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.

The Pink Daisy Project

Judy Haley established the Pink Daisy Project as an expression of gratitude to all the people that helped her through her fight against breast cancer.  She recalls meals, gifts, good wishes, phone calls, cleaning services, and encouragement and "the co-workers I barely knew who donated vacation hours and meals."

Haley was barely 40 when she received her diagnosis.  And breast cancer gets a lot of media attention and money for research, but what about tailored assistance to meet the needs of young women often with young children?  Pink Daisy Project rises to the occasion offering:

• Housecleaning
• Groceries and meals
• Assistance with prescription costs
• Other assistance as needed

"I want to help people in a way that's not available elsewhere. To be a friend to those who need one. If I could gather up all the young women facing breast cancer who have no one to lean, on and be their friend, buy their groceries, cook their meals, clean their houses and care for their children, I would."  --Judy Haley

Haley was recently featured as one of the 2011 CNN Heroes for her efforts.

The Rose, Houston's Leading Breast Cancer Organization

The Rose, Houston's Leading Breast Cancer Organization

The Rose offers breast cancer screening, diagnosis, access to treatment, and support to all women regardless of their ability to pay.  This 501 (c)(3) nonprofit has provided more than 30,000 screening and diagnostic procedures for those able to pay and 19,053 screening and diagnostic procedures at no charge to low income and uninsured women.  

Located in Houston, Texas, The Rose was created by women who shared a passion for life and women’s issues:

Dr. Dixie Melillo’s main concern was saving lives. She had seen too many advanced breast cancers and had watched too many women lose the battle. Dorothy Weston-Gibbons’s passion was the value of women. If a woman could be convinced that she was worth the cost of a mammogram, then she’d believe she was worth anything. 

The two met Rose Kushner, journalist and breast cancer advocate, who challenged them to “get off their duffs and do something!”

Since the beginning, The Rose depends on community support. Civic groups, foundations, corporations and individuals along with the unwavering commitment of employees, physicians and volunteers all helped to create an organization that has changed the lives of countless women and families.

Find out more by visiting The Rose website.