Maria
The experience of cancer is shocking, as is of every serious illness. It brings you to your lowest point. You discover primal, archetypical fears. But it also lifts you to the sky. You discover qualities and possibilities of yourself you could not even imagine. You live more substantially. Somewhat like you how live when you are in love.
Photo by ZERVOS PANTELIS
Froso
“One picture, thousand thoughts” dedicated with all my heart to my psychotherapist Mrs. Eirini Dimopoulou (Day Center). When you decide to talk to a specialist for your illness that is hitting you ferociously, you will manage to overcome it. Since, after all, you will not talk about cancer. You will find strength, you will learn how to protect yourself, you will love yourself truly and you will never allow anything and anyone to create this damage to your soul, which so painfully damaged your body. Speak, don’t be afraid, don’t be shy…
Photo by SEFEROGLOU ORESTIS
Elena
Life is beautiful because that’s how I choose to see it. I feel immense gratitude for my friends that support me!
Photo by VASILIKOS LOUKAS
Vaggelis
Continue, continue to look forward, to move forward, to give strength, to push yourself a little bit further, somewhere that you have never been before because you didn’t know you could… where you went the extra mile as a human being, to live the way you want and not the way somebody else wants. Cancel the cancer.
Photo by BALTAGIANNIS SOCRATES
Mary
Through the Eyes of Light, I am constantly learning to love Myself & embrace LIFE in CONTINUITY!!!
Photo by BARAI AGGELOS
Gianna
I have gone through 3 cancers and now I am experiencing a metastasis. Cancer does not mean death. It means a difficult road, pain and anxiety. However, it also means power to go the extra mile. The power for our life does not allow us to give up. We love our self; we take care of our self and we give ourselves the right to live well. We make prevention our primary goal!
Photo by MOUTAFIS GIORGOS
Alexandros
Cancer is an incident like every illness. The way you handle it is a matter of choice. When you are forced to face a challenge, you discover a strength you never knew you had. The real challenge is for this knowledge to become a part of you and do not forget to show gratitude for everything you had taken for granted. The obstacle is always fear, even of this word that we are afraid to utter. And it’s so euphonious… Familiarize with it. Cancer, cancer, cancer.
Photo by KOILALOUS DEMETRIS
Marina
I am open to anything new that is coming my way because I have learned to lose… but most importantly to win.
Photo by MARAGOUDAKI GINA
Anna
I never saw it as a battle. Probably as a threshold or as a desert. My mother used to call it Sahara. Which clearly, however, leads to a glade. There is no doubt about it. You will get there. Along with me, my close friends went through it. Sometimes I reminisce it. It wasn’t a desert after all. It was a huge hug. Like everyone gathered around to protect me… I know you are jealous. Who else has the luck to receive so much love reserved only for him?
Photo by TZIMOU OLGA
Sofia
The battle with leukaemia and cancer in general, is the pathway that leads us to new, unexplored worlds, whose existence we ignored. The “Victory” through a constant battle does not only fill you with satisfaction, but creates the need to share with everyone, patients and non-patients, the truth you are experiencing. “I am here, we can beat CANCER, BELIEVE IT!!!”.
Photo by KAKAROUHAS HARIS
Maria
One deep breath until the end of this storm, fear cannot guide you anymore, he is a friend. The pain of yesterday, your strength, and the strongest shield, your smile. For the photoshoot… amazing experience, magnificent people, the wonders of our love being depicted in our pictures. We are all here, together. The biggest gift of life. Thank you.
Photo by KOURI MARO
Eleni
I do not forget. I just surpass it. I continue to LIVE with optimism and a smile. I love LIFE. I love MYSELF!!!
Photo by KAZOLEA ATHINA
Theoni
The fight required is long and difficult, but look at me, I am here! I am one more proof that it is a battle that can be won. My weapons were my faith in God, my positive thinking and my love for life and my family. What is my advice? Do not give up, not even for one minute!
Photo by LAMBROVASILIS ALEXANDROS
Elena
Life, like all people, is not a given. We are called to take care of it, to enjoy it, to love it… constantly.
Photo by FYSAKIS PAVLOS
Loukia
Spring came back into my life, I fought my worst nightmares and I am now feeling happy again.
Photo by GALANOPOULOU THALIA
Emphasis on human contact and collaboration
1
Every survivor meets
a photographer with whom
they have been matched
2
In a relaxed environment, they discuss about their life and their experience with cancer
3
They end up with ideas
on how they are going to collaborate in order to create a powerful portrait
4
They have a photo-shoot
the way they have both agreed on
5
They choose the picture that best represents them
6
Every final portrait is accompanied by a small text - a personal
statement from the survivor
7
Every photographer also shares
what they gained through this experience
8
The portraits are displayed
in exhibitions, encouraging people with similar experiences
Survivors have the opportunity:
- to embrace their self-image
- to talk about cancer with complete freedom
- to capture the positive side of their experience
- to create a living emblem of personal strength and optimism
- to acquire an active role on their depiction, beyond stereotypes
- to become a source of inspiration for thousands of fellow human beings who are fighting for their lives
- to support with their own personal message the efforts towards prevention
Photographers have the opportunity:
- to meet individuals who will inspire them with their vigour
- to change their point of view towards cancer and people affected from it
- to face a very interesting challenge, testing their own stereotypes
- to support with their work a survivor and a charitable purpose
- to participate along with fellow distinguished photographers in the exhibitions of the project
- to contribute towards more inclusiveness in society and culture