Breast cancer survivors bare all in calendar for charity, Fundraiser provides inspiration and hope for other women

PORTSMOUTH, N.H — A group of New England women who survived breast cancer and transformed their lives are sharing their stories in a calendar that will raise money for breast cancer organizations.

The Breast Friends calendar features photographs of 12 women who share their experiences and hope to inspire others who have recently been diagnosed. Proceeds from the calendar will benefit four programs that support breast cancer patients, their families and friends.

“When you are first facing a cancer diagnosis, it’s such a scary time,” said Liz Fregeau, “Miss June”. “We want people to know that life goes on. It may even get better than it is right now. This calendar provides some perspective about life after cancer that is so difficult to imagine when you are in the throes of it. It is not just about surviving. It’s about thriving.”

Each month in the calendar features the story of a different woman and her fight against the disease. Photographs depict the women with their passions and hobbies, which include shots of them with skiing gear, bicycle helmets and handmade jewelry. The women also offer messages of hope and advice for those who are battling breast cancer.

The funds raised through calendar sales will benefit the Betty J. Borry Breast Cancer Retreats; BreastCancerStories.com, an online support community founded by calendar model Wendy McCoole; On Belay, an adventure program for children who have an adult family member with cancer; and Fill the Gap, a Breast Friends-founded 24/7 helpline operated in conjunction with local hospitals to provide emotional guidance and resource information to the recently diagnosed.

Breast Friends is a social network of breast cancer survivors who meet each month and communicate via e-mail. The group was started four years ago when “Miss December,” Jacqui Bryan, invited a handful of breast cancer survivors into her living room after receiving her diagnosis. Since then, the group has grown into a support network of more than 80 women.

The calendar has raised more than $10,000 for breast cancer causes. The calendar is in its second printing and will be reissued in fall 2008.

For more information, visit www.BreastFriendsCalendar.org or contact Allison Marcotte, Bisson Barcelona publicist, at (603) 664-5776 or e-mail allison@bissonbarcelona.com.