February 21, 2014

3 yrs ago today Feb 21, 2011 Monday

Feb 21, 2011 Monday my journey began with a sore left breast and lots of test until May 24, 2011 when I heard the words "you have cancer!"


I am a photographer so taking photos is my stress reliever and therapy.  I photographed my journey and am work on putting a book together to inspire and share with others my journey.   I had 4 books I read while on my journey but being a photographer I wanted something visual.   I was so excited when I ran across the "The Battle we Didn't Choose (my wife's fight with breast Cancer)" on CNN one morning at work.  Finally photos of what someone was going through.

I fell in love with the black and white photos Angelo Merendino took of his wife Jennifer as she went through her battle with the breast cancer that came back.  Angelo's photos of Jennifer were so powerful in black and white and they showed me what I might go through if my cancer came back.  I was going through radiation by the time I saw their story but those photos WOW!!!!   I contacted Angelo to see if I could attend the show he was having in NYC so excited to see the photos in person.  I was shocked when I first read Angelo's reply - he said I couldn't attend the opening reception.  What are you kidding me.... then I read the rest of the email because I was still in treatment and my immune system was so low he wanted me to come the day before to meet him as he hung the photos.  Awesome! 
I arrived at the gallery and felt right at home with Angelo and 2 of their friends.  I have to admit I was totally in Awe of his work and it didn't sink in until later that it was Jan 20, 2012 and Jennifer had just passed away Dec.21, 2011.  Angelo is such a strong man and his passion for photography and his wife was very present in every photo.  I have kept in touch with Angelo via FB and tell everyone I meet about this amazing man, his beautiful wife and the incredible black and white photos.

Angelo and friend hanging his photos of Jennifer.

No comments:

Post a Comment