A week or so ago, I invited my friend Rebecca and her Team ‘The Apple Dumpling Gang” to come to my studio for some promotional photos for their journey to Walk To End Women’s Cancers. This cause has become shockingly personal to the entire team, and to many people in our community since Rebecca herself was diagnosed with breast cancer in December of last year.
Here is Rebecca’s story:
“In September 2009, I first signed up to participate in this 60 km, 2 day walk with a group of friends from “Apple Country” as a way to raise money for a good cause and make some healthy changes for myself too. Cancer had touched both my mother and grandmother, so I felt I had a personal connection to this cause. Little did I know….
Three months later, just before Christmas, I was devastated to receive some shocking news… at 36 years old, I was diagnosed with an advanced form of invasive ductal breast cancer.
It is now February and I am 8 weeks in to a 16-week course of chemotherapy. I still have surgeries, radiation, more chemo and ongoing therapies to face over the next year or so, but I also have hope. The treatments available now are so much more advanced and humane than were once offered and every day they are working towards finding a cure. I don’t ever want my sister, my daughter or my niece to have to travel this road.
I have had times of grief, anger, frustration and pain, but I am comforted by the fact that I am surrounded by such an incredible “team”. My family, friends, and community have stepped in to help with EVERYTHING. Clinton, the children and I feel blessed to have such support during this time.
I am committed to finishing this walk in September, no matter what part of the journey I am on at the time. These women, including my sister and four friends, continue to encourage and inspire me, providing me with laughter and love at every step. It’s just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other and not giving up – it’s what I intend to do.”
I am going to do whatever I can to help my friend raise money for her team, and to ensure they are able to participate in the upcoming walk. If you know a woman, maybe you will be inspired to help to. 
Here are a few of the photos from our session, and if you are interested in donating to the team, please click here.
Rebecca, you are an amazing woman, and I am proud to be your friend! I will be cheering you all on in your journey!
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