The photographs and testimonies represent a diverse, cross-section of cancer survivors and capture the unique essence of each individual's cancer journey with honesty and compassion. The book is also a stunning tribute to the human spirit.
Television and radio broadcaster Josephine Caruso Sethi went to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston looking for treatment for metastatic lobular breast cancer and came out with stories of hope and sadness from other breast cancer patients.
Her book, The Faces behind Breast Cancer, is a loving tribute to the patients and doctors she met while undergoing her own treatment, featuring beautiful black-and-white protraits taken by photographer Jack Opatrany.
The photos include images of patients and survivors, women and men, with their pets, their families, and their inspirations. Accompanying each portrait is a comment from the patient or survivor on his or her attitude toward cancer; the comments are uplifting, melancholy, spiritual, and educational. Also included are portraits and personal statements from the physicians and staff at M.D. Anderson, highlighting their motivations for working with cancer patients and the inspiration they get from their courage.
The powerful images and messages of this book, targeted to patients at M.D. Anderson, resonate with depth and meaning. This engaging book would be equally at thome on a coffee table or on display in a doctor's lounge. - Megan Kinkade --CureXtra Online Magazine, October 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
The Faces behind Breast Cancer
As a five year survivor of breast cancer, who still deals with the mental demons that surround the healing process of cancer, I from time to time, muster up the courage to go to a lecture or meeting regarding the effect on survivors.
Well, last night, by coincidence, I went to Book Woman in Austin to hear a book review from a Houston woman, Josie Caruso Sethi. She and most of the women in attendance were also cancer survivors so I knew they were going to know their subject matter really well.
Josie has just published The Faces Behind Breast Cancer. It is a magnificent pictorial of the women who volunteered to participate in the making of the book. Each story is beautifully captured and the essence of the book is like an artistic tribute to every woman, alive or passed, that has endured breast cancer. It is very emotionally moving and Josie, who is still battling cancer, is a warm, gentle compansionate woman with a purpose. It is a must have book.
Well, that was the evening's recap and a totally memorable experience for Mary and me. - Robin Hunt --Monodalefarms blogspot online review, November 2007
Because Josie's disease is non-curable, and because she knew that some of the participants would not live long enough to see the final product, it was her decision to self-publish and accelerate the completion of the book as a legacy to her family and as a gift to the cancer community. Josie's mission is to raise awareness of the effects that breast cancer has on body image and self esteem, as well as give hope and inspiration to those in need.
Proceeds from The Faces behind Breast Cancer will benefit cancer research and programs at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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5.0 out of 5 stars
The Faces Reveal the Souls,
By Anastasia Hobbet (California) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Faces behind Breast Cancer (Paperback)
This beautiful book of portraits is a primer on empathy and connection. Its large-format photographs, printed in burnished black and white, allow me to look deeply into--and study--the faces of people who have been profoundly ill. The text is minimal, restricted to the sitter's first name and a brief quote. At first, this puzzled me. I'm part of an information-intense culture and I wanted more. But I'd missed the point of the book: contemplation. As a Catholic born and bred, I grew up looking at the calm and lovely face of the Virgin Mary. As I grew older, the religion dropped away, but my love of the contemplative face remained. I look for it everywhere, surrounding myself with madonnas, buddhas, shivas, saints. Like the saints in art, the men and women in this book are almost all presented with attributes, items they chose for themselves as identifiers, items that say, 'This is who I am.' Think of St. Francis with his birds, or St. Peter with his key. In the book the attributes include a book, a rose, a boot, a motorcycle, a tennis racket, a child, a dog, a rosary. No, these people aren't saints. But they have passed through the fire and survived--suffered more than I have ever suffered, and by looking deeply into their beautiful faces, I begin to feel their strength and resilience. I feel connected to them. These total strangers begin to look to me like a reflection in the mirror, of myself. Each calm, glowing face becomes my own.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great book....it has pictures of my wife,
This review is from: The Faces behind Breast Cancer (Paperback)
Although Susan finally lost her gallant fight against breast cancer (I still am proud of her), and when she was asked to be on the cover and be inside with my daughters also, she did not hesitate. I am always amazed how cancer patients can get together for inspiration and courage to continue the battle. As a care giver for almost 15 years, I saw the transition from patient to survivor a few times. This transition included the dumps and peaks of fighting cancer but still having a positive outlook for the children. This book is one of those that my children continue look at just see Susan's bravery. And Josie captured that for all of the men and women in the book. Thanks again, Josie.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful Inspiration of the Power of the Human Spirit,
This review is from: The Faces behind Breast Cancer (Paperback)
This book is a wonderful inspiration of the power of the human spirit seen through poignant images of individuals at various stages of breast cancer. The composition of the black and white photographs in The Faces Behind Breast Cancer provides us with an artistic expression of timelessness. Each individual picture, along with the limited use of text, brings a breadth and depth that humanizes breast cancer in a profoundly personal and spiritual way that binds the reader towards action. We see each person's story as "our story", and we feel a sense of oneness with the story. We also feel the author's message of hope, and we are drawn to fight for a cure.
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