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/ 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.

Secrets of a Housewife Movie Premiere - Maryland Photographer

If you all haven't heard of the movie Secrets of a Housewife...you all are in for a treat!  This start studded cast is sure to get you talking about the secrets in your life!  The shows Executive Producer, Tressa Azarel was a pleasure to meet and just a sweetheart and genuine.  The passion for her movie making is apparent once you meet her.  The movie was filmed in the DMV and a lot of the cast is from here or the surrounding areas.  Be on the look out for this to come to a theater near you really soon!

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.