Guest Author - Peggie Sherry

Unveiling Breast Cancer…the Gallery
With the generousity of Master Photographer Bruce Eversen and his associate Carol Walker of Thomas Bruce Studios in St. Petersburg, FL we created 18 photo portraits of Breast Cancer Survivors showing their battle scars. We have all types of survivors…even a man. Each has a inspiring story to tell and will win your heart. Over the next 18 installments I would like to share their stories with you.

You may stroll through the gallery of photos at http://www.breastcancergallery.org/?page_id=7

Also with the generousity of John Winter and Big U Media a video was made of the Making of the Breast Cancer Gallery. A link on the same page will bring you to an 8 minute clip of it. Enjoy!!!



Judith

Havdallah


HAVDALLAH / SEPERATION

BREAST CANCER / LIFE-THREATENING

TREATMENT / LIFE AFFIRMING



April 18, 2002
In the presence of my daughter, my daughter in-law, and women friends (18 of us in all) I make Havdallah to separate having a devastating disease from the road to recovery.
April 19, 2002 through January 19, 2004
Bilateral Mastectomy - Chemotherapy - Radiation - Reconstruction
Every day since diagnosis - in my mind - I make Havdallah to separate Life Renewed from testing and treatment; and give thanks to my Creator.

WINE: is the symbol of joy, and I remember the good times and rejoice with each new day.

SPICES: sunrises and sunsets;
the fresh smell of the earth after a rain and in the morning dew; the familiar aromas of the holidays, traditional foods, and fragrant flowers; the scent of a newborn grandchild; the voices of my children and grandchildren; laughter and the quirky, funny things that happen (or my interpretation of them) - These are some of the spices of life.

A BRAIDED, MULTI-WICK CANDLE: burns like a torch.
Light is the symbol of The Divine, who lights the way for us all. I pray that His Light will guide the researchers, doctors and caregivers to finding an end to breast cancer and all disease. The intertwined branches of the candle serve to remind us that our lives are intermingled - that we do not travel this journey alone. I offer Prayers of Thanksgiving to G-d, who has kept us in life, sustained us, and brought us to this day.



Peggie Sherry
Faces of Courage Foundation