ImpactAdvocacycancer cancer awareness

Powerful Photos Prove These Fighters, Caregivers And Advocates Refuse To Let Cancer Bring Them Down

Powerful Photos Prove These Fighters, Caregivers And Advocates Refuse To Let Cancer Bring Them Down
By 

Associate Editor of Impact, The Huffington Post

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As activist Terry Tempest Williams once wrote, "An individual doesn’t get cancer, a family does." If anything transforms that statement into a reality, it's photographer Marty Balencie's project, "Signs of Life."

The Birmingham, Alabama-based artist began the project in 2012 with a desire to create an outlet for individuals and families affected by cancer to be able share their stories. Those featured in the images, many of whom are his close friends and family, hold signs, such as "caregiver," "fighter," or "advocate," to show how they're fighting back against the disease.

For Balencie, "Signs of Life" wasn't just about celebrating the fight in cancer patients, but also honoring the strength of everyone involved.

"Most of the women who I have met really looked to their children as a form of strength and a reason to get out of the bed," Balencie, who battled a rare case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, told The Huffington Post in an email. "Oftentimes I have found that the 'caregiver' is overlooked, and they should be celebrated just as much as the survivor."

Through his own struggles with the disease and learning from others, Balencie discovered that cancer is not an easy obstacle to overcome -- but it's a little easier when someone views the world glass half-full.

"Battling cancer is a very personal journey and we all react to a diagnosis in different ways," he told HuffPost. "But no matter if you're the one who was diagnosed, or a loved one, maintaining a positive attitude can make a world of difference."

Part of Balencie's goal was to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. If you wish to donate, visit the organization's website.


Anita (lymphoma survivor)


Chante and her daughter, remembering family members lost.


Avarie (Wilms' tumor/kidney cancer survivor)


Mary (melanoma survivor) with her family of cancer awareness advocates.


Debbie remembers loved ones who have passed away.


Sam, a caregiver to many.


Dedrick and Kelly both remember those they've lost.


Christie, who recently lost her battle with gallbladder cancer, with her family of caregivers and advocates.


Justin, an advocate for cancer awareness.

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Before You Go

Know Your Body, Spot Cancer Symptoms
A lump or swelling anywhere on your body needs checking out(01 of10)
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AXA’s research found that 79% of people were able to correctly identify breast lumps as a potential indicator of cancer. But a lump or swelling in any part of the body, including the armpit, neck, abdomen, groin or chest area, is worth having checked by a doctor. (credit:Alamy)
Talk about your toilet habits(02 of10)
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Diarrhoea or changes in bowel habits are most likely to be caused by a stomach bug or eating something that disagrees with you. But if you’re noticing changes that have lasted more than a few days, for example if your bowel movements are looser for three weeks or more, or you notice any blood when you’ve been to the toilet, then make an appointment to get it checked out. (credit:Alamy)
Sores and ulcers should disappear quickly – investigate them if they don’t(03 of10)
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A lot of people get mouth ulcers when their immune system is low or they’re stressed. Generally they’re nothing to worry about and, as the lining of the mouth regenerates itself every couple of weeks, shouldn’t last long. But any ulcer that hasn’t healed after three weeks merits attention from your doctor or dentist. The same goes for any sore or spot that lasts for several weeks without healing – get it checked by a doctor. (credit:Alamy)
Difficult passing urine – not just an inevitable consequence of age (04 of10)
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Many men find it more difficult to pass urine as they get older, needing to go more often or urgently or being unable to go when they need to. These problems are usually caused by an enlarged prostate, which is a common condition that is not in itself cause for concern. But occasionally these symptoms can be a sign of prostate cancer – either way, men experiencing these symptoms should see their GP. Similarly, while urinary tract infections are the most likely cause of women having pain or difficulty passing urine, this should pass relatively quickly. If it doesn’t, then any sudden urges to pass urine or the need to go more often should be discussed with your doctor. (credit:Alamy)
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If you’ve coughed up any blood, you should see your doctor, regardless of the amount of blood or frequency. It can be a sign of lung cancer, so needs to be checked out. (credit:Alamy)
Coughs and sore throats(07 of10)
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Most of us will experience coughs or croaky voices at some point, normally when we’ve had a cold. But as with many other changes to your body, anything that hasn’t gone away after three weeks or so should be investigated. (credit:Alamy)
Educate yourself on what to look out for(08 of10)
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AXA’s research found women were more likely than men to identify key cancer warning signs, including breast lumps, changes in bowel habits and irregular moles. But for both men and women, ensuring you’re aware of symptoms to keep an eye out for is important. Knowledge is power: understanding what you’re looking for means you can any changes checked out quickly. (credit:Alamy)
Know your own body(09 of10)
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AXA’s research found only 6% of men and 3% of women check their bodies daily for anything unusual. But understanding what’s normal for your own body is essential if you’re to spot when anything has changed. If you do notice changes that are persisting for a long time, or causing you pain and discomfort, then see your GP. (credit:Alamy)
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