For me it does get personal.
I distinctly remember where I was when I found out about my friend Melissa (who I've named this project for).
Single, hard working in the fashion industry..... she was a college mate, a friend, and when she lived in Southern California after college she stayed with my family while looking for work and her own place to live.
She moved back to Napa a few years later and we kinda lost touch. Maybe a phone call on birthdays or around the holidays. The occasional card.... as life moves on....
I got a phone call from Melissa when I was now with my 3rd Child, Fiona.... who was about 4 months old at the time. I was 33.... so Melissa was about 34... She called me from her home in Napa as I was cruising the HomeGoods store, shopping.... I answered my phone as I casually browsed the shop... so it was one of those ventures that a new mom treasures. I distinctly remember looking at pillows and fluffy stuff that I didn't really need when I tuned into what Melissa was saying... "I HAVE BREAST CANCER" and I've had surgery.... I just froze... I remember backing up carefully and sitting in a chair in the home-furniture section... just to focus my thoughts and re-direct my mind to what I was being told.
I felt guilty for not calling her more often, for not being able to be by her side during surgery and recovery..... but then I decided to do something that most of us do when we hear news like this. First, I got upset and cried. Then I got angry and mad... very mad.... and then, I thought long and hard about what I COULD DO.... what Should I do.... what could I do to make a difference.
So, I learned more about What Breast Cancer was, and how it affects women... young women as well as older women... and beyond the traditional monthly self-breast exams we are taught in the Dr.s office, I learned more and more about what those UNDER 40 should be keyed in on.
Just like learning about Melanoma and Skin Cancer, we need to be educated and aware of our own family history and risks.
Then when October came around, I decided to make a personal project. I painted Ornaments and put Roses on them. These became the first 25 items for my "The Melissa Project".... Limited Edition Ornaments. All the $$ was donated to Breast Cancer Research.
Now, every year, I continue my "Roses" campaign.
A Rose Every Day in October - was my theme for the last few years. With a minimum of $81.00 for each painting going directly to pay for a Mammogram. I now continue this project throughout the year, not just in October, to continue the fight and education campaign for so many who are affected.
Here are a few images that I've produced over the last few years...
I will continue to paint roses, and any of my artwork that depicts a rose (painting or photography), will be noted that a donation of a specific amount will go towards research, or education, or a specific related team to continue the fight....
For those who know how personal this is for me...
Susan,
Jessica,
Sylvia,
Melissa,
Beverly,
Liz,
Jill,
I Love You All!!!
And in memory of Trudy...
If you have a personal story you'd like me to share, please contact me directly.
