Turning points - we've all got 'em

We all have them. Moments in time where something changes. Maybe everything changes. Or, maybe it just seems like it has or will.  We probably have thousands of them throughout our lives. I wonder how many I've had but didn't recognize.  I know I've had some monumental ones that I not only recognize but will never forget. Not ever. Marrying the love of my life, welcoming Cooper into our family, being diagnosed with breast cancer, and becoming born again in Christ - just to name a few.


Last month I was invited to take part in a project called Turning Point. It's a photo shoot and collection of stories of breast cancer survivors. The project is headed up by a talented local photographer, Tibor Deme, and Terry Bucknall, director of the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center in Valencia, CA (where my breast cancer was found and confirmed). 


Tibor describes this project on his site by stating: "I will relentlessly pursue the desired effects that the pictures will convey their strengths, will, anger, pain, sadness, triumph, etc. I want the cannons from their battle heard and the celebratory fireworks shared and seen by many near and far. Let the individual stories and portraits contained within be their pillars of strength and motivation so they have the will to fight on! I want our warriors to know that with mind over matter, and a “never give up” attitude, they, too, can be victorious over cancer!"


The images will be displayed in a photography show and proceeds will fund breast cancer treatment for women who do not have health insurance.  They will also be included in a published book.


Thank you, Tibor and Terry, for including me in this project. I'm honored that I could be a part of it. I love all the images. They show the raw, natural me. In pre-cancer days I might have been disappointed to see my wrinkles and war-tattered skin and hair in print but today I know that the aggressive treatment that I had to endure aged me and and while I'd love to look younger and thinner like anyone else would love to too, I also love me as I am - the real deal - God-made and God-saved.  


The following images from the photo shoot are my favorites. If you are a breast cancer survivor in the Los Angeles area and would like to participate in this powerful project, please contact Tibor and Terry at turningpoint@tibordeme.com. 

May God bless you and all of your turning points, today and every day.

Love,

Julie