Saturday, October 4, 2008

Save The Boobs


Last October, I found out a friend of mine had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. Now, a year later, I found out one of my very favorite aunts in the world is not responding to treatments after a looooong battle with breast cancer. Our hearts are very, very heavy, and we are praying fervently for her.

My mom's sister, Jenny

It seems so ironic that these both happened the month of October, which as you probably know is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So I felt compelled to do something, anything to help this cause.

My aunt's daughter (my cousin Melissa) is an amazing, creative artist. She has a site that showcases all of her work, and an etsy shop with awesome creations dedicated to this cause. What is the most incredible thing to me is that, even though I know she is suffering greatly through this ordeal with her mom, she approaches the topic with humor, as her art reflects. Melissa has ALWAYS had a very active (albeit somewhat twisted ;) sense of humor that I have always adored, and so it is only fitting that this is how she is coping.

Melissa and Jenny

Here are some of her creations (everything shown is available for purchase in her Etsy shop. 20% of all proceeds are given to those with breast cancer.)



And here is some of her absolutely amazing photography. More can be found here.

(This one is my favorite.)

She also made a video of the pictures she took following my aunt through her ordeal. It's unbelievably powerful. You can watch it here.

Let's remember those who are suffering from Breast Cancer this month, and do all we can to help them, even if it's just with a hug. We are here for you.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

very moving post alicia. my aunt is a breast cancer survivor, going on 12 years! keep praying, and i will too. --marisa

AOlson said...

Beautiful. Touching. Insipring.

Ms. Kristen said...

Beautiful post! I love the "Save the boob" tshirt!

meohmyers said...

Wow. This was a great post, Alicia! Melissa is so creative! I loved the video. You're aunt is beautiful! She'll be in our prayers, too.

Melissa Mae Johnson said...

Wow! Thank you so much, Alicia :) You're the best!

Puhlman said...

I hesitated posting for fear that I do not know you. BUt I had to post. There is a nutrtional product that has HUGE benefits with cancer. I am not sure you are interested but I just wanted to put this out to you at this time. I about die inside when I see this happening to any family. If you need more info just post on my blog.

Amy J. said...

I would like to add that my Aunt Jenny is one of the most amazing women I know. She is so Christlike and treats everyone in a loving, supportive way. I can't believe she has been fighting this for so many years and at so many different times. She is truly a hero.

dandee said...

I cried through the video. Love Aunt Jenny so much. We're praying hard.

Lisa said...

I have never in my life seen a more beautiful bald woman...seriously. (Not even Ross's bald girlfriend.)

Thank you for enlightening me today.

polka dots said...

Have to comment on this post. My mom is a breast cancer survivor. Love the photography. I

ashley said...

What a beautiful post Alicia. My favorite bumper sticker I saw recently, "Save the TaTas" Maybe its a utah thing?

Jodi said...

That was beautiful. Love the "Save the Boobs!"