Cops Against Cancer

As a cancer survivor, Officer Craig Phinney sees himself as handed a second chance at living.  Knowing the many trials cancer patients endure and with deep gratitude for his own survival, Phinney and his wife founded Cops Against Cancer. The nonprofit's mission is two-fold:

• Helping those cancer patients and their families with the overwhelming and unexpected expenses and challenges presented to them during a very difficult time of their lives. 
• Assisting to build Colorectal Cancer awareness within our communities through public and patient education and to provide the resources for those in need of our assistance.

Cops against Cancer receives money through sponsors and donations.  While Phinney knows it’s important to raise money for research, he has firsthand knowledge of how critical financial support to cancer patients is.

In the U.S., cancer accounts for one of every four deaths, according to numbers released by the American Cancer Society. Well over a million Americans are diagnosed with cancer each year.

The Oldham Project: a tribute to life and beauty

In 2008, The Oldham Project began providing free photo shoots for people facing terminal and life-threatening illnesses.  Photographer Terri Shaver contemplated the nonprofit after losing a second sister to breast cancer.  As a 501 (c)(3) organization, The Oldham Project offers beautiful portraits FREE of charge to patients in Lansing, Michigan and the surrounding area.  If those afflicted cannot travel, the studio does house calls.

"Following the portrait session, the family will receive a CD of retouched images, along with a copyright release so they can print and use the photos as they desire. The Oldham Project currently offers portrait sessions to anyone suffering from an illness, but more specifically, we offer two programs: Be Bold, Feel Beautiful and Kourageous Kids."

The Oldham Project's website is deluged with visitors right now because CNN has spotlighted Shaver's work for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  But you can have a look at her work and the patient stories at the studio's blog.