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 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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"This is happening to both of us...." | Monday, December 3, 2012
Janet P. and her husband 'both' have cancer.... she was actually diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in July of this year, but he husband is fighting this right along-side her, as if he has it as well.
Her first thoughts and concerns when she heard the diagnosis, weren't of herself, cancer, treatment or side-effects, but "I won't be able to start school." A first grade teacher, she LOVES her job and her students, and she immediately was concerned for them, not herself. She was able to attend the schoo's Open House to kick off the year, but was heartbroken that she wouldn't be there to teach this year. As she held one little girl and explained to the students about her illness and what would happen, the little girl spoke into Janet's heart, "It's OK Mrs. P., your hair will grow back." Obviously, a very successful teacher in her area, she's been receiving letters of support and encouragement from some of her previous students who are now in middle school.
Married couples share most things... but Janet and her husband are emotionally sharing her cancer. It's something you can sense between them and something that's brought them closer, emotionally, physically and spiritually. "This is happening to both of us.... we've been so blessed in our lives, and we'll get through this. It's just a matter of what we do next."
She has a huge support system within her family, church, co-workers and the small community she lives in and finds great comfort in this tightly knit group. "Laugh and smile alot! I'm looking for opportunities to share about this journey... God won't waste this time."
Her words of encouragement to other women... "Allow others to minister to you, accept help and allow God to have His way in your life."
Her husband says, "I appreciate her so much more and we don't take anything for granted."
The day before her surgery to remove the cancer, she went to her classroom, one last time and found this quote hanging near her calendar.
"Grace"
"The grace of God means something like: 'Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are, because the party wouldn't have been complete without you. Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid. I am with you. Nothing can ever separate us. It's for you I created the universe. I love you.'There's only one catch. Like any other gift, the gift of grace can be yours only if you reach out and take it. Maybe being able to reach out and take it is a gift too."
Exerpt from the devotional Beyond Words (day 127), by Frederick Buechner.
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, cancer, cancer in women, susan g. komen, Susan G. Komen Mid-Michigan, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
Designing your own treatment room?? | Monday, November 26, 2012
Heather L. is an architect.... who would have dreamed that when she designed the Cancer Center and treatment rooms at the University of Michigan Hospital, that she would eventually be a patient in one of those very rooms?
Diagonosed with triple negative breast cancer at age 47, Heather found the lump herself, but didn't think, or didn't want to think it serious. She had a European vacation planned and intended to investigate the lump as soon as she returned....
"I know so many women successfully going through treatment.... I'll just get the lumpectomy and move on with life. No big deal." But, she grows silent when she talks about the survival rate of women with her type of breast cancer... things aren't quite like she'd initially thought.
Now planning more surgery, she's only able to work about 1/4 time, which she seems to struggle with. Involved in a mostly women architectural firm in Ann Arbor, she gets a lot of support from co-workers and good friends. They even were involved in a 'head shaving' celebration, including wine and food!
"This has forced me to slow down... I'm always going at 1000 miles an hour."
"I've had to ask for help.... that's not me."
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, cancer, cancer in women, susan g. komen, Susan G. Komen Mid-Michigan, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
Relying on God's promises.... | Thursday, November 8, 2012
Dorcas G., a gorgeous 49 year old woman, walks through the 'valley of the shadow of death', saying she relies on God's promises and "it's only a shadow."
Diagnosed with Breast Cancer this past March, she was shocked. No family history, originally thought to be benign.... was eventually found to be a rare, aggressive form of cancer, requiring surgical removal of all the cancer and potential cancer areas. But, she felt God was in control and felt complete peace.
"I've always been a runner, having completed 2 marathons, so I was healthy going into this... and I wanted to do it with dignity. I wasn't going to hide myself and I use comedy and humor. Sometimes people don't know how to deal with me!"
Mother to 4 children, she and her husband Manny want to set an example for them of unending devotion, faith and courage. She openly shares her strong faith in God, her involvement in her church and the support from her church family. "God gives me strength, far beyond what I think I might have."
"My children are more comfortable now with the cancer and showing them that I'm confident that I can go the distance with ANYTHING, is important to us. I have more compassion and I sure don't sweat the small stuff!"
She wants other women to know that " cancer will try to strip you of your dignity, but if you keep it in the light, it can't hurt you!"
Obviously a very strong, confident and faith-filled woman, Dorcas makes cancer look 'small' and insignificant in the grand scheme of things in her life. With the strength she gets from her faith in God and her family, I believe that she will conquer not only cancer, but anything else that has the audacity to step in her way! On a recent family trip to Boyne Mountain, during her chemo and treatment, she actually climbed Boyne Mountain to signify the 'half-way' point in her treatment... "God gives me strength to do anything."
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, cancer, cancer in women, susan g. komen, Susan G. Komen Mid-Michigan, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
We have BOLD and Handsome men too! | Thursday, October 4, 2012
At 22 years old, most young people are thinking about maybe their last year of college, what kind of job they'll land, probably about their career choice and the partner they'll spend their life with.... some probably dream of continuing on in school and making their fortune with some sort of post graduate degree. Some may be considering their current job in a trade, building new homes for families or contributing to the community as a volunteer, or the ultimate....serving our country in the military. But, Chad W., age 22 is considering life with cancer.
Diagnosed at age 21 with testicular cancer, it's been a battle since, but a battle he's fighting with courage, determination, humor and a family and friends full of love and support. After finding a lump, where it shouldn't be, a CAT scan determined cancer was present and he went immediately from x-ray to surgery to remove the tumor and the testicle. A cancer that can be devastating to men and their reproductive abilities, Chad dealt with it. His Mom, Lori says, "he was a champion, he didn't let it slow him down at all. He was in college at the time and the doctor told him to stay as active as possible, so he did and hasn't let it interfere with his life" and his dreams. With plans to pursue a career as an Actuary, he has a long road ahead. But I suspect that his determination in fighting cancer, will make the journey to becoming an Actuary, seem like a kindergarten field trip.
Early this spring, the cancer had spread to his lung, seen on what are routine, frequent CAT scans. The prescribed chemotherapy would cause him to lose his thick head of hair and he was reluctant to tell his friends what was going on, but was forced to when the hair started coming out. His supportive group of friends planned a head shaving party and 30-35 people shaved their heads in support of Chad's fight. A few of Chad's friends, some whom he's known since grade school, came to his photo session in support of him, heads still closely cropped or bald.
Chad says, "The pictures are great!" Showing off his new tatoo of fellow testicular cancer survivor, Lance Armstrong's "LIVESTRONG", he wants everyone to know about his battle now. Certainly not shying away from the camera. His family has plans to produce some sort of book about Chad's journey and share it with the friends and family and plan to use the pictures from his session with Oldham.
Lori says to other parents dealing with kids fighting cancer, "Let them live as normally as possible. Don't let the cancer confine them....and don't let them hide behind the TV or stay in bed all the time. And don't let them get the 'poor, pitiful me syndrome.'
UPDATE: From Chad himself:
" I was a bit hesitant at first to do the photos because I was not too sure if I wanted everyone knowing what was going on. Then I thought I really don't care, this is who I am and what I have been doing. I thought it does not matter to me who sees or knows, it wouldn't change anything I have done already or will be doing in the future. The opportunity to help other young males was another huge factor into doing the photo shoot. While at the shoot it was a great time. A lot of jokes and laughter was in the room so it made it an easy and pleasant experience. The pictures turned out great in my opinion. I would do it again in a heartbeat."
Labels: #bebold, #lancearmstrong, #livestrong, cancer, cancer in kids, childhood cancer, livestrong, Oldham Kids, Terri Shaver, testicular cancer, The Oldham Project
Her little men convinced her to do this.... | Monday, September 24, 2012
Diagnosed with Stage 2-3 Breast Cancer in December of 2011, Vickie never knew the turns her life would take...
Finding her own lump, she sought medical attention and was quickly diagnosed, with the breast cancer, but also 2 positive nodes, requiring not only chemotherapy, but radiation. Having her sister and both parents deceased from cancer, her confidence wavered. As a single mom, this diagnosis forced her to rely on the two 'little men' in her life, sons, Noah and Peter. And what a help they are!
Having surgery to remove the cancer and her breast, just two days after her wedding, her 'new' life took some serious turns, but her husband is very supportive as well as these little guys in her life, helping her struggle through the twists and turns of cancer and it's treatment. Sitting down, having "an honest conversation" with the boys, Vickie says, "we came up with some things to involve the boys... we made a paper chain to designate the days of chemo, taking down one with each treatment" so they could visually SEE how much longer Mom would be sick.
Her older 19 year old son created a 'play list' for her iPod, songs that mean so much to her and she listened to during the difficult and lengthy chemo treatments. "Cancer puts things into perspective. I don't sweat the small stuff."
As she teared up several times during her photo session, these 'little men' who strongly encouraged her to come and have these portraits done, soothed and comforted her as the tears flowed. They certainly touched my heart. "Take the opportunities God gives you- God always has a plan."- Vickie S.
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, cancer, cancer in women, Susan G. Komen Mid-Michigan, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
Cancer offers a cure for another problem.... | Friday, August 17, 2012
Believe it or not, Marlene J. believes getting cancer has cured her long history of depression... How can that be? Cancer being better than depression? Cancer being less of an imposition than depression? Cancer being easier to deal with than being depressed?
She says an emphatic, "Yes."
Diagnosed in January of 2012, after a routine mammogram, with Stage 1, HER2 breast cancer, Marlene was thinking she was just checking off tasks before the usual departure for their 'winter escape' to warmer climes, but she was in for a surprise. Facing only a short time of chemo and radiation, she says the entire experience has changed her outlook on life and how she spends her time and mental energy. Saying, "I've suffered from depression since 1988, when she was 'down-sized' out of her professional career." She said it really took it's toll on her, physically and mentally. Losing over 40 lbs., she now believes that she's a different person because of cancer.
Ever thankful for her special nurses at the Sparrow Cancer Center, she personally is grateful for their support and encouragement. Thanks to Sharon Cosgrove and Joann Anderson, special nurses she attributes her change in attitude to.
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, cancer, susan g. komen, Susan G. Komen Mid-Michigan, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
| 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
| Monday, July 23, 2012
Charlie is a bright, friendly and utterly charming little 4 year old with a "monster" that lives in his little head.... a terminal brain tumor...Diagnosed with “diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma” or "DIPG”, Charlie was initially treated with radiation and steroids, but to no avail. This is a tumor that WILL take his life and sooner, rather than later.
"Right now, Charlie is in the ironically named "honeymoon period" of his disease. Like any normal 4-year old, he is bright, cheerful and full of life and love. All that is noticeable is a motor impairment in his speech ability, even though he talks non-stop and his cognition is above average. Already he has beaten the odds of a predicted nine month survival after his radiation and steroid treatment last year, but the tumor still lurks, unreachable, inoperable and fated to grow again at some unknown date.
Treatment possibilities have been explored, some tried. The focus now is on providing the best and happiest quality of life in the time remaining.
The disease is cruel, not merely terminal, but one where the sufferer often retains full cognitive awareness when motor functions fail in the final period."
In grappling with the horror, John and Abigail are determined that more help should be available for other families who face such a situation in the future. As a partial, but needed, distraction from the painful reality of the present they have put their efforts into fulfilling the cause of forming a foundation dedicated to families going through this horrible nightmare. Read more HERE about their foundation and the quest to conquer this disease and help families cope with this devastating diagnosis.
I ask myself daily.... why do people have to go through this? Why does this happen? What can I do to help?
What do you ask? How are you affected? Think about being handed something like this... what would you do?
If you dare, please take some time to read Charlie's Mom's journal and the letters she's writing to Charlie as they move through this nightmare of impending death. They are touching, heartbreaking and moving... click HERE to visit Abigail's Journal.
If you dare, please take some time to read Charlie's Mom's journal and the letters she's writing to Charlie as they move through this nightmare of impending death. They are touching, heartbreaking and moving... click HERE to visit Abigail's Journal.
Labels: brain tumor, cancer, cancer in kids, childhood cancer, childhood diseases, Oldham Kids, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
Loss is so difficult to deal with.... | Tuesday, July 17, 2012
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.
In September 2010 Robin received a terminal diagnosis and was given less than 6 months. She decided to live out the rest of her months without treatment and with more quality than quantity. She didn’t want to be slowed by aggressive chemotherapy or endless trips to the office. The cancer had spread everywhere, but her heart and it was evident. Robin refused to feel sorry for herself. Within a week Robin’s plan had changed drastically. She had met the Dr Rapson and her staff at Red Cedar Oncology and was ready to fight back. She agreed to take on aggressive brain radiation and follow it with specialized chemo therapy treatment virtually free of the usual side effects and far fewer visits to the office. During that week she also learned she would be welcoming her 5th grandchild.
Robin had a very special place in Beulah, MI called Primrose Path. Her final wish in October 2010 was to make one last trip there. The entire family loaded up and took off for a long weekend. The weather cold and rainy and unlike any other trip they had taken there. Robin was determined this WOULD NOT be her last trip there. She promised her daughter they would be spending the next summer there. She would not accept that so many things were being taken from her. Robin kept that promise and Summer 2011 was the best summer in history of Primrose Path! She even welcomed her 5th granddaughter on Mother’s Day 2011.
After a break from chemotherapy and summer came to an end the cancer began to spread and it became evident there was not much more anyone could do. She was given a few months, but no one was optimistic about how those months would be spent… except Robin. She continued to astonish her Dr.s with her attitude and overall health. Yes you guessed it, she was expecting another grandchild and was determined to make it. In February 2012 Robin welcomed her 6th granddaughter.
Robin believed each one of her grandchildren were gifts from God. Signs there was more for her to accomplish here on earth. More special than anyone could have ever imagined. They were her will to keep fighting. She wasn’t satisfied with simply meeting them. She wanted to be healthy enough to hold, rock and kiss them. She wanted to know them and give them memories to live on. She often said, “If these girls keep having babies I am going to live forever!” Robin did exactly what she had set her mind to. Even the youngest baby had a special connection to her. As she grew ill the baby would lay content for hours just staring and listening to Robin talk. Those moments lasted until the third week of May, nearly a week after her oldest granddaughter turned 16, another must see for Robin. She slipped from the hands of her family and into Gods."
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
"I live in church....it's where God speaks to me." | Thursday, June 14, 2012
Joyce, age 64, discovered her own lump in 2009, as many women do... a small lump in her breast and a casual trip to the doctor. Originally, just drained and said to be benign, she moved on, thinking nothing more of it. But when that same breast became unusually painful, she was alarmed. In March 2011, mammography found a Stage 2, breast cancer, with 3 of 10 nodes involved. She was devastated... I just wanted to know, "Am I going to die? Cancer in my mind, was a death sentence."
Now, having undergone 3 surgeries and then a mastectomy, 35 rounds of chemo and 32 radiation treatments, she's come out a different lady on the other side!
"I walked my first Komen walk this year and met so many other people. It was so encouraging to know that there were so many people who care about us.... I cried the whole time.... There was so much love there!" Her faith is very important to her and she spends much of her time in her church, Grace Tabernacle... "trust in the Lord, He will see you through anything. I really think He was trying to get my attention!"
She readily admits, "I've always been afraid of people hurting me and I never let people get too close, till now." I'm so happy that she's chosen to be stronger because of this! She is the picture of confidence and beauty!
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, cancer, susan g. komen, Susan G. Komen Mid-Michigan, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
Oldham woman are not only Bold and Beautiful, but BRAVE to the end... | Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Kathy Naseman of Portland, MI passed on June 2, 2012. She is an 'alumni' of the 2010 group of Bold and Beautiful women, coming to the studio with her son Nick. At age 42, she hadn't begun to live the best years of her life. Taken from her only child, her young son, much too soon, she fought a valient battle with Breast Cancer for 5 years. Originally diagnosed with the cancer in 2007, she was then given the diagnosis of metastatic bone cancer in 2009. When I saw her in 2010, she was in the midst of more rounds of chemo, but the cancer was rapidly progressing. She knew that she was pretty sick and that the odds of her beating this were probably pretty slim. Her message to other women was to "make sure you get your annual check up and do your monthly self exams... you always think it won't happen to you."
Her son Nick told me today that at the beginning of this year, she was told that the cancer had spread to her bone marrow and her brain. But wanting to save her family from the heart-ache and worry, she told no one and kept this news to herself. Hospitalized this past week, she slipped into a coma on Saturday and peacefully passed into Heaven the same day. Her family called last night to ask permission to share about The Oldham Project and our mission. Kathy felt that these pictures were so very important to her and her family.... and even more important now that she is gone.
Memorial services will be held in Portland, MI this coming Saturday.
Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, cancer, susan g. komen, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
One of our angels has been honored.... | Tuesday, May 22, 2012
* Event photos and video courtesy of Zak Walsh, Tanner Friedman
Labels: cancer, cancer in kids, childhood cancer, Oldham Kids, soft tisssue sarcoma, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
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