A model passes into eternity....   |   Sunday, February 10, 2013

We sincerly apologize for the absence in recording the lives and journey's of our amazing participants at The Oldham Project, but we've been incredibly busy.... but, let me again start fresh.

Marcia M. was only 39, incredibly beautiful and brave.

 Diagnosed only 1 1/2 years ago, with lung cancer and she was close to the end of her life then.
Coming to the Oldham studio at the end of fall 2012, she was active, excited about her photo shoot and really into the clothing and accessories she brought to her session! She was thrilled at the opportunity to have a 'model shoot' with all the loud music, fans and poses!

From the sounds of it, Marcia has grown up without many of the things that we so casually take for granted. She's lived a difficult life that is ending much in the same way... struggling for survival.

After having a wisdom tooth removed, the pain remained for almost a year, then developing into a lump/growth on the side of her jaw. By the time a concerned physician did some other testing, the tumors filled her torso and lung and liver cancer had developed and she was pronounced, 'terminal'.

In considerable pain and with some shortness of breath, she went about 'performing' for her photo session with enthusiasm, not really wanting to discuss her condition. Her sister told me that day, that Marcia wasn't totally aware of the severity of her condition and wanted to live the rest of her life normally.

She passed quietly at home on Friday, with her sister and her Mom at her side. Krystal, her sister, said, "It's like we all fell asleep together, and she was gone." She's already painfully missed by her family and a few close friends.

She had a dream come true that day at Oldham.... she got to be the model she always wanted to be... and she did an AMAZING job, being the STAR of the day!!

Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, cancer, cancer in women, lung cancer, Non-profit, The Oldham Project

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"I want my mother...."   |   Tuesday, November 13, 2012

We all know how comforting mothers are when we are sick, injured or have a broken heart... Mom's just seem to make it all better.

Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, cancer in women, lung cancer, Non-profit, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project

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Hanging on for a baby....   |   Friday, November 9, 2012

When some strange symptoms stymied doctors, Janice was persistent in finding out what was going on.
At age 57, Janice has been plagued by an unusual list of symptoms and was originally diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer. Not feeling well for months, thinking it was all related to a previous 12 back surgeries, she just didn't think it  was serious when she didn't feel good. Then finding a lump under her arm, she and the doctors assumed it was the breast cancer. But, not till doing some more extensive testing did it reveal that she actually had lung cancer that had spread outside the lungs and it was a lung tumor under her arm.


Given 3 to 4 years at the most to live, she said, "I was so pissed. I was going to prove that doctor wrong." Married for 43 years to her husband Ken, she is expecting a new grandbaby and is determined "to hang on till that baby gets here!"



"I've never been mad at God... He didn't do this to me. What will be, will be."

Taking life, "one day at a time", she focus' on family and friends and spending time together. As we hear from most of the people we see at Oldham, she says, "I'm much stronger than I thought.... I've learned to let go of a lot and accept help."



Her greatest wish, besides meeting this new grandbaby is to take a hot air balloon ride! Can anyone help with that??

Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, cancer in women, lung cancer, Non-profit, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project

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What would you do if your days were numbered?   |   Wednesday, October 17, 2012

This amazing woman has overcome some incredible challenges and is still smiling. It's all about attitude. Romani came to the US from Sri Lanka at age 26, quite an adjustment in culture, language and societal attitudes.... but she not only survived, but thrived. She lost a child to a Stage 4 Neruroblastoma when she was 9 years old... but she still smiles today.

 Her life was moving along just fine, without crisis until she went for a routine insurance physical....not having a clue how much her life was about to change. Doctors tell her she probably had cancer for over 2 years before it's discovery during this physical. Completely symptom free, her body was 80% filled with Stage 4 Lymphoma. How does this happen? How can the rug just be completely pulled out from beneath you? Romani, age 49 was given 3 years to enjoy 'what she had left' and told that the cancer would most likely win.

Refusing to accept that information, she forged ahead with the rigerous chemotherapy plan doctors had laid out for her and just this summer, finally finishing. "I have a 15 year old daughter to live for. I want to see her go to medical school...she wants to be a Pediatrician. I want to see her live life."

She says this diagnosis was a "real eye-opener" for her... "I started doing everything that I love, I started painting again and now I've even sold pieces and have the energy to work in a gallery."

Her strong faith carries her each day through this journey as she mentally, physically and emotionally battles the demon 'cancer' within. Knowing that this is only a temporary fix,, she lives each day to the fullest, laughing and enjoying life. She's lively and full of energy and she's taking advantage of these days.

Are you living like there's no tomorrow? Are you dancing in the rain? There is no guarantee that tomorrow will come and Romani demonstrates every day that she's living and loving TODAY!

Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, Hodgkins Lymphoma, non-hodgkins lymphoma, Non-profit, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project

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Cancer looks different for everyone...   |   Monday, October 1, 2012

Sometimes you don't see the cancer. Sometimes it looks different on someone. Sometimes it's hidden, but still just as devastating.
Kerry B., age 56, has lung, throat and larynx cancer and just days after these images were documented, she had her larynx, throat and part of her lung removed.... leaving her silent.
"I can't say I'm not scared... I'm terrified."


Originally diagnosed with throat cancer in 2011, she underwent chemo and radiation to attempt to kill off the cancer...losing her hair, strength and developing Polymyalgia due to the chemo, she continued to fight, SLOWLY regaining strength and endurance. Her little dog, Sunny, stayed by her side through the entire illness and slow recovery.


"I learned I had strength I never knew I had.... I have 4 kids I didn't want to leave and now 3 grandkids. You don't have any choice but to dig down deep and find something you didn't know you had."

As would we, she fears not having enough time to do all the things she wants to with the rest of her life.  "I try to push myself to do all those things I might not have time for."



Having her 'voice-box' removed just 5 days after this photo session, will leave her 'silent' for a time. She's hoping to have a new artificial 'voice-box' implanted after she recovers and beats this cancer... and with her determination, I don't doubt that she'll have a LOT to say after that happens! She's one tough cookie and I'm sure will make a statement with her life!

Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, lung cancer, Non-profit, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project, throat cancer

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They've become our friends...   |   Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Colleen is in a battle again....


The most difficult part of this job is seeing 'repeat' clients.... meaning, that they've been photographed in the midst of their illness previously, had a recovery and are now in the middle of a battle with cancer, AGAIN. It's the most difficult phone call to receive as a photographer. But, a warrior she is!!

There isn't a way to describe the feeling between these two people. They just emanate love, commitment and a bond of shared courage. Scott and Colleen have come to our studio twice now, both times fighting a hidden war. As we become part of their lives, our clients become our friends. We follow each other on Facebook and care about each other's lives. This one is extremely difficult....
Ovarian cancer is a silent devil, preying on women who are totally unaware of the destruction inside their bodies. In 2012, about 22,280 women will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer and about 15, 500 will die from it. Colleen was originally diagnosed in November of 2009 and has been cancer free till this spring, when it reared it ugly head again. "I knew something wasn't right... and I've lived in fear, waiting for it to come back." Colleen isn't letting this get the better of her... she's the most positive, courageous woman and she'll fight and win this again. She's got a good reason. This past year, she welcomed her first grandson, Hudson and he's the light of her world! 
She says she's learning more tolerance and to take one day at a time, staying strong. Doctors are working diligently to find the 'right combination' of chemotherapy to fight this devil... "I'm going to have to learn to trust again. I'm not sure I'll ever believe 'cured' again." But, I know Colleen and her husband and TOGETHER they will overcome, being stronger and more committed to each other on the other side of this battle. Whether it's 'cured' or not, their love will survive anything.

Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, cancer in women, Non-profit, ovarian cancer, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project

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"We have a LOT of hope...."   |   Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Imagine being 21 years old, feeling sick... for a long time.... night sweats, strange rashes, tired all the time, short of breath.... and being treated for two years for 'chest pain.' How frustrating would that be? Not feeling like you can have a life, cause you feel so crappy?


THEN, being told you have Stage 3, Hodgkins Lymphoma.... We're sorry, "You have cancer."

Mom says, "We were terrified. She'd been treated for two years for various ailments, never even looking for cancer." Now they were facing Stage 3 cancer, with almost her entire torso filled with tumors.

Starting chemo this past spring, Hannah underwent treatments every two weeks...enduring many reactions to the various chemo and anti-nausea drugs, her mother watching helplessly at her side. "It's hard to watch her go through this, but she's got such a positive attitude... she even makes fun of it."

Her self-deprecating humor was evident during her portrait session. Her inner beauty exceeds her outward beauty. "It's not part of my nature to get down and stay down. But when I lost my hair, it was scary.... then it became 'real', then I LOOKED sick and like I had cancer." Her family rallied to her side with her brother and brother-in-law both shaving their heads to match Hannah's!

"We have hope that this is a temporary thing- I have no fear that I won't make it through this. We have a LOT of hope."

Her words to others going through the same trials.... "lean on your faith and take one hour at a time, then one day at a time.... set short milestones for yourself." I suspect that it's more of that gorgeous smile, her positive and humorous attitude and inner strength that gets this young woman through each day....

Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, childhood blood disorders, childhood diseases, Hodgkins Lymphoma, non-hodgkins lymphoma, Non-profit, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project

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Exciting News for Oldham   |   Tuesday, August 28, 2012

We've had a banner week this week at Oldham! First, we had a small article appearing within the 'fall' issue of Midwest Living magazine!


If you are a business owner or know a business owner who has been affected by cancer or another life-threatening illness, please have them contact us if they'd like to consider partnering with us for any or all of these needs. We sincerely thank you.

Labels: #bebold, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, Non-profit, ovarian cancer, Susan G. Komen Mid-Michigan, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project

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Sometimes sick looks normal....   |   Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Samantha was very ill, before she even took her first breath.... diagnosed with Hydrocephalus at 28 weeks, long before she was even born, she's now endured over 250 surgeries and procedures to control the Hydrocephalus and it's complications.... the first shunt surgery when she was 2 hours old!


For those of you who don't know about Hydrocephalus, let me explain a bit. Commonly known years ago as 'water on the brain', its basically a 'back-up' of fluid in the brain due to malformations or blockages in the ventricles in the inside of the brain. Normally, we have fluid that circulates within the brain and up and down the spinal cord, called spinal fluid. Due to congenital malformations, etc, that fluid can't circulate as it normally does and it backs up inside the brain, causing fatal swelling of the brain and thus the head. It must be 'shunted' elsewhere to drain. The first surgery Samantha had was to insert the first shunt she ever had to move the fluid from her brain to her abdomen through a very tiny tube, where it's then re-absorbed. This shunt has had to be revised, repaired, changed, lengthed, unclogged and relocated hundreds of times, each requiring a surgical procedure. The abnormal pressure inside the brain then causes brain damage, slowed emotional and mental development, sometimes seizures and profound mental handicaps. These kids are always vulnerable to infections, blockages and even death from the seizures and swelling.



She may appear to look like a normal 17 year old, but the diagnosis has left its mark on her physically, mentally and emotionally. She's physically much smaller than the average 17 year old female, appearing more like a 10-12 year old. Mentally and emotionally functioning at about a 3-4 grade level, she doesn't let that affect her attitude and countenance. She just glows with happiness, despite having endured such physical challenges. She has frequent seizures and most recently, had to have open heart surgery, due to blood clots filling her heart. Another complication of the shunt.
Having been hospitalized most of her life, Samantha has been homeschooled for most of that time. She will never be able to participate with any physical sporting activities like other kids her age.


This family has endured more than Samantha's illness, having their home devastated by a fire, losing everything. Her mom shares, "Never give up hope. I let her do what she can... she knows her limitations."

Due to some very generous donations, Samantha was able to go shopping for a couple new outfits for her photo session. She was thrilled and shopped almost till she dropped!

Labels: hydrocephalus, Non-profit, Oldham Kids, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project

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  |   Tuesday, August 7, 2012

After a persistent cough for a couple weeks, Clara's Mom, Lisa decided she knew her child best and took her in to the Doctor to demand some labs be drawn... which determined, just 4 hours later that Clara was fighting Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. "It was the farthest thing from our minds when we asked for that blood test, they never even eluded to something like that", says Mom, Lisa. With aggressive treatment started immediately in June 2010, Clara's hair remained intact till about Thanksgiving that year. Mom reports that Clara has been a trooper and that this fall, her "port" is due out and finally, life will get back to 'normal' for them.


"Our Doctor, Dr. Scott is very reassuring, but always warns us to 'take one day at a time." Family has rallied around the family, even Clara's uncle Jeff who created a 'port' for her toy kangaroo, which she carries with her to every treatment and hospital stay.


Looking like a normal little 5 year old, she loved playing in the camera room, dressing up in all the costumes available, playing princess, as every little girl should feel!



Mom relates, "Don't ever take anything for granted and enjoy life!" I think that's a 'given' with kids.... they never quite understand the gravity of the situation and help parents cope with their childlike naiveté. Clara has never let the expression of joy leave her sweet little face! She even directed this 'special' hairdo!

Labels: acute lymphocytic leukemia, cancer, cancer in kids, childhood blood disorders, childhood cancer, childhood diseases, Leukemia, Non-profit, Oldham Kids, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project

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Loss is so difficult to deal with....   |   Tuesday, July 17, 2012

In the past few weeks, Oldham has experienced loss again. Two of our Bold and Beautiful women have lost their courageous battles with cancer. Again, cancer has taken loved ones from families, mothers from children and wives from husbands.

Sabrina Maddox was photographed during our inaugural launch of Be Bold, Feel Beautiful in 2010. Sabrina had a great faith and thought all along that she'd beat this cancer. Initially diagnosed with breast cancer, it eventually spread throughout her body till she passed last week at the age of 49 years old. MUCH too young to be taken by such a vicious disease. Keeping the severity of her illness and the progression of the disease from her family, she lived 'doing things her way' till she was too ill, with doctors telling the family she had approx 3 months remaining, she succumbed much sooner at just two weeks. Please keep her family in your thoughts... they are understandable angry that she was taken so quickly and so young.



We received word also that Robin Muns, age 52 of Williamston passed as well. Again, part of our 2010 group of Bold women, she also was originally diagnosed with breast cancer  back in 2003 and finally succumbed to metastatic cancer in her bones and brain. Her husband Jim says, "she was always Bold, even before being photographed... she never felt funny going out bald. She was always like that."
Her daughter Amanda sent me a story about Robins journey and I think it important to share...  a true 'picture' of a detertmined woman and her journey to eternal life.

"In April of 2003 Robin found out she was expecting her second and third grandchildren. In the coming months she was diagnosed with breast cancer, underwent chemo and radiation and found out the she could expect two little girls within days of each other. Her determination was endless. She not only wanted to meet them, but she wanted to make memories with them for many years to come. She met both of them and spent the next 5 years cancer free.

While expecting her 4th grandchild she became sick again. The cancer was back and in the same location as the first occurrence, so radiation was not an option. A double mastectomy and chemo therapy began immediately. Robin always took everything in stride. She used her mastectomy as an opportunity to make people laugh. It seems strange, but Robin didn’t want friend or family to feel strange or sad for her. She offered her experience and even a glimpse of her scars if someone asked. Her granddaughters freely played with her prosthetic breasts, putting them under their shirts and giggling at each other in the mirror. A lucky few donned her with beads after a flashing or two. Robin gave more to others than she ever expected to receive in return. She excitedly welcomed her 4th granddaughter in October 2008.
 

Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, cancer, Non-profit, susan g. komen, Susan G. Komen Mid-Michigan, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project

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"I'm tougher than I thought..."   |   Monday, May 14, 2012

Cyndi found a lump... as so many women who find their own breast cancer. After a confirming mammogram, she was diagnosed with Triple Negative, Stage II breast cancer. With the bravery of so many women we see, she embarked on a journey of chemo and radiation. 16 weeks of chemo and 6 1/2 weeks of 5 day/week radiation, took it's toll, but as you can see, she's making the journey back to "normal". "It's kind of scary being done with chemo and radiation... I'm sometimes wondering if somewhere, 'it's' still there..." As a beautician in 'real-life', hair is important to her and her clients...but she's faced her baldness and hair regrowth with dignity, class and style! With her new grandson, Easton as her inspiration, she says, "I'm trying to get back to my pre-cancer life... and I'd like to find a way to give back to the cancer community." Driving to the East Lansing studio from the southern Michigan border, she thought it important to participate in the "Be Bold, Feel Beautiful" program to help raise awareness of cancer and it's devastating effects in women. She also recently participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at the Michigan state capital earlier this month, again, demonstrating that she's not going to remain silent about what cancer does to women. She's already finding ways to 'give back' to the cancer community!

Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, cancer, Non-profit, susan g. komen, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project

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The Fingerprints of God....   |   Tuesday, May 8, 2012

13 year old Montana is a remarkable young women, full of faith. This is her story. Montana discovered a lump in her left thigh the day after a double-header softball game. Thinking it was just a pulled muscle, not much was thought about it, until an x-ray confirmed bone cancer. Her parents were called back to the Dr's office without Montana to discuss the findings and options. The tumor, approximately the size of a volleyball, was consuming her left femur. After further testing, it was discovered that she had 10 tumors in her lungs as well. As she and her parents thought about the options, Montana said, "I looked at what I wanted my life to look like", in making decisions about treatment. Initially starting chemo quickly to stop the tumors growth, she underwent 8 rounds of chemo, before considering any surgical intervention. "I wanna play sports" was her first thought when presented with the surgical options of amputation or limb salvage. Can you imagine a 13 year old being given the option of losing her leg or losing most of her mobility and potential activity with the other option? Her left leg was removed on October 25, 2011, almost at the hip joint and she got her prosthesis 6 weeks later. "I want to try out for the track team. I want to play lots of sports to show people that I may only have one leg, but I'm not disabled. Just because I have a metal leg...it won't limit me." The oldest of 6 children, Montana is showing her parents and siblings what determination and faith look like. "I want to participate in the Paralympics someday!"