Images For A Cure imagines a cure.
2004 changed my life.
We found out my mom was diagnosed with level 3 breast cancer.
I was a fresh collage graduate and in that phase where I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. My asked me to document her cancer journey, and as much I loved photography, it was the last thing I wanted to do. It was my mom, it was too close to home, I was a mess worrying about if I was going to lose my mom. But I finally gave in and realized, if something did happen to her, I wanted the pictures of her journey.
I knew nothing about shutter speeds or f-stops. I simply had a cheap point and shoot camera. I switched the settings to black and white, and shot from my heart.
The slideshow below are the results, taking you through my mom's first doctors visits, to getting a CAT scan, to chemo visits, to cutting off her hair, to then getting her mastectomy.
Thankfully, mom is now a breast cancer survivor. After the experience, I tucked the images in the slideshow away and hadn't looked at them in years.
Until yesterday.
And I totally bawled my eyes out.
Remembering how scared I was that I might lose my mom, my best friend.
Remembering how strong my dad was as the rock of our family during that time.
Remembering how hideous my short hair looked back then. (YES, I'm a girl, I cried about that too!)
Remembering how many miracles I witnessed during my mom's battle, and how God used that experience to show me how faithful He is.
Remembering how the Lord saved her on Christmas day when we had to rush her to the hospital the day before when the chemo became toxic in her system.
Remembering all the birds God sent my mom's way when she only prayed for one as a reminder that He was still there.
Remembering all that has changed in the past 5 years and how this was only a warm up to the cancer journey my dad would soon begin.
Remembering how that year, my mom became my hero.
When I heard about Images For A Cure starting up, I jumped on the opportunity to help contribute.
On October 11, Images For A Cure is hosting a national fund raising day for photographers to unite for a common cause and hold sessions where clients donate the session fee to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.
I already have an engagement session booked in San Diego that day that I'm looking forward to, but if you want to participate in a session, you can find photographers all over the country who are contributing to the cause. Or if you are a photographer, it's not too late to sign up and help out! More info is on their webste at www.imagesforacure.com. I know finances can be tight and it's hard to let go of session fees, but in Malachi 3:10, the Lord asks us to test Him in giving and promising He WILL give back even greater by opening doors of Heaven for more blessings for all your needs. I pray that you will trust God in your finances. He has given you an amazing gift with photography and I know He has BIG things in store for your photography career that first starts with opportunities like this to give.
Yesterday, Kristen of Images For a Cure was sweet to feature me on the blog! To read the interview and hear more about my story, you can check it out here:
http://www.imagesforacure.com/participating-photographers/welcome-scarlett-lillian
We found out my mom was diagnosed with level 3 breast cancer.
I was a fresh collage graduate and in that phase where I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. My asked me to document her cancer journey, and as much I loved photography, it was the last thing I wanted to do. It was my mom, it was too close to home, I was a mess worrying about if I was going to lose my mom. But I finally gave in and realized, if something did happen to her, I wanted the pictures of her journey.
I knew nothing about shutter speeds or f-stops. I simply had a cheap point and shoot camera. I switched the settings to black and white, and shot from my heart.
The slideshow below are the results, taking you through my mom's first doctors visits, to getting a CAT scan, to chemo visits, to cutting off her hair, to then getting her mastectomy.
Thankfully, mom is now a breast cancer survivor. After the experience, I tucked the images in the slideshow away and hadn't looked at them in years.
Until yesterday.
And I totally bawled my eyes out.
Remembering how scared I was that I might lose my mom, my best friend.
Remembering how strong my dad was as the rock of our family during that time.
Remembering how hideous my short hair looked back then. (YES, I'm a girl, I cried about that too!)
Remembering how many miracles I witnessed during my mom's battle, and how God used that experience to show me how faithful He is.
Remembering how the Lord saved her on Christmas day when we had to rush her to the hospital the day before when the chemo became toxic in her system.
Remembering all the birds God sent my mom's way when she only prayed for one as a reminder that He was still there.
Remembering all that has changed in the past 5 years and how this was only a warm up to the cancer journey my dad would soon begin.
Remembering how that year, my mom became my hero.
When I heard about Images For A Cure starting up, I jumped on the opportunity to help contribute.
On October 11, Images For A Cure is hosting a national fund raising day for photographers to unite for a common cause and hold sessions where clients donate the session fee to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.
I already have an engagement session booked in San Diego that day that I'm looking forward to, but if you want to participate in a session, you can find photographers all over the country who are contributing to the cause. Or if you are a photographer, it's not too late to sign up and help out! More info is on their webste at www.imagesforacure.com. I know finances can be tight and it's hard to let go of session fees, but in Malachi 3:10, the Lord asks us to test Him in giving and promising He WILL give back even greater by opening doors of Heaven for more blessings for all your needs. I pray that you will trust God in your finances. He has given you an amazing gift with photography and I know He has BIG things in store for your photography career that first starts with opportunities like this to give.
Yesterday, Kristen of Images For a Cure was sweet to feature me on the blog! To read the interview and hear more about my story, you can check it out here:
http://www.imagesforacure.com/participating-photographers/welcome-scarlett-lillian
Labels: breast cancer., Images For a Cure, Personal
posted by Scarlett Lillian // Jacksonville Senior Photographer at 9:04 AM
10 Comments:
What a miracle indeed. That last picture shows just how sick Mrs. Rene was and now, having seen her in the flesh, she was made whole again! Praise the Lord!
Hopeing to see you in Nashville next weekend!
Love ya!
Annie
Hi Scarlett. Thank you for sharing all of this with us. I contacted Images for a Cure and am looking forward to working with them. Blessings upon you!!!
This was beautiful!! Definitely brought tears to my eyes, as we went through a similar breast cancer battle with my mom recently. Praise HIS name that both our mothers are doing well. Thank you so much for sharing.
-Scarlett Irwin
p.s.- you have your mother's smile! ;-)
Simply beautiful and an amazing testimony of God's faithfulness.... You are a blessing Scarlett!
Jill Lewis
Hi Scarlett, I'm an up and comming photographer living in Newfoundland Canada, just wanted to tell you that I admire your work and especially your courage. I cried when I watched the slideshow, just knowing what your family went though. Tell your mom she's a beautiful person.
Sincerley
Tina
What a great idea! I am signing up! My best friend was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, so it is only fitting that I do something for the cause. Thanks for sharing!
Another great opportunity for photogs is Operation: Love Reunited. :)
Awesome job capturing your Mom's journey Scarlett.
This is precious Scarlett! Your mama is a beautiful lady!!!!
Thank you SO much for sharing this with us. My 2 year old daughter heard the song, and ran over to sit on my lap... when your mom put the wigs on, my darling daughter looked at me and pointed to the computer and said "pretty"... the tears just started to flow and I told her "yes sweetheart, yes she is pretty"... i love that even a 2 year old can see the beauty in even some of the most scary situations.
That was the most moving thing I have ever watched as I cry I can't even type I will think about this often thank you for sharing.
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