* Pink Initiative: Give Because You Can

It is coincidence that Emilie Sommer (owner of emilie inc. photography, who I shoot weddings for) and I both posted about cancer today on each of our blogs. It is sad, but also evidence to me, a slap-in-the-face reminder of how cancer has both quietly and loudly permeated our lives. As I have started re-blogging only this past December, I am surprised at how many posts I am even making that relate to cancer. While I started my blog to post photography, it has slowly morphed into posting things I care about, things that have meaning, things I think are worth sharing with friends and family who visit my blog. In this day and age of technology, the blog is a platform to communicate with the world, and if I am going to share something on it, it better be worthwhile of your time and mine.

So this is another "non-photography" post that I feel is worth your time.

Please take the time to read Em's post about Pink Initiative here.

* Pink Initiative + Paula Learner's passing

I was shocked and saddened to learn of photojournalist Paula Lerner's passing on March 6, 2012 after a long battle against breast cancer. Eerily, my fellow photographer and mentor from emilie inc. photography, Emilie Sommer, posted an infographic about breast cancer on her blog that same day, reminding us why her non-profit Pink Initiative is so important. I feel lucky to have crossed paths with Paula while working at Aurora Photos where she was a contributor and to have experienced an amazing Aurora Photographers Retreat with her on the shores of Sebago Lake a few years ago. I remember attending a PJ talk in Massachusetts and chatting with her briefly, her passion and drive to tell the stories of those Afghan women without a voice was evident and inspiring. I could tell she was a force doing good things. I have no doubt her spirit will live on. My thoughts and prayers go out to Paula's family.

As Em encourages, please pass this Pink Initiative link or infographic along to friends, family, and loved ones as a reminder of how breast cancer, sadly, affects so many people, but that awareness alone can help save lives.