I like to think of myself as a particularly bright inspiration for cancer survivors as I am a performer of Middle Eastern style dance – or better known as a belly dancer. How about that – a breast cancer survivor belly dancer!
     My name is Erica, I’m 51 years old and found a lump in my right breast in April 1999.  My sons were young and my family was in shock, were frightened and felt helpless to do anything other than be supportive. After a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation, I recovered. 
     Over three years ago I experienced an accident after passing out from a new medication and had to have three plates repair the broken bones in my face. Two years ago I had to have 12 months of Interferon treatment.  I am quite happy to say I have been cancer free for over 10 years. 
     I can’t say cancer changed my life overnight, but what it did do was make me aware of the food my family ate, our exercise, our environment.  I started buying and cooking organic, hormone free fresh foods, meat, dairy and poultry. I made sure we recycled and used chemical free household products and I realized most importantly, life is short!  Live in the day, stop whining, get out and do something good for yourself and others!
     If you have ever seen or experienced something amazing when you were younger that you’ve never forgotten you will understand when I tell you that as a teenager I fell in love with belly dancing the first time I saw a troupe perform.  What those women did with their bodies was so beautiful and mesmerizing, no matter the age or size of the dancer.  Through their music and dance, these women touched my soul as a young girl.  Now, as an adult and all my medical issues, I truly needed to feel good about myself, my body and my face.  Since my children were now grown, there was time for me to study belly dance!  I have embraced the beauty of the feminine and celebrate all women who put it out there!
     I work full-time at my regular job and dance almost every evening, either in practice, teaching or performing. Dance has taught me to love myself, except myself, love my sisters and best of all, to share the joy.  I would love for all women to accept and love themselves.
 
Life is short – dance!

Please post a comment, email me at jamie@imagesbykay.com or call the studio at 602-393-9333 to  cast your vote starting November 1st!

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987 at age 43, I was angry and frightened. My husband, daughter and son cried together when I told them, but I decided that a positive attitude was the only way to cope. I had spent most of my life traveling all over the country as an Air Force wife and mother, but it was time for a new direction and challenge, so I applied to law school and was accepted.

I was still receiving chemotherapy during my first semester and wound up hospitalized with a blood infection just prior to my exams, but I managed to get through that difficult year and graduate with honors.

 As well as working as a healthcare attorney, I became active in the National Breast Cancer Coalition. I have been an advocate to increase funding for breast cancer research and worked to pass legislation on prohibiting genetic discrimination.

 This summer I celebrated 22 years cancer free. Although I am retired now, I am still working to help those who have been newly diagnosed through my role as President of Bosom Buddies, a Phoenix area group of caring volunteers. We provide support groups, a hotline and education for members. We travel to Washington every May to keep fighting for a cure for breast cancer so that my daughter and granddaughter will be safe.

Please post a comment, email me at jamie@imagesbykay.com or call the studio at 602-393-9333 to cast your vote starting November 1st!

Since our contest says to send in stories starting the 15th I didn’t expect to come in this morning to some of the most amazing stories I have ever heard from such strong, empowered women! It makes me feel so lucky to be a part of this! It is definitely moving to see how willing these women are to share their stories, so please take the time to read through them and cast your vote starting on November 1st. Each story is magnificent in its very own way! These women are all winners, which is why I am so happy that I don’t have to choose!

Cast your vote by commenting on the blog post or sending me an email at jamie@imagesbykay.com

Contest In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness . . . 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  As part of our quest to support women’s issues, Images by Kay & Co. Photography is excited to announce our complimentary, first Annual Breast Cancer Survivors’ CelebrateSexy Photo Session Contest.

Having any kind of cancer is frightening and confusing; but breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among U.S. Women.

Research shows us that the impact of breast cancer can be minimized with accurate information. As an all female team we are committed to supporting this cause and proud to be providing Arizona women a place to be photographed in a way that builds confidence about their bodies once again. The pampering that occurs during a CelebrateSexy photo session helps ease feelings of vulnerability. After surviving such a serious health challenge, women sometimes feel betrayed by their bodies. The final photographs help to bridge that gap, building peace and self-assurance. These stunning images provide the final proof: No longer a patient, you survived. And you are stronger and more beautiful than ever.

Images by Kay & Co. Photography will hold a contest during the last two weeks of October for cancer survivors. If you or any woman you know has been affected by cancer, please consider entering our contest to win a FREE CelebrateSexy Diva Photography Package. Entering the contest is easy, simply send us your survival story along with one or two photos of you and we will post the entries on our blog. Then you, the readers, will choose the contest winner based on the person receiving the most number of votes. The winner will receive a Designer Diva Package and will be treated to professional hair styling and makeup application during her CelebrateSexy session. The images in her album will be a wonderful reminder and celebration of her beauty.

Anyone with a cancer survival story is a true winner – all finalists will receive a gift certificate toward a CelebrateSexy photography session. In addition, Images by Kay & Co. will contribute a portion of each CelebrateSexy session in October towards breast cancer research. Please join us in our support of breast cancer research by donating to this important cause.

To enter the contest:

This contest is for any woman who has survived cancer in any form.

Please email your story to jamie@imagesbykay.com with the subject line:  SURVIVOR CONTEST. Send a picture of yourself and any other photos you would like to share.

Your first name and images will be posted on our CelebrateSexy and Images by Kay & Co. Blog for our readers to view and vote on.

Feel free to nominate a deserving friend – just please ask their permission first and send us their contact information so that we can get their confirmation.

We will be accepting entries until October 31, 2009.

Viewers can cast their votes through November 14^th and the winner will be announced on November 15^th.

Good luck and we look forward to hearing your amazing stories!

We are happy to share this secret with you! Tell the ladies at Red Mountain MedSpa ‘hello’ for us and let them know you heard about them . . .

http://www.redmountainmedspa.com/

8550 Shea Blvd.,       Suite 120 Scottsdale AZ 85260      (480) 389-2365

1635 N. Greenfield Rd.,      Suite 131     Mesa, AZ 85205     ( 480) 389-2367

We are happy to share this secret with you! Tell the ladies at Red Mountain MedSpa ‘hello’ for us and let them know you heard about them . . .

http://www.redmountainmedspa.com/

8550 Shea Blvd.,       Suite 120 Scottsdale AZ 85260      (480) 389-2365

1635 N. Greenfield Rd.,      Suite 131     Mesa, AZ 85205     ( 480) 389-2367

At first I was hesitant to involve myself in intimate portraiture thinking it might be a little to risqué for me. Now . . . I feel just the opposite. I think that CelebrateSexy is an amazing new adventure for us! The ladies that have come in have left the studio feeling beautiful; you can see them glow as they leave us. I think it is really important for women to feel confident about who they are and what they look like. Beauty and sex appeal is not just those super skinny models you see in the magazines. Sexy IS you! It doesn’t matter what shape or age.

The nice thing about CelebrateSexy is that it’s not like any other boudoir photography session. This session is to enhance what is sexy to each individual woman that comes through our doors. What do I get out of this? Not only do I get to know so many fabulous, beautiful women but I get to leave them feeling better and more amazing than they ever have before!   Just to be able to say I was a part of it, is reward enough for me.

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We’re getting ready to officially launch our new monthly newsletter that we’re calling . . . The Diva Chick Chat! It’s going to be filled with special offers that only our subscribers can take advantage of so when you recieve it make sure to take a peek at all of the ‘goodies’ inside!

                “As a recent bride I was struggling with what to give my ‘soon to be husband’ as a wedding present. I wanted it to be something awesome that he would really treasure.  I was hesitant to do an intimate portrait session because ‘sexy’ was never something I did well.  I had no idea it would not only be as fun as it was but it also was the confidence booster I needed before my wedding. Kay made me feel beautiful and comfortable and actually sexy!!!! My images turned out spectacular and my honey was blown away”.

                “One of the best parts of Celebrate Sexy is being able to explore new lighting techniques, angles and styles. The images are so different than anything we’ve had the opportunity to do before. Knowing that I am in the camera room helping create such beautiful pieces of artwork is very rewarding for me”.

          Kristin is an associate photographer and participates in all Celebratesexy sessions. She has a great eye for details and enjoys capturing angles that are unique and creative.  She also has ‘mad skills’ when it comes to Photoshop and has used her amazing talent to help create the steps used in our Visual Magic that we include on all selected Celebratesexy images.

             But my favorite thing about Kristin? . . . she’s my niece and I’m super proud of her. And I know once you meet her you’re going to love her too!!!!!!!!!