warning and disclaimer...
the following images are confronting and contain topless material. they are not in any way meant to be sexual. the aim of this project is to raise awareness for breast cancer. if you feel as though you may find these images offensive in any way, please do not continue to read this post.
"every day we walk past people. these individuals appear normal but under their clothing, sometimes their bodies tell a different story. beth whaanga and photographer nadia masot aim to find others who are willing to participate in this project so that they can show others that can affects everyone. the old and the young, age does not matter, self examination is vital. it could happen to you."
this beautiful and amazing woman is our dear friend beth. she is the same beth that introduced me to my husband, the same beth that our little madeline beth bears the name of. beth is 32 years old and in november 2013 underwent a double masectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer. the months that followed were both frightening and heartbreaking for her and her husband, not to mention their four young children, yet beth has borne her trials with grace and still come out on top - fighting as always.
after posting these photographs to facebook on sunday morning beth experienced both support and criticism from friends and those who surround her daily life. she awoke monday morning to discover over one hundred and thirty people had removed her from their friends list - as well as learning that her photographs had been reported to facebook over and over for pornographic content.
facebook has now reviewed her images and ruled in her favour - allowing them to remain in place, for now. however people are continuing to report them, as her message goes global - with thousands of shares - even ending up as far away as germany - on twitter! they will be featured in the wednesday "courier mail" newspaper in queensland, australia - where beth and her husband have lived since their wedding in late 2003.
these images were taken by another dear friend of ours - photographer nadia masot - who has poured her heart into them, she and beth have been dear friends for years, and i can only imagine the heartbreak she felt when taking them.
ladies, check yourself. beth took these photographs to promote awareness, not to disgust, shame or make anyone uncomfortable. she wants nothing more than to save lives, to ensure that is doesn't happen to someone else. please ensure you are aware of what could happen to you - or someone you love - and feel free to pass this message along.
beth we love you and we always will!
x♥x
