I AM AWARE QC
The mission of
MISSION
I AM AWARE is to raise the level of awareness in women under the age of 40; with a particular emphasis on women of color, in order to promote the importance of early detection, knowledge of symptoms and risk factors, the importance of healthy breast, treatment options and solid systems of support.
METHOD
We raise awareness through our PURPOSELY PINK photo project which features brave, beautiful and bold survivors and supporters who have been affected by breast cancer in some way, hence being made AWARE. The photos serve as a reminder for women to be mindful of their bodies and more importantly their breasts..
While some of the photos are tastefully topless, they goal is that every participant understands the purpose of being Purposely Pink and they are invited to express that as they so choose as long as it’s done in good taste.
I AM AWARE ~ The Passion
Having an aunt who is a 24 year breast cancer survivor, we were constantly reminded of the importance of awareness when it came to our breast health. After relocating to Charlotte in the Winter of 2009, I had a vision for a project that would celebrate the beauty of women, while serving as reminder that breast cancer is no respecter of age, race, status, or beauty. I also wanted to stress the importance that 40 is not always the magic number.
I talked with a
photographer friend of mine about the idea, but life took over and duty called so I answered, placing the concept on the back burner. As I was on a path to enriching my own life and improving my total health and wellness following a few surgeries, I came across an article that struck me.
The woman who had written it declared that she had “flunked her mammogram." This article shared her personal story of how her breasts; once able to nurture and nourish her children whom she breast fed, and once the object of desire for her husband; had in fact betrayed her with the ugly and dreadful disease known as breast cancer.
I AM AWARE ~ The Passion
As life would have it, I was visiting with my sorority sister and lifelong friend in the early summer 2011. She had just returned from Saint Louis where she spent time with a mutual friend who was on a ventilator and unable to breathe on her own. A friend who had undergone chemotherapy, radiation and a mastectomy in the recent years past, only to have cancer spread to her lungs and lymph nodes. A friend clinging on in the biggest battle of her lifetime, and a friend who is only in her 40's. That was the fuel I needed. I talked to my daughter about picking the idea for the project back up and solicited her I shared the idea with a few friends and asked if they would consider participating. I was committed to making this project a reality. The I AM AWARE Project in conjunction with the Purposely Pink Photo Project are the result of that vision.
I AM AWARE ~ The People We launched the project site on August 22, 2011 and lost Wanda Sue Richards on the following day. I felt as though she stayed around long enough to make SURE I kept my word and carried out the vision . Late fall another friend received a breast cancer diagnoses and in April of 2012, my sorority sister and friend, Heidi Farmer -Drew succumbed to the disease after a lengthy and often bitter battle.
Wanda Sue Richards February 4, 1963 - August 23, 2011
I AM AWARE ~ The People Heidi Farmer-Dew November 25, 1969 - April 20, 2012
“I AM AWARE” that there are countless numbers of women who will go unchecked and whose bodily changes will go unnoticed. “I AM AWARE” that unfortunately, there will be more diagnoses every single year. “I AM AWARE” that many men still don’t know that they too, can be diagnosed with breast cancer. “I AM AWARE” that while this project won’t reach everyone, it will raise the level of AWARENESS in men and women of all ages, particularly those under 40 and those of color. They say what you don’t know won’t hurt you, I beg to differ. Many have paid the ultimate price simply because they were unaware. “I AM AWARE” of the need for early detection and the importance of healthy breast health. “I AM AWARE” the fight will continue.
I AM AWARE ~ The Project~ To participate in the project registration is required. Breast Cancer Survivors participate every year at no cost and breast cancer supporters pay a registration fee of $50. Registration fee covers: • 20-min photo shoot • Professional make up finish • 5x7 gift boxed finished photo at the Captured for the Cause Preview • A chance to win gifts/prizes at the preview party While many of the photos are tastefully topless, that is not required. We simply strive to make a bold statement with out artful expressions that will aid us in the goal of raising awareness. All money collected that exceeds project costs is donated to a charity of choice. In year one a small donation was made in honor of Wanda Sue Richards memory. Year two funds went to the Buddy Kemp Cancer Treatment Center. Year three proceeds will also go to Buddy Kemp as we learned about them last year just weeks before our event. This year, we are hoping to have a few items for a silent auction with 100% of those proceeds being donated.
I AM AWARE ~ The Projection~ Year one we had less than 10 participants as the project was offered to friends and family as a pilot. Year two we had close to 20 participants as past years participants were encouraged to share with their friends. Year three is shaping up to include that number of participants combined and hopefully more. We anticipate greater local participation from both the photo project and the contributor perspective with some participants expected to travel in from Georgia, Kansas and Kentucky.
Year three will still feature the photo project and will utilize the I AM AWARE QC Facebook page and other social media as well as print media to market the project and raise awareness. One new addition we plan on this year is a silent auction with 100% of those proceeds being donated. In the past our venue has been the BeMe Photography Studios but they may be relocating so we will have to determine if the space will allow for this years preview party/showcase. We would also like to determine the feasibility of a calendar with select images from all three years with project cost being the primary factor. We have begun securing secured donations for our door prize drawing/silent action. Cost will be a determining factor in our decision to proceed with the silent auction.
MESSAGING
Project photos, used both as signature statement pieces and coupled with meaningful messaging that raises awareness around our key focus areas but signs, symptoms, myths, facts, risk factors and more, also serve to celebrate womanhood, honor those who are fighting and pay tribute to those we’ve lost in the fight
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. The chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman's death is about 1 in 36 (about 3%). Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1989, with larger decreases in women younger than 50. These decreases are believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening and increased AWARENESS, as well as improved treatment. www.cancer.org
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I AM AWARE
Kaniche wears PINK in honor of her friend; a fighter and a survivor.
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I AM AWARE because without AWARENESS there is no DETECTION. Without DETECTION there is no PREVENTION. Going without PREVENTION is not ACCEPTABLE. Be Aware. ~Kaniche C.
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I Am Aware that SELF CHECKS Matter
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Breast exams reveal about 25% of cases; mammography about 35% and 40% of cases are detected by a combination of the two.
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~Dr. Edward C. Geehr, MD. LifeScript
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I AM AWARE…
The two most common risk factors for breast cancer are: • Being female • Getting older All women are at risk for breast cancer. No matter your age, you should become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. ~American Cancer Society
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I Wear Pink to honor my mother’s fight and her memory.
What if women paid as much attention to their b east as men do?.
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I AM AWARE because I held my mother's petri dish full of blood in my hands. She was getting her breast drained after her lumpectomy. I wear pink in honor of my mother, I wear pink because she is a SURVIVOR. Clarissa S.
I Am Aware …
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…That some of the most common risk factors linked to breast cancer are: Gender, Family History, Obesity, Aging and Not Having Children. Other factors include having drinking, radiation exposure, high breast density and oral contraceptive use.
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www.cancercenter.com
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In 2011, about 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S.
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~American Cancer Society
Shia’s aunt was one of them... She wears pink in honor of her memory . 21
At this time there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. (This includes women still being treated and those who have completed treatment.)
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~www.cancer.org
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I AM AWARE Because…
MARKETING
I AM AWARE
I Am Aware ~ Save the Date
I Am Aware ~ Year 2 Promo (Men)
MOMENTUM
WithThanks
No vision cam come to life without someone To believe in it. A special thanks to all who have contributed their time, talent and thoughtfulness to the first two years of this project and who continue with to lend their support as we approach year three. Be it great or small, your efforts make a tremendous difference and help to make the the I AM AWARE QC project a success. A very special thanks to Laurin Wilson from Images of Power(Charlotte, NC) for connecting the first dot for me in the process.
Past Project Supporters and Sponsors
Photography/Space: BeME Photography Studio(Charlotte, NC) Make Up: Primed and Polished Poses(Charlotte, NC) Preview Party: Southern Cake Queen(Charlotte,NC) and Yolanda Yvette(Boston, MA) Gifts and Prizes: Social Butterfly Boutique(Columbia, SC), Soul Sisters Designs(Wichita, KS), Chewy Goowey Gourmet Apples(Detroit, MI), Soulfully Purposed/Soul Purpose(Charlotte, NC), Refuge and Restoration Massage Therapy(Charlotte, NC), Fringe Fashion Accessories(Charlotte, NC), TNTBS Media(Charlotte, NC). Monetary Donations: Individual Patrons
I’m blessed to know and salute these survivors!
I AM AWARE… For more info on participating in this project as a survivor or supporter, to make a monetary contribution, to be sponsor a participant, to volunteer or to donate an item for our gift give away or to volunteer contact Melanie “MJ” Anderson mjanderson1908@gmail.com [Email] I AM AWARE QC
Awareness is Key