Heroes of Hope Breast Cancer Calendar

A calendar featuring Sexy Skins clothing and models is something which I have had the desire to do for some time. I approached New England Walkers for Knockers, Brenda Smith with the idea for a collaboration on such a calendar with the intent to raise money toward the cure for breast cancer. It was agreed that the models should be people who have been afflicted with the disease, giving them a podium to share their stories, and educate the world about this horrific disease. Five of our models chose to wear Sexy Skins.

Through my experience watching as my sister battled Leukemia, I developed an understanding for how much people have to endure while battling a disease. Therefore, it became my personal desire for every person posing in front of the lens for our calendar, to feel extraordinarily beautiful or handsome, and comfortable. For if it was just this one day, I wanted to be somewhat responsible for bringing to their lives, a bit of peace, normalcy, contentment, and self-confidence. My role changed from fashion designer to photo stylist, as I assisted our photographer on the shoots.

The Heroes for Hope Breast Cancer Calendar came out smashingly gorgeous! And it's all because of our team of people who donated their time and energy, and shared their incredible talents with us and the world! I was truly blessed to work with; graphic designer, Lori Elwell, Arielle Andrews of Seacoast Harley Davidson, the extremely talented photographer, Cynthia August, and project coordinator, Brenda Smith of NE-W4K.

The Heroes of Hope Breast Calendar is complete and are now for sale!!
To purchase go to, http://www.ne-w4k.org/ . All proceeds are donated toward helping those who are suffering with breast cancer.

Check out the video above to get a behind the scenes peek during one set of photo shoots. You may be able to tell how this experience blessed all who were involved. I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart!!! Together, we have made a difference!!!!

Heroes of Hope

I spent two entire days with photographer, Cynthia August, and four breast cancer survivors; Michelle, Diane, Joanne, and Heather, capturing images for Heroes of Hope 2011-2012 Breast Cancer Calendar. I cannot remember the last time I have ever felt as moved as I did during that weekend. I'm extremely grateful to have had this opportunity!

Below, are some candid images I took. I hope you enjoy them!! And, I hope you do check out the link, spread the word, and become a sponsor! Together, WE CAN make a difference!!

http://www.ne-w4k.org/Heroes-of-Hope-~-Stories-of-Strength%2C-Courage-and-Survival.php

Cynthia August working a little magic on Heather.

Cynthia working her magic with a camera and lens.

Diane before we got her ready for her shoot.

Diane waiting patiently for her turn.

Michelle, ready and eager to get on her husband's Harley, and have her photo taken!

Michelle looking in the mirror.

Michelle posing on Joe's Harley.

My favorite photo of Mish.

Joanne getting Willie ready for his shoot.

A shot of Joanne's shoot from a distance.

Joanne wearing her custom Sexy Skins jacket, and Willie in his Sexy Skins
matching leather hat.

Beautiful Heather

Heather and Lisa calming the horse

Heather wearing my Blanket Cloak in front of the waterfall.

There are no Words

This past Saturday and Sunday, I spent both days with photographer, Cynthia August, and four breast cancer survivors; Michelle, Diane, Joanne, and Heather. I hate to admit it, but on my hour-long drive to the studio of our talented photographer, I was feeling a little selfish thinking of all the other things I could have been doing and so desperately needed to be doing, and how much of my time and money I was donating. Then I arrived to see Cynthia standing in the driveway as a motorcycle was being unloaded from the trailer, and my high school and college best friend, Michelle, waving from the studio window.

Every negative feeling I had on my drive down, dissipated. I was no longer thinking about anything else but the moment at hand as I got to dress and style these lovely ladies and help them to feel beautiful and sexy. I also witnessed how happy they were to be working with me, to be wearing my clothing, and how appreciative and grateful toward me for my efforts in this project to raise money for the cause.

I cannot remember the last time I have ever felt so moved as I did this weekend. There are just no words to describe the feeling. If you can, take some time and volunteer. Even if this time in your life isn't the most opportune, do it. YOU WILL BE BLESSED!

If you're a wee bit curious as to what this project is about....Sexy Skins, Cynthia August Images, New England Walkers for Knockers and Seacoast Harley Davidson are creating a calendar with breast cancer survivors and their stories. Monies raised will be donated toward the cause. Want to help? See sample calendar and the sponsorship leaflet below.