Nothing pulls at our heart strings quite like a family photoshoot, but when said shoot has a story behind it? Well, let’s just say we’ve cried our fair share of tears. It’s a story of 5 years remission, survival, courage, and of course endless love. And seeing how October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – we’re honored to raise a glass of pink champagne to toasting Erin and her beautiful family, see more below!
From Photography By Angela Tucker … What a beautiful story to highlight during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. At age 33, Erin was diagnosed with breast cancer when her son was only 9 months old. Six years later we are now celebrating for 5 year remission anniversary! Here are the details of her story in her words…
From Erin… I never said “why me”, but I did wonder “why now”. Our son was just nine months old when I was diagnosed in 2009. We had struggled for years to start a family, and it seemed like we had the most amazing thing ever happen to us immediately followed by the most terrible thing. My body had been growing life and death at the same time.
Because of the size of the tumor and the involvement of lymph nodes, we decided to get the best treatment we possibly could. We traveled back and forth from Huntersville to Duke weekly for doctor’s visits, chemotherapy and surgery, followed by two months of daily trips for radiation.
I would get up at 4:00 am and drive to Durham for my 7:00 am appointment. I remember one nurse remarking in disbelief, “What are you made of?” and I told her “I’m a mom.” My son saved my life. I don’t think I would have fought so hard if I didn’t have something so worth fighting for. My baby needed me. And because of him, and God’s grace and healing power, five years later I am here to celebrate! I am a living, breathing testimony, and I know I am here to glorify God.
It is my hope that people will see Him through me. Last spring our family celebrated with five pink balloons and photographs by Angela. I pray that when people hear my story I can be a beacon of hope and inspiration.
From Photography By Angela Tucker… Erin’s Pink Skirt represents the National Breast Cancer Awareness color… The 5 Balloons are representative of Erin’s 5 years of remission…. The pink quilt is was made for Erin to have while she was taking treatments since it is very cold in those rooms.
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Photography: Angela Tucker | Makeup: Bare Bella Boutique | Hair: Solace Salon | 4th Ward Distric, Charlotte NC: 4th Ward Neighborhood Park | Nails: Solace Salon | Outfit: Jane