The past few years have been a time of reflection and growth as my dear sister, Lou, (our mothers don't know it but we must be blood related...) ventured through the dizzying sea of the C-Word. Diagnosis, Chemo, and recovery, had us all chasing our tails for the answers we were convinced in one remedy or another. Yet after her treatments, hair loss, and all the self help Cancer strategy manuals on the planet, we discovered one truly valuable insight for anyone facing the challenge of Cancer. You've heard it a million times, "mind over matter", Cliche'? Perhaps, but it was how Lou approached her diagnosis which was a lesson I will carry forever. She called me and said, "Bring it on! It's a whole new experience I've never had and we might as well make this interesting!". As we went through her treatments, she welcomed my camera as our escort, our friend, our weapon, our advocate...I found myself shooting the strangest things, wigs on stands, angels overlooking the chemo chairs, chemicals going into her body.
Although we created Lou's Journey a while ago, (she is now recovered with a thick gorgeous head of hair), it seems that weekly I hear of a friend who's loved one or friend is newly diagnosed with this journey no one would purchase a ticket for. As Lou and I were keeping this slide-show mainly for friends and Cancer patients, it is now a story we are sharing without limit, with hopes that it can continue to help others who could use a little encouragement, to see that although 'mind over matter' may or may not cure, it certainly does allow one to create memories along this path filled with love and laughter, inspiration and courage. Everyone may wrangle their diagnosis differently, however Lou made a choice to do so with a golden lasso, and I am forever honored to call her my friend.
Lou's Journey: