There are a variety of ways to help raise money for breast cancer research and treatment; Stacie Bowman of Digital Artistry by Stacie is offering a $50 photo sitting for individuals or families of which 100 percent of the sitting fee and a percentage of prints benefit The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, which Bowman will be participating in May of 2013.
The sittings will be held at the George Mason Freedom and Aquatic Center on Sept. 30, where she will offer outdoor or indoor sittings in the preschool room. The studio session is ideal for families and children.
Bowman decided to offer a discounted photo session and waive her fee to raise money to sponsor her walk.
Because the minimum fundraising requirement to participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is $1800, many people, often find creative ways to fund their walks. For her, using her photography business to help raise money made the most sense.
“It’s a way I can take something that I do and give back a little bit. It takes a little bit of my time, but it’s a win-win,” Bowman said.
The photographer has been participating in the Avon Walk since 2010. She was inspired to give back after her good friend had battled with leukemia.
“Cancer as a whole has hit myself way too hard. The year before I moved here, a friend of mine had fought with leukemia for two years. He lost his battle in 2009. That changed my outlook on everything,” Bowman said.
At that time, she also met “Deb” Dobek, who works at the Freedom Center. Dobek had been involved with Avon and Susan G. Komen walks since 2006. When Dobek first decided to get involved in the charity, she did not feel she was directly affected by breast cancer.
“I actually knew only one distant college friend with breast cancer, but after my first event I met women who were survivors,” Dobek said.
However, as her twins were no longer babies, Dobek found herself wanting to get involved in some kind of volunteer work in which she could make an impact.
Dobek began by volunteering at the events. The more people she met at the walks, the more strongly she felt about them. Eventually she trained to walk the two-day walk, and then the three-day Susan G. Komen for the Cure as well. She found the walks to be a life-changing experience that stuck with her, and an experience she needed to share with others in her community.
“It drew me in from that point on. Once you get involved, you meet so many people who tell me my mom, or my aunt died of breast cancer,” Dobek said.
After that, Dobek realized she was walking for these strong women and men, and she needed a way to symbolically carry them with her. So now when Dobek walks in a breast cancer walk, she always brings an article of clothing to represent them- a bright pink and green cheetah-spotted bra.
Dobek has attached hundreds of pink ribbons to that bra, and on those ribbons are the names of people affected by breast cancer. Dobek collects more and more names every day, while walking, soliciting donations or just talking about her experiences with the two charities. She also makes a point of raising awareness for all types of cancer.
Recently, Dobek had a dear friend die of colon cancer. She walks for her as well, believing that research towards breast cancer will ultimately benefit all cancer patients, or even eradicate the horrible disease.
Now Dobek and Bowman always walk together, and they even train together walking around the neighborhood, starting each season with 3-5 mile walks and working up to their 20 miles.
While it is the money that makes the difference for current and future cancer patients, there is no denying that there is something very inspiring about having to train for the event.
“It not only helps you to stay physically fit, but it’s therapeutic,” said Bowman.
On the day of the event, she feels it is even more than that. It is a chance to walk side by side with those who want to walk for life, or in the memory of someone else’s life, and for the future. Through discussions, signs, shirts and mementoes, the walk builds awareness, empathy and determination among its participants.
“It’s very emotional. I signed up for next year’s event before I was even done. The people you meet and the stories you hear are so amazing,” Bowman said.
When the walk was strenuous, when the walkers' feet blistered, legs chafed and they shivered in the rain, they kept walking.
“Whenever you do your worst thing, someone has it worse. I wanted to do something bigger and show my girls (what I could accomplish),” Bowman said.
Recently it has become a family affair. Although Bowman’s mom lives out in Wisconsin, she comes every year to walk alongside her daughter. Bowman’s mother Joyce Allen, who is 61, walked to improve her own health, and for her good friend who lost her battle with cancer.
“It’s a cool thing that I can do with my mom. She used to run marathons. To be able to walk with my mom and share these experiences with her is something I will never forget” Bowman said.
For those interested in helping the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, Bowman offers several ways to get involved. Those interested in a portrait session can call Digital Artistry by Stacie at 571-606-3312 or Deb Debok at the Freedom Center at 703-220-6694.
Readers can make a donation directly to the team at the Rack Pack at their website.
And for those who would like to walk or volunteer directly, they can visit the AVON Walk for Breast Cancer website.
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