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Kicking Cancer in the Butt

Date Posted: March 7, 2010

Photographer: Michelle Valberg

I am constantly inspired by all the women in my life!  This past Friday I had an amazing photo shoot with a brave woman with incredible courage, beauty and tenacity.  I would like to introduce to you to - Lindsay MacPhee.  Today, on International Women's Day, I celebrate Lindsay and I hope you are as touched by her story as I am. 

Lindsay was diagnosed with breast cancer on May 31, 2005 when she was only 27 years old.  She has a doctor's appointment on July 6th which will hopefully give her a 5 year clean bill of health.

Her message to all women on International Women's Day is to embrace life. Embrace the power and beauty that all women hold as we are all strong in our own way. Live life everyday to the fullest and don't underestimate the power of happiness....it can do amazing things for the mind, body and soul.

A quote from Lindsay with reference to the photo shoot... 

You made me feel like a pampered princess today who got to spend two hours with some amazing people laughing and having fun.

Just when I thought the day couldn't get any better, we did the final shots. As the camera was snapping I could not contain the 'water' building up in my eyes. To loose a 1/4 of the breast can be challenging on a women so it was so important for me to embrace my scar so that I would never have that fear. To me it is beautiful, it tells the story of courage and when I'm having a bad day, I look at my scar and reflect on the challenges that I have overcome in life and I feel empowered.

I've always wanted to get a photo of that and for my eyes to tell my story. Not just anyone could do that and today you did! It was an HONOUR to work with someone who is very talented but most of all, very special.

Thank you. Thank you for an amazing day, thank you for brightening my life and thank you for giving me a gift that goes far beyond 'just a picture'!"

We had been shooting for a couple of hours when I asked LIndsay to put her hand on her head.  It was the look in her eyes that struck me.  I showed her the image on the back of my camera and her eyes teared up, she said "you photographed my scar and my soul".  I finished the shoot with that image.  Lindsay brought us all something special that day, for that we are all thankful!


Comments

There is 1 comment on this blog.

 

"Hi Michelle, this is Lindsay' Mom. wow! we are so proud of her. She is a remarkable young lady. Because of her strength and courage she will make a difference in some young life. She is certainly making women aware of self exam and just how important .it is to look after yourself. It is because of your wonderful work that help make her mission possible and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts, marie and malcie (Lindsay's mom and dad)"

Mariemacphee
March 8, 2010

 

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