Tags
Books, breast cancer, cancer, health, inspiration, Kiki, photography
A few days ago I selected the ‘publish’ button on this post. But you didn’t see it, did you? That’s because, for some reason (operator error!) it didn’t publish. And I’m glad. A few hours after thinking it had published, I wished I had written it differently. Sometimes the Universe and I are on the same wavelength and I get a second chance at things! Has that happened to you? Well, let me try again…
Kiki was an Australian resident who migrated here from Netherlands a few years ago. She was a 27 year old photographer, with a husband and two young children when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She chose to document her very difficult journey using her photography skills in an e-book titled ‘Courage Through A Lens – A breast cancer journey’. This book is raw and beautiful, confronting, and heart wrenching, especially for those of us who have been on part of that journey. It explains and photographically documents the journey of breast cancer in a way I have never seen it done. It is the book I wished I had two and a half years ago. Kiki passed away, as I understand it, very recently… within weeks. But she has done something for women everywhere that will live on and be remembered.
‘selfie’ taken two and a half years ago
During this time of the year when we sometimes have difficulty staying centred, here is a reminder of what is important. If you have a daughter, sister, girlfriend or Mother who has survived breast cancer, be grateful. This book might help them share their experience. If you have a loved one who has breast cancer now and you would like to be better informed about what she is going through, I recommend this book.
As for cancer, I’m kicking it with Kiki… it’s butt, that is. She was an awesomely ordinary woman who stepped up and did an extraordinary thing to help others. I just want to do my little bit to keep things kicking along.
Thanks Kiki, regrettably I won’t get to tell you this in person.
(This is an e-book, so it works on your iPad or other tablet device, or your computer. It is downloaded as a PDF document. Half the proceeds go to benefit breast cancer.)
ardysez 
It amazes me the tremendous courage some people are able to display despite suffering terminal or at least life threatening illnesses. I was left behind when my wife died and show less courage at that than she did. I honour you all.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
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I just downloaded it. I wrote to you recently about a young woman battling breast cancer with incredible bravery and openness. These two women look alike. It was a bit of a shock to see the author’s photo. Thank you for sharing this. I hope it helps me help her. And you. And so many others. xoxo
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What a beautiful and sadly tragic story Kiki shared. And I can say nothing except that I hope you can feel the huge internet hug I send your way for your own bravery and courage. Thank you for sharing both your stories, Ardys.
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I wasn’t expecting that. I read Kiki’s age in your post and it wasn’t until I followed the link and saw her photos that it really registered how young she really is. My heart stopped, because I don’t have a photo of my mother past age 25 – she died when she was 26 of a brain tumour or cancer as it’s called now, and seeing similar in current context, feeling Kiki is So Young… Too Young. So Brave. So Generous. So Talented. I’m glad Kiki will live on and be remembered. I’m sad she and many other young and older woman are gone before their time.
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I’m sorry to learn of your Mother’s passing at such a young age too. It is really tragic when someone with so much to give is gone so soon. Her photos were really remarkable to me, having experienced much of what she did. I coped fairly well, but really she as extraordinary.
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