Two friends from high school and I planned a fall trip; just the three of us. We were leaving our kids behind with our husbands so we could laugh and remember the days of boarding school when we lived together as seventeen year olds. We couldn’t wait!

Jeanne called to tell me that she couldn’t go. In that second, I thought, what could possibly keep her from going on this trip?

 ”I’ll be getting chemotherapy. I have breast cancer.”

Jeanne was only 37.

37 means that you don’t get an annual mammogram yet. 37 means you have small kids still at home. 37 means you are healthy and shouldn’t even be thinking of these things.

But as we all know, things can change in a blink. Our trip changed as Jeanne’s life changed. Rather than meeting at the beach, the three of us met in New York City.

Together we went to Jeanne’s doctor and learned about her treatment. This breast cancer worry had spread from her… to her husband… to her little girls… to us… to more family… and to more friends and so on… the unknown, the sadness, and the fear encircled us all.

The next year continued with her getting her chemotherapy and radiation. She began gaining strength and is now a healthy 43 year old. She has a new vigor about her and a determination to use the experience as a positive one. She gathered her talents and created The Circle Project.

The idea behind The Circle Project is that there is a whole circle of people affected by breast cancer. The diagnosis doesn’t just change the patient, but also everyone close to the woman diagnosed.  A professional photographer, Jeanne took her talents and brought this concept to life.  She took emotionally moving portraits of those affected by the breast cancer patient’s diagnosis; babies, young children, husbands, mothers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, friends and more. The expressions of disbelief, fear, shock, loneliness and grief Jeanne captures in these people’s eyes and facial expressions.

The Circle Project has been on display in the following cities: Portland, OR, Astoria, OR, Tillamook, OR, Austin, TX, Arlington, VA, Los Angeles, CA, San Antonio, TX, Palm Springs, CA, Troy, NY.

I asked Jeanne for three things that she would like me to share in this posting and here’s what she said;

1. If you find a breast lump, do not ignore it, no matter your age.

2. The only way to find a cure is to fund research.

3. Breast cancer does not discrimate but many women of color receive inferior healthcare and as a result have higher mortality rates than Causasians. We must have health care that covers all women regardless of color or income.

In an effort to do my part, we created a Pink Ribbon design at Letters from Lilly. The artist generously donated her time to paint it and all monies collected from sales, including our costs of the Pink Ribbon products, go to the Susan G. Koman Foundation by way of supporting Jeanne’s team in the annual Race for the Cure in Portland, Oregon. For more information about our community involvement at Letters from Lilly, see our website.

Jeanne and her project travel all over the county to promote awareness of breast cancer and the effects it has on all of us.  If you would like The Circle Project to be a part of your conference, program or event, please get more information at The Circle Project.

To make a direct donation, go to Susan G. Komen, or choose the Pink Ribbon design at Letters from Lilly. We send them every penny you send to us when you purchase any product with the Pink Ribbon design.