and aged me YEARS beyond the years that have actually passed since my re-diagnosis. When I heard about Claire and Julie’s project I was thrilled to have the opportunity to look and feel beautiful again. The energy of Julie and the other survivors was like magic and so uplifting, and the experience of being pampered, made up and having my hair done felt so wonderful. I loved the way I felt and looked after the artists had worked their magic on me, and it was a very moving experience to share the day with other beautiful and positive survivors.”
SARAH
“When I was only fifteen years old my life was turned upside down. I found out I had osteosarcoma in my right leg. It was the most horrible yet life changing experience I have ever been through. Since going through all of the chemo and surgeries and fighting for my life I never take anything for granted. I try to live life to the fullest because you never know when it could be taken from you.
I am now 20 years old and married with a two-year-old daughter. I don’t think I would ever change anything that has happened in my life because I believe that everything happens for a reason, and going through all that has made me the strong woman I am today.
My experience with the shoot was great. I had so much fun. I gotta say at first I didn’t know what to think about it because all of the people were doing all kinda crazy shoots so I felt out of place. That changed after I started talking to people about what kind of cancer each other had and when I started getting my hair and make-up done. It felt nice to be glammed up for a day and get my pictures taken. I felt beautiful and like a model. I love how some of the pictures came out and if I could do it all over again I would. It was a blast and it was nice hearing some of the women’s stories and seeing their before and after make overs.”
VIKKI
“I had a history of endometriosis, so when my husband and I decided to try for our second child I needed an ultra sound to see if there needed to be a “clean up” prior to pregnancy like our first son. They found what they thought was a cyst on my right ovary…after surgery to remove the cyst, they realized it was a tumor and later that I needed to have that ovary removed. After that second surgery I was surprised when I woke up to having had both ovaries removed along with my appendix and multiple other tumors. I was at Stage IIIC as of January 2010. I was told that if that surgery hadn’t happened I would have been gone with in two months.
So, although it was sad news, I was grateful. I had six treatments, and found a love for my bald head. Of course, I needed my jewelry on to help me feel pretty when I wasn’t feeling good or felt I was looking ill. After receiving my “remission news,” I was off to a new start! This didn’t come easy, as one might think, I had trouble adjusting to my hair coming back, unlike my hair prior to treatment…and the common lost feeling one has after stopping treatment didn’t help.
When I heard about this great opportunity to be included in on the “Day to Shine” photo shoot, I was thrilled. Not only because I haven’t had glamour shots or portraits done of me, but I wanted something to show after the drama, after the crazy two years of cancer and treatment, that made me look like, ANYONE could get through this! That it’s a battle, but afterwards…there is still life, and a good one! The day itself was wonderful, getting your makeup done (better than I could ever do it), getting your hair done (again, better than I could ever do it)…and then, the photo shoot… To let loose and be free! This is all before seeing the beautiful pictures Claire took and what a treat to have such talented photographs to view of ME… It’s an incredible feeling!!! I recommend it to anyone, regardless of being a cancer patient or survivor, but especially if you have gone through the horrific disease, it’s quite the treat!”
NATALIE
“I received an email from my friend, Susan, who had done the Boudoir session twice. I jumped on the chance to be a part of something so amazing and to have the chance to meet other survivors. As such, I am not one nor ever have been one to acknowledge being a survivor, not to many, and not voluntarily. I still have those who have no idea of the fact and I wasn’t one to document my process or experience with cancer; I just wanted to move on. Why give my energy or my thoughts to something so ruthless?For me it wasn’t just beating cancer. It was surviving an operating table fifteen times. It was hiding out the past few years from constant surgery between breast cancer, reconstructive surgery and five spinal fusions. Getting used to scars isn’t any easy thing, especially when my typical, old self would walk around naked as much as possible. This shoot was a chance to re-introduce myself to me and to the body that is strong, still not as graceful, and beautiful as ever.
My best friend, Juliet, came with me and my self-confidence flew out the door as we walked up the steps. Within minutes, I was whipped into hair and make-up and sat and listened to stories among the other women. Simply amazing and inspiring and hysterical women!
The experience was one of the most amazing moments in my life. For once, I wanted to keep track of a “day in the life of” surviving cancer, to finally feel strong and confident enough that boots and a pair of cheeky shorts would make a great photo. The atmosphere is enthralling, exhilarating and yet relaxed, supportive and downright fun. I look forward to trying this again and I am so happy and blessed to have been part of such a truly beautiful day.
On top of that, I couldn’t believe the photos. I was completely silenced and felt just so overwhelmed by them. I guess for so long I had forgotten what my laugh and smile were truly about and it was so amazing that Julie and Claire brought it out. Before, being in front of the camera (as a total ham) had never phased me, after so many surgeries I didn’t feel the same. After this day, I can’t wait to get back in enjoying taking pictures again. I can’t wait to do it again!”
SUSAN
“I’ve had possibly the worst year of my life: diagnosed with breast cancer shortly before my 39th birthday followed by six rounds of chemo, two surgeries, and six weeks of daily radiation. I had two small children at home and was just learning to cope with being a mommy… then a cancer diagnosis? Wow. So, when Julie told me that she and Claire were organizing a photo shoot with the mission to capture the inner beauty of cancer patients & survivors, I knew I had to do it… If only to feel like a woman again.
The hair, the make up, the photo shoot all made me feel feminine again. I learned about my fellow warriors as we all told our tales from the battleground; double mastectomy here, ovarian cancer there… we laughed, we cried, I felt a camaraderie. For those brief moments I was around women who KNEW what I know from battling this scary disease, and it was incredibly special.
On my day to SHINE, I felt connected with my fellow cancer survivors and connected with myself. I felt like a woman again! I was sad to take off my make up that evening, but I cherished every moment of my special time that day. What a gift!
Then, I saw the photos. Was that really me? I didn’t see the girl that I always saw in photos. I saw a real woman with depth. I saw a woman who had been on a battleground. I do believe my inner beauty did shine through and as I result when I look in the mirror, I see myself differently.”
DIANE
“My journey with breast cancer has been an experience that I won’t ever forget. Upon diagnosis, my husband and I decided that we were going to share my journey with those who love and care for us. Little did we know the outpouring we would receive from our friends and family. My friends created an online community for me and the flood gates opened with people who wanted to know what was going on and how they could help. Throughout this experience, I have learned that people banding together helped in my healing both physically and emotionally. I am truly blessed.
When I was asked to do a photo shoot as survivor I was a bit intimidated. I wasn’t sure what to expect and the information said they would do hair and makeup. Funny since I didn’t have any hair, so I took two wigs and a hat. When I arrived for the shoot, the ladies did my makeup and I thought they would style my wigs. After talking to Julie, I decided to do my shoot without hair, something I had never even considered. Claire helped me with my nerves and made the shoot seem effortless. She wanted me to try and not smile, but that is not in my nature, I think I smile in my sleep. Claire, being a professional, let me just be my smiling self and the outcome of the shoot speaks for itself. Thank you Claire for making me feel so at ease!”
LESLEY
“After making my way through the past year of breast cancer surgery and treatment I am so happy not only to be alive and healthy but to have the opportunity to capture a moment in time I know I will reflect back upon with both pride and gratitude.
My first shoot was in the middle of treatment where I was able to see how lovely I am on both the inside and outside with or without hair and boobs. This second shoot was a celebration of the beginning of the rest of my life. Via the talents of the ladies that put together A Day to Shine I will always have something to remind me that, with the right perspective, we are always able to see the beauty in everything–especially ourselves.”