While we were at Tatapalooza, a comment made has stood out among others.  Paraphrasing a bit here, but it was something to the tune of “Nearly everyone has been touched in some way, shape or form, by breast cancer.”  Wow.  Powerful and true.  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in looking to recognize that, we had to look no further than our own grandmother, Ida Spangler.

Ida Spangler has been through quite a lot in her lifetime.  Now she can add surviving breast cancer to her list of accomplishments.  Not only did she survive, but through it all displayed an inspiring strength that she would not let cancer overtake her.  Had she given up, it would not just had an impact on her life and her husband, but generations after her.  So we felt it only appropriate to not only recognize her but the immediate family (3 generations) that her life has had an impact on.  Please note, however, that had we decided to photograph everyone this amazing woman’s life has touched we would have had to rent out a professional sports arena.

Lastly, in 2004 Ida was kind enough to share her story with others with breast cancer.  With her permission, her testimony is being made available here for you to read.  We would encourage you to share this story with those who are battling breast cancer and even other survivors.

To learn more about Breast Cancer Awareness Month, or to make a donation in support of breast cancer research, please visit www.nbcam.org.