I ask not for me… but for the many women who need help!

The Pink Diamond Gala charity event took place this past weekend. Six hundred and fifty people were in attendance to support women and men battling breast cancer. After Breast Cancer, provides women with mastectomy bras, drainage tube pockets, prosthesis, comfort and support all free of charge. Many women do not have insurance that will cover these items and the costs can be overwhelming. One prosthesis can cost up to $800 and need to be replaced every year or so. After Breast Cancer was founded 11 years ago and has helped thousands of women across Canada. Earlier this year 12 survivors were chosen as ambassadors to help promote the charity, raise funds and share our stories. I was honoured to have been chosen as an ambassador and we celebrated at the gala.

One of the big initiatives we created to help raise awareness and money is a 2024 calendar featuring the 12 ambassadors; our photos, our stories and the mission for this incredible charity.

I have always been uncomfortable with photos of myself. I have a lot of body image issues and certainly having breast cancer and a bilateral mastectomy didn’t help! For this calendar every ambassador was treated to a day of “glam”…wardrobe stylists, makeup artists, hair stylists, etc. Gowns and jewelry were donated (on loan)as well as the services of the stylists and photographers. In fact the charity is run completely by volunteers and donations.

Each ambassador had 4 hours of photography in 100’s of poses. None of us had seen any of the photos until the gala, where are pictures were everywhere. It is obviously a great honour but it was also overwhelming having to look at myself and realize that 650 other people were looking at my photos too! The anxiety that plagues me was in full force at the event and I could feel myself starting to sweat and panic. There VIP’s that I had to meet and have photos taken with. In my career I have directed countless photo shoots but always behind the camera not in front! I became an ambassador to help other women battling this horrific disease. I’d much rather be behind the scenes than a “face” of cancer. I mean I’m no pin up girl and suddenly I’m Miss October! That said, I am passionate about the cause and will do whatever I can to make a difference. So today, I am asking for your help. All proceeds for the calendars go directly to create care kits for the women who need them. The calendars are $20 or 3 for $50. If anyone in my network…friends, family, colleagues, neighbors or anyone who reads my plea, know that you can make a big difference in the life of a woman battling breast cancer. Calendars are great gifts, stocking stuffers, corporate giveaways, or just a nice addition to your office. I can be reached on linkedin, via my blog or email at phone@asyoulikeitmarketing.com.

If you would like to know more about this amazing charity take a look at afterbreastcancer.ca.

I have made it my mission to make a difference. I want to turn my ordeal with cancer into something positive. No woman should have to worry about not being able to afford necessary items needed for recovery and her future after breast cancer. Please help if you can. I promise that any donation will and does make a huge difference. Cancer touches us all in one way or another.

I am blessed to be a surthriver!!!