all women

Survivor Saturday w/ Crystal Jones - Maryland Portrait Photographer

Crystal Jones is out feature for this Survivor Saturday!  She is a ball of energy and we are not FAMILY!!! She has an amazing personality and we hit it off immediately!  She came to slay for her session and we laughed the entire time she was at the session!  Her strength and joy is infectious and I can't wait for you all to read about Crystal....

1. What type of cancer were you diagnosed with and when

I am diagnosed with non Hodgkin lymphoma

2. How old were you when you were diagnosed?

I was 47 years old

3. What/Who helped you get through your treatment?

My family and friends. My partner of 6 years decided to cheat with someone I thought was a friend, so not only was I dealing with that, the cancer attacked my kidneys which they had to treat before the cancer with dialysis.

4. When were you deemed Cancer Free?

That hasn't happened for me yet

5. What did you do to celebrate that special day and your anniversary day?

I celebrate every day I'm alive!  I've traveled to places where I wish I could visit and thought I'd never see... like Paris.

6. Do you have any special charities that you are involved in or host as a survivor?

Yes, light the night walk. Also sharing my story of survival not only cancer, kidneys and betrayal

7. What would you say to someone that is just being diagnosed?

I wouldn't say too much. I'd let them speak. Too many times we offer platitudes but we really don't know if Everything is going to be alright. I went through a challenge of feeling guilty that I survived when so many others didn't. Why??? I'm ok with surviving at this juncture and I know that me being here is enough . I don't have to win a noble peace prize.

Ms. Veteran America 2016 - Maryland Photographer

In early October, I had the honor of capturing the Ms. Veteran America award celebration.  These ladies are amazing and have proudly or are currently serving in the military.  These women as part of the competition take on the platform of raising money and awareness for homeless female veterans and their families.  For this campaign the women raised $80K towards the initiative and the organization of Final Salute Inc. 
This competition is far from a beauty pageant!  These ladies not only compete in talent, questions and stage presentation; but they also competed in a push up competition right on the stage in front of the spectators.  It was great to see those that dropped cheer on their comrades in this section of the night.  From 25 it went to the Top 10 and then the Final 3 and then the final question.  Congrats to Captain Molly Mae Porter who was crowned Ms. Veteran America 2016!
 

WOE Magazine Launch - Maryland Photographer

An amazing time was had by all that attended the WOE Magazine Launch that happened at the Nordstrom's in Annapolis.  Let me begin by saying that it was a first class event and Candice Nicole PR came through on all the details of the event. Ayo and her team was amazing and it was a very uplifting event.  The panel gave words of wisdom on daily life as well as starting your business and building your dreams.  There was a mini fashion show to showcase the WOE women which has many facets to her life and also makeup staff was on hand to glam up the participants. 

If you would like to subscribe to WOE Magazine you can do so at www.woemagazine.com.