I am a wife of 46 years, mother of two and grandmother of four. I’m also a professional photographer. This year (2022) I added a new fact about my life; I am a recent breast cancer survivor!

I was diagnosed with high grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) on March 8, 2022. I underwent a mastectomy and breast reconstruction on April 26 and finished the reconstruction surgery on August 8.

Fortunately, the cancer was caught early and hadn’t invaded my lymph nodes so I was spared chemo. The mammogram I had last December alerted the radiologist that something wasn’t right, and after several more mammograms and two biopsies the diagnosis was confirmed. The cancer I had was not a lump, rather it was described as grains of sand. My cancer would never have been felt by me or a doctor.

Self-exams are important but they shouldn’t be the only breast cancer screening you do. Mammograms save lives! It certainly saved mine!

This is why each year as long as I'm able I will conduct Pink Portrait Mini photo sessions and the money raised through this project will go to the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation (VBCF) which in turn uses the funds for diagnostic services for unisured and underinsured women (and some men) in Virginia. 

The photos of me in the Me! gallery (except the one here) were taken by Haley Adams Photo for the purpose of the Sole Stars fundraiser for VBCF. 

Visit the Pink Portrait Minis photo galleries here.