The women featured have overcome some of life’s biggest challenges, many of them directly or indirectly impacted by cancer.Among them is Sue O’Brien.
Sue cared for her husband, who had motor neurone disease, for 18 years. She had already lost her grandfather and father to cancer, mum to a cerebral haemorrhage and her only brother to a road accident. She did the 50 Fabulous Women photoshoot in honour of her mum.
“My mother meant a great deal to me, she was a great inspiration to my life. Daily I drew on the skills I had observed through her,” she said.
Despite the many tough cards she has been drawn, Sue continues to give back to her community. She has been the Riverina representative for the Uplift Project for the past two years, an initiative that donates recycled bras to destitute countries in the Asia Pacific.
During the 18 years I cared for my husband the community’s support was what helped keep me together so I try to give back in any way I can.
“Every night I would pray that in the morning I would rise fresh and able, that was all I requested, the strength to carry on.”
The 50 Fabulous Women book is the initiative of photographer, Janiece McCarthy, who hoped it would show that every woman has a story to tell. “In the book, alongside their studio portraits, these lovely women share their stories that will motivate, inspire, educate, make you laugh and make you cry,” she said. “But ultimately, their stories will provide you with the realisation that they are every day women – not famous or worldly, but women just like you and me.” Inspired by Sunshine Week 2017, Mrs McCarthy wanted to support the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund through her work as a specialist women’s portrait photographer. In return for a $75 donation to the Trust Fund, Mrs McCarthy offered women the opportunity to enjoy the studio’s portrait experience, and to share their story and photos in the book. The 50 Fabulous Women book will be launched at a gala fundraiser at Atura Albury from 6pm to 9.30pm next Friday, November 8. The event, proudly supported by Hume Bank, will include entertainment by Border band, Grooveyard Hammond Combo. Tickets are $46 each and are available from 50fabulouswomenlaunchgala.floktu.com Proceeds will go towards the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund, with more than $4500 already being raised as part of the photoshoots for the book. The 50 Fabulous Women book can be purchased for $59.95 through the Artisan House of Photography website at www.artisanhouseofphotography.com.auPeople can donate a copy of the book to a business, friend, doctor’s surgery or organisation and include their dedication in the front.
A portion of the book sales will also go towards the Trust Fund.
