Survivor Saturday w/ Judith Fitzgerald - Maryland Photographer

Great Saturday afternoon to you all!  Today's survivor and newest Catherine Rae Photography family member is Ms. Judith Fitzgerald.  Judith is amazing and had the best personality.  We clicked immediately and had the best time during her session.  I love being able to meet new people and getting to know them through this process.  Her love of life and cupcakes had us laughing the entire session.  We celebrated her birthday the next Saturday and in this short meeting I know we will continue to be friends with each other.  Everyone please meet Judith and share her story so that it might bless someone else.

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

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Stage 1A on February 6, 2016.

2. How old were you when you were diagnosed?

I was 52 years old when I was diagnosed.

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

My faith in God is what helped me through the diagnosis, the lumpectomy, the radiation treatment, and the medication treatment. My family, as well as my friends who are breast cancer survivors, have also helped me through the process.

4. When were you deemed Cancer Free?

I was deemed Cancer-Free April 5, 2016.

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

I had a Celebration of Life PINK Party at the Rusty Scupper and every year on or around my birthday, I will have a Pink Party Celebration.

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

I participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk as a Survivor. I am also a member of the Eydies' Angel Club, which is a part of the Edith P. Wright Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. 

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

Never miss a yearly Mammogram. If you do not have insurance, there are several organizations (i.e., American Breast Cancer Foundation) that fund Mammograms and Biopsies (if needed). Don't let the lack of insurance be an impediment to getting a Mammogram. 

Survivor Saturday w/ Shanicka Rice - Maryland Portrait Photographer

Hello everyone!  Survivor Saturday belongs to Shanicka Rice.  Shanicka came with the most amazing wardrobe and was ready to embrace her full inner diva and was more than joyful to have this session!  Breast cancer was and is not stopping this young lady from living her life.  Her amazing husband was at the session also to offer his support as well.  We had a good time and just laughed and talked.  It is truly amazing to hear what each of these women have gone through.  Everyone please meet Shanicka and read her story!

 1. What type of cancer were you diagnosed with and when? Breast; 12/28/2010 & 11/14/2016

Well it was the second week in September 2016, almost 6 years after my initial Stage 1 BC dx. I was scheduled to see my plastic surgeon for my annual exam. I wasn't going to go because my implant felt fine. I'd already had five surgeries and I didn't want to endure another, so I had made my mind up and decided I wasn't going. The day of something just told me to call the plastic surgeon's office and that's what I did. After briefly speaking with the receptionist I decided I'd leave work and make my way downtown to Mercy Medical Ctr from Middle River. After a little wait, I saw Dr Chang. He examined my right breast which was my natural breast, the breast I paid more attention to because I always felt like if cancer reared its hideous self in my body again, it would be there. I had some sagging, but I was OK with that. My husband is fine with it , I'm fine with it and most importantly I didn't want a sixth surgery. So he gets to the left (my January 2011 mastectomy side). He says "you have something here under the skin that doesn't feel right; you need to get in with your breast surgeon". I've had a few scares in the past, so I was hoping it was just like the others- just some scar tissue or something of that nature. So on the way home from my plastic surgeon visit, I made a call to my breast surgeon whom I hadn't seen in close to four years. That next week my husband and I went to see him. He told me, there is something there so let's just get you in for ultrasound. So when I got home from the appointment, I  called advanced radiology. They had an appointment a few weeks out and it didn't seem urgent, so I took that date. I had the ultrasound which showed suspicion. The radiologist told me to get in touch with my doctor, then schedule the biopsy. I told her "no, I'm scheduling today". So that's what I did, and had it the next week. On 11/14, I got a phone call. The young lady on the other end of the phone said your breast surgeon wants to know when you'd like to come in. I replied "come in for what?" She says to discuss treatment options. I had just walked through the security gate at my job, planning to do a full days work.

I was able to do almost that , but around 1:30 it hit me like a ton of bricks. Over the following few weeks the devastation started to consume me. I couldn't believe this was happening to me again- 37 years old with BC twice. I did everything as the doctors instructed and was even on Tamoxifen, and not only did it return in the removed breast but it had spread to my lymph nodes. I had just celebrated my five year cancerversary of my last chemo on June 2. I went through so much emotional turmoil. I felt like I was not going to be here much longer. I also had thoughts of not doing treatment and just riding it out until God wanted to call me home by traveling to places I've never been, doing things I've never done and just living life to the absolute fullest with no worries, no treatment until it was my time to leave earth.  But here I am now. Had extensive surgery in December, today had my six of sixteen round of chemotherapy. I have another surgery ahead of me to redo my 2011 mastectomy that left too much breast tissue, reconstruction to my right mastectomy and port removal, then after I heal 30 rounds of radiation. After all of that is done, I also have to go on hormone therapy which will also change my life and not for the better. However, as long as I am here to share love and laughter with my loved ones, travel the world, truly feel good mentally, spiritually and emotionally and look good while doing it,  then I'm good with that!

2. How old were you when you were diagnosed?

31 & 37

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

My will to watch my son grow up to be successful is the what. My husband, aunt, mom in law, sister friends & loved ones who visited me during surgery, recovery & treatment is The Who.

4. When were you deemed Cancer Free?

I consider my cancer free date 6/2/2011 my cancer free date as it was my last chemo in my first battle. 

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

My husband gave me (and my brother in law who has renal failure) a surprise survivor party

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

I am a mentor through S.O.S. (survivor's offering support) & Making Strides Baltimore

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

Cry when you have to, ask every single question that you have (write it down as soon as you think of it), educate yourself, improve your eating, try to maintain your normal as much as you can, tell people what you need and let them help you, pay attention to your body and take care of all of YOU.

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.

Survivor Saturday w/ Lynette Franklin - Maryland Portrait Photographer

Hey everyone!!! It's Saturday and today I am featuring this bright light known as Lynette Franklin!  She was so grateful for the is opportunity to tell her story and to help others.  During our session it was emotional for Lynette and this was part of her healing process and her moving forward in life.  Most time people that have cancer get stuck and these sessions are to remind them of their beauty and to help them see that IT ISN'T OVER, but a fresh start!  Everyone meet Lynette...

October 15, 2013 At the age of 38 I sat in my car and read a medical report which confirmed my biggest fear…I HAD BREAST CANCER.

On that day my life changed forever. Mentally, physically and emotionally I had to prepare myself for the battle of my life. Things that mattered previously no longer mattered and things that never mattered now mattered the most. I had no choice but to regroup. I had to keep praying, trusting and believing as I had always done before.

At this time I was a solider in the United States Army. I was hundreds of miles away form my family and friends. The ones whom loved me the most and would pray the hardest for me were the furthest away from me. During the emotional journey I was blessed with prayer warriors. They would pray for me when I was too weak to pray for myself.

I was blessed with women, ‘sistas’ near and far who encouraged me, inspired me and prayed with me and for me. I endured chemotherapy, radiation, a bilateral mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. This journey tested me on every level.

However, through my heartache, hurt and scars I am thankful and forever grateful for this part of my journey. It made me dig deep and prove to myself what I was truly made of. God has used me to create awareness, promote self-examination and encourage each other spirits.

Again, I thank you for allowing me this opportunity to tell my story. It is my hope that through the pain, tears, and emotional roller coaster I am able to inspire, encourage and motivate someone else who may have to go through such a life changing experience.

Survivor Saturday w/ Doretha Burrell - Maryland Portrait Photographer

AMAZING is the word I use to describe Doretha.  She was so appreciative of the session and grateful for our time together.  I had a blast with her and her daughter.  Shecame ready to be photographed and had the most up beat personality!  Doretha is a force to be reckoned with and she is a mover and shaker.  Please read her story and share with others so they might be encouraged.

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

I was diagnosed on January 3, 2007.  I was diagnosed with Stage II Breast Cancer and it was an aggressive form of breast cancer.

2.      How old were you when you were diagnosed?

I was 50 years old at the time when I was diagnosed.

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

My lovely daughter, Andrea, my granddaughter, Jayla and at the time my significant other, Jim helped me get through my treatments.  My granddaughter, Jayla was only 2 years old and she would accompany her mom to my treatment and would sit right next to me in a chair as I was administered chemotherapy.  She is now 12 years old and she supports me along with her mom, Andrea on anything I do regarding workshops, walks, etc.  I am truly blessed with my support system now ten years later. At the time of my treatments, I was living in PA and my sisters drove there to visit me.  A friend, Jean, was the brave soul that came to the house to shave my head, which was devastating to see the hair fall to the floor. Having the faith, strength and courage to battle this disease, breast cancer, made me mad and angry for a little and getting mad with it made me push harder to fight it.

4.      When were you deemed Cancer Free?

I considered myself cancer free as soon as I went thru my surgery and was told by my oncologist that I was cancer-free.

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

To celebrate that special day and my anniversaries and actually EVERY DAY, I spend time talking and praying to GOD to thank him for allowing me to see another day and keeping me cancer-free.  Normally we go out to dinner to celebrate , but this anniversary date which was my 10 year anniversary,(Jan. 3, 2017), my morning started off at Patient First to get checked for a bad cold that I had picked up and I wasn’t feeling well.  So, sometimes plans do not go as we want, but one thing for sure, I was getting checked out by the doctors by having blood work performed.  So even though I was not able to celebrate as I had planned, I am still fine with the day because I am ALIVE and CANCER-FREE. After I left Patient First feeling relieved that it was nothing but a cold virus, I proceeded to Macy’s to catch a few after Christmas salesJ.  I had a nice quiet day to myself and shopped.  I made the best of the day and will continue to celebrate EVERY DAY! I NEVER work on my anniversary date.  That date is ALL ABOUT ME! After all, I deserve it from all the cries, .treatments… chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, Herceptin and the many prescriptions needed to help with the recovery.

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

I formed a 501 c3 breast cancer foundation, “Y-U Breast Cancer Foundation”.  Our mission is to take 3-4 women per year on a Road to Recovery Excursion.  The day is all about her.  Thus far, we have granted 3 women for the trips.  We actually returned from a road trip on Dec.29, 2016 as the last one for 2016.  Our breast cancer survivor chose to tour Washington, DC.  Her mother from Florida accompanied us along with our marketing director.  We had a great time touring the Thomas Jefferson Building, The Library of Congress, and The Supreme Court and then we had the opportunity to ride the Big Bus Washington DC, where we enjoyed a lovely bus ride for 2 hours.  We finished our trip with dinner at The Cheesecake Factory in Annapolis. I usually fund these trips from my own monies because we do not a lot of fundraising events and funding, but I do know one day real soon someone will donate lots of money to us so we can get that RV to take these women on the excursions.  For now, I put the “Road to Recovery” signs on my car and we keep it moving.  I have faith that we will get the funding needed to keep these trips for the women battling breast cancer!

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

I know first-hand how devastating it can be to hear the words “you have cancer”. Please know that you are not alone.  There are many of us willing to call you, talk with you, cry with you and do anything that we can to comfort you.  You will begin to converse with people about varies subjects and you will find that more times than not, many of the people that you talk with have either been diagnosed with cancer or is a care-giver to someone who has or is currently battling cancer.  Stay strong and focused, pray and keep the faith!

Allow friends and family to help you.  You might find it tough to receive help because I am sure you are the one always helping others and do not know how to accept help from others.  Friends and family really do want to help but often they just don’t know what to do…so please let them help you.  They really do want to help.  Remember they are affected too because they love you and want to see you through this ordeal. Most importantly surround yourself around positive people. 

Survivor Saturday w/Tabatha Smith - Maryland Photographer

When I started this journey to help women that have survived various forms of cancer, little did I know that these women would be so grateful for this small opportunity to have their portraits taken.  So much is taken from them in the time of their diagnosis and treatment that I wanted to be able to give back something fun and exciting.  All of these women have a story and I wanted to hightlight them and give them a chance to tell their stories.  Tabatha Smith is the newest Survivor to grace my blog and share her story!  You never know who you can help! Meet Tabatha...

I was diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer at the age of 24. The date to be exact was March 24,2016, 3 days after I started a new job . While getting in the shower one day I decided to give myself a breast check, my right breast felt  great , so I moved over to my left breast , as I went around my breast it felt great , I decided to touch my left nipple and I felt a lump right behind my nipple .  I thought about it for awhile , as I started praying.  Cancer came across my mind, I prayed "God give me strength". I finally stepped  out the shower and went on about my day. I called my twin sister and I asked her what was the name of the Breast doctor.. she replied to me as she was giving  me the information and stated to me  you are ok, no worries, as I told her I found a lump in my left breast . I found the lump in my left breast in February 2016. I made an appt with the doctor, he did an ultra sound, felt my breast as well and stated to me I looked great and he was 100% sure it was no cancer and nothing to worry about!  I went home after leaving the doctor still praying and talking to God! I prayed that God would guide me and lead me in the right direction. I arrived home and my gut feeling told me "something is not right" I Went back to the doctor and I stated to him you have to give me a biopsy , It's the only way you can prove to me you are right!

He stated to me he did not have time for that, that day and my ultra sound was Normal .. I stated "well I have all day so I am not going anywhere until I get one" so finally he did the biopsy...he then stated "Tabatha your breast look great with no signs of cancer." Weeks and weeks went by , and I heard the results "your results came back as cancer."  I started talking to God, I called my mother and told her , she then hung up in my face. I never told my mom I had found a lump in my breast from the beginning.  I then called Darius and he stated I'm coming to get you , I replied back , it's ok I'll make it home . I made it to my car and drove with tears just flowing and talking to God. I stated to God , if you bring me to it, you will bring me through it! I never even realized I was strong, I believe I surprised my own self.

I went for a mammogram the same day and my mammogram was 100% Normal, no cancer was ever picked up from my mammogram. The next day I went to get an MRI, my MRI did pick up the cancer. I say this to say, you must know your body because NO doctor knows your body as well as you do!  I went on my life praying daily to keep me sane and to keep me from going crazy, not only was I devastated but I was more devastated that a doctor kept trying to convince me I did not know what I was talking about. I prayed through this whole process and God was truly my guide! My surgery was 8 hours long and I woke up very relaxed. I must say VCU did a wonderful job and I was 100% satisfied. My lump was about 2.1 cm. After  getting all my results back my oncologist decided that getting 4 rounds of chemo every 3 weeks would be the best for me, due to my age and preventative reasons . I prayed that chemo would not take me down and thankful I must say, it did not. I did not get sick one time with chemo! Faith is the key to everything! Through it all I am a warrior and I know I can conquer anything that is faced my way with God on my side. What  the devil  meant for evil God turned it around and meant it for my good!! Today at the age of 25 I stand strongly as a breast cancer survivor !

Survivor Saturday w/ Erica Campbell - Maryland Photographer

Hi everyone!  I had the pleasure of connecting with Ms. Erica Campbell for an amazing survivor photo shoot last weekend.  We had an amazing time and she came ready to get her photos taken!  I am so glad we were able to link up and I could provide this service to her!  Please read Erica's story and help her raise awareness of blood cancers.

Erica was diagnosed with potentially fatal Stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma on March 28, 2013. Her journey to survive her battle with cancer was very trying but after overcoming her obstacles, Erica is very passionate about inspiring people to have the d’zire to survive any challenges that they may face in their lives. Erica’s fight to survive lymphoma had its highs and its lows, however she didn’t give up even when at times her battle seemed like it wasn’t getting any easier. Through her unwavering faith and trust in God as well as exuding a positive attitude, she knew she could get through it all. Erica is working to build her nonprofit foundation “Dzire2Survive” with a mission to improve the quality of life of patients and their families touched by the lymphoma disease, by providing education and up to date information. Erica wants to inspire patients with peer to peer comfort to help them continue to fight and overcome their battle with blood cancers. Erica is an ambassador with “The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society” and “The Lymphoma Research Foundation” where her story is featured this month on their Adolescent and Young Adult stories of hope page (https://www.lymphoma.org) with a host of other features such as the Houston Style Magazine, Cancer Today Magazine, CURE Magazine and LRF lymphoma awareness campaign videos (Erase Lymphoma, Impacting Lives-Youtube) sharing her amazing life changing survival story. She has raised over $5K in funds and cancer awareness over the last three years with her team “Dzire2Survive” and impacted so many lives at the Light the Night Walk with LLS and the Lymphoma 5k Walk with LRF.

In September 2015, Erica launched her “Dzire2Survive Inspirational Journal” line. She created these journals to give individuals like herself an outlet to write about life changing events. Her journals will help inspire one to not only write about their journey, but to also show their artistic side by drawing or using photos as one of their many memories. As a survivor of cancer, Erica has a very inspirational journey that she enjoys sharing with others and in her personal Dzire2Survive journal, so she wanted to create something special for others as well. In Erica’s spare time she loves to sing, shop, workout, travel and most of all spend time with her family and close friends. She loves the Lord and through Him, she enjoys helping others affected by cancer by sharing her empowering story. Erica’s motto that she lives by and share with other survivors is, “Never give up on your fight and continue to survive with your beautiful smile…Dzire2Survive”.

If you know a survivor in the DC, Maryland or Northern Virginia area please have them contact me to help them share their story and get the photo session of their life!

Survivor Saturday w/ Jennifer - Maryland Photographer

Hello everyone!  Survivor Saturday is something I have had on my heart to do as a photographer for awhile.  I have wanted to highlight women that have survived by having a glam day for the individuals.  It is a little girls day out type session where hair and makeup is provided and I shoot them in a contemporary glamour session! it is time to celebrate the women that have survived all cancers and tell their stories so that it might help others.  Please meet the first survivor of the series....Jennifer!

Jennifer was diagnosed in early 2015 with adenoid cystic carcinoma. It's a rare salivary gland cancer (primarily) but can be found in several different glands in the body.  She didn't have any symptoms other than she discovered the lump in her neck by accident. She was initially misdiagnosed but after surgery to remove my gland, they did another test and that's when it was discovered that it was malignant. For Jennifer, it was a trying time to manage and find her own care. It took her 9 months to find doctors to assist her and finally determine radiation treatment was needed. Jennifer spent 6 weeks (33 sessions) receiving radiation to my head and neck. Jennifer is in the Air Force and was medical TDY about four hrs from where she lived to a German hospital. She was able to receive a type of radiation that is only available in Germany and Japan. The treatment itself was not painful, but the side effects from radiation to her neck area were rather painful.

Jennifer states that she is blessed that not to have any significant lingering side effects so far.  Jennifer says. "This journey has not been easy. It has had great impact on my personal life and relationships. I joke sometimes that I didn't receive my "Congratulations! You have cancer..." handbook because no one can prepare you for how to deal with it. In the military, we learn to push a lot of stuff down and move forward because we have a mission to do. I tried to handle cancer in the same manner and it did not work. It's something that I still struggle with at times. I am ok most of the time. As soon as it is time for a scan (every three months) or a cancer-related appointment, the reality of "oh wow...I have cancer..." is back to the forefront. Since it is still relatively new to me, I am still learning to "live with cancer". I'm still trying to figure out what is my purpose in this. For now, I feel as though I can do things like this to share my story and hopefully provide someone else hope as they fight their battle with cancer."

If you know a deserving woman that would love to have a session please send contact information to info@catherineraephotography.com.

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.

She Rocks 2016

Prince Georges Chamber Inaugural Women's Breakfast

In March I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Inaugural Women's Breakfast for the Princes Georges Chamber of Commerce.  The women of the chamber really put together a lovely breakfast to celebrate women in the county that contribute and do amazing things.  Hosting the event was Shomari Stone of the Channel 4 News.  Honorees included the States Attorney General and the Prince Georges Community Colleges President.  Amazing speeches with life lessons were shared and there was nothing but love in the room.  I can't wait until next year's breakfast and I only see this event growing and being bigger and better.

DC Fashion Week 2016 - Maryland Photographer

Being in the DMV for two years has been an eye opening experience in many ways.  One way was to be able to discover the local fashion scene here in the city and it only took two years to find out that DC has a fashion week.  I was fortunate enough to be able to cover three of the events they had starting with the mens fashion show on the first night.  The second event I covered was the emerging designers of the area and eight designers were featured.  The finale night, which was my favorite, showcased a lot of the international designers that live here in the DMV area.  Below are just a few of the images I was able to show on this blog but believe me there were plenty of amazing designs this year!  I can't wait to see what the next season will bring for this DC designers.

Editor-In-Chief Session - Maryland Photographer

Recently I was contacted by an amazingly talented women to photograph her Editor-In-Chief portraits for her upcoming magazine launch.  We had one brief conversation and I knew we would be a perfect combo.  Upon arriving at the location and meeting her glam squad things just came together.  Little did I know everything I was going to learn that day nor the connections to come.  God is always on time!

Climbing the Ranks w/ Jas Boothe - Maryland Photographer

When you look around you see women in the military all the time!  It is not often that you see women that have gone through as much as MAJ Jaspen Boothe and have survived to tell her story.  Jaspen has made it her mission to tell her story and other women vets stories that cannot tell their own.  MAJ Boothe has organized countless resources for veterans across America and continues to do so through her organization Final Salute.  I am glad that she asked me to capture her moments as she pinned on the rank of MAJ in the US Army.  It was a joyous day for her and her family.  Please enjoy, like and SHARE.