Reflections From A Special Day

The call for our “Breast Cancer Thrivers and Survivors” group photoshoot was unconventional. Unlike our quarterly Westwood Living socials, there was no RSVP required to attend. Instead, we hoped for the best as we awaited the morning of September 9, when we planned to gather at the Westwood High School softball field.

We were eager to distribute our Grab-And-Go Playa Juices generously donated by Playa Bowls (thanks to Gabby Miller and her team). We were excited to hand out 20% off gift certificates from Sassy – Anna Bytner and her employees are so passionate about the fight against breast cancer.

As 9:30 passed on that sunny morning, it was clear our turnout would be small in numbers but colossal in spirit. Seven remarkable Westwood women, all with their own unique stories and unique battles against breast cancer, united as one in a space of vulnerability and shared experience.

“Well, this sure isn’t reflective of 1 in 8,” said Jennifer Perkins, so perfectly reminding us that 12% of women have battled breast cancer.

What made the gathering most profound was the unspoken understanding of the challenges they had each faced and conquered, not only as survivors but also as mothers, nurturing and protecting their families while grappling with the uncertainties of a disease that affects far too many of the population.

As the photoshoot came to an end, we could sense a reluctance to part ways. These seven strong, who moments earlier were strangers connected only by a shared zip code, left with a promise to stay in touch and support one another through their respective journeys. The bonds formed on that September morning were not confined to the photographs being captured, but also the blossoming friendships that emerged.

Lauren, Susan, Kendra, Jennifer, Liz, Deb, and Dawnmarie: Thank you for showing us that no matter how uncertain life may be, there is always the potential for hope, healing, and newfound connections.