The Models' Stories

Back to media centre  |   Category: Latest News  |   Date: 1st May 2010

Louise Blacklock - age 38

Louise was diagnosed in March 2007 and had four lumpectomies and then radiotherapy. Shortly after this experience her mother died of breast cancer. It has taken time for Louise to recover, however she is now awaiting a prophylactic double mastectomy and reconstruction in October. Louise volunteers for Genesis and since having cancer has started to keep fit and enjoys running.

"I think Rosanna’s work is amazing and the art project is a wonderful idea. It was very bizarre being a life model, but now I say ‘yes’ to things that I would not have tried before."

Sandra Breen - age 40

Sandra was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer for which she had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy. Sandra chose not to take Tamoxifen but changed her lifestyle to follow a healthy meat and dairy free breast cancer prevention diet with regular exercise. Sandra is a believer that prevention is better than cure and is always looking for ways to treat her health through complimentary methods. Sandra loves to support Genesis. A busy lady with 4 sons, she is also a governor at Salford Royal Hospital and studying full time for a Social Policy degree.

"I feel that the Art of Genesis project is original and exciting. All the models that have been painted have been given a great opportunity. Personally I feel it was a liberating experience."

Dru Church - age 48

Dru was diagnosed in 2005, when she had a lumpectomy and chemotherapy, followed by reconstruction by Lester Barr and then 15 radiotherapy sessions. She was absolutely thrilled with the results and now has annual checks.

"It all seems a million years ago and I’ve never felt better or happier or more confident. I would never have posed for a painting before, never mind naked! The Art of Genesis is absolutely amazing, a brilliant idea. Rosana is a superb artist, I love her work and she’s a wonderful person too."

Lynette Ellis - age 34

Lynette was diagnosed with breast cancer by consultant, Lester Barr in 2004 for which she had chemotherapy, a partial mastectomy and radiotherapy. Two years after diagnosis and having taken Tamoxifen, Lynette found out she was pregnant. Her son was born on Christmas Eve.

"I think it’s a great idea to show that breast cancer is not always a death sentence and that women can still be beautiful living their lives."

Colette Jackson - age 45

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, Colette had chemotherapy, mastectomy, radiotherapy and Herceptin within twelve months. Colette had a reconstruction but suffered a recurrence of breast cancer in 2008, resulting in further chemotherapy and now she is continuously on Herceptin. Colette is divorced and lives with her 19 year old daughter, who is a university student and 10 year old son.

"I think the project is a fantastic way to show other women that life can continue after breast cancer."

Gail Hardman - age 58

Within a six month period in 2003 Gail found a lump, was diagnosed and had a single mastectomy.

"The Genesis Centre was a wonderful idea and now the Genesis Appeal continues to fund vital research. The Art of Genesis is also a brilliant idea, sitting for Rosana was great fun and I do hope her amazing talent makes loads of money for Genesis."

Michelle Morris - age 48

At 26, after discovering a lump, Michelle’s left breast was removed. At the age of 36 breast cancer was diagnosed in her right breast, which was also removed. Michelle had reconstruction; however it took some time to come to terms with ‘a new body’, and this indirectly led to the break up of her first marriage. She is now happily married with three wonderful children and a new career!

"I adore the work Rosana is doing and am honoured to be part of it."

Maria Mulligan - aged 57

Maria had a mastectomy of her left breast in 1990 and as her aunt had breast cancer and her two younger cousins both passed away due to breast cancer and ovarian cancer, the family believed it was hereditary. Maria has been offered the chance to have reconstruction after nineteen years; she feels it’s a big step but a wonderful opportunity.

"I am sure that the Art of Genesis will instil more confidence and hope for women who going through breast cancer - our bodies are a work of art."

Helen Proud - age 45

Helen has not had breast cancer but had preventative mastectomies. Helen is a big supporter of the Genesis Appeal and it was Helen who originally approached Rosana with the idea for the exhibition.

"Rosana, you are a star...society needs more like you!"

Sarah Saphier - age 42

Sarah was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 and had a double mastectomy in 2007 with reconstruction.

"The Art of Genesis is a fantastic idea. We are basically saying ‘there’s life after breast cancer - look at me!’"

Susan Shelmerdine - age 49

Sue was diagnosed in 2006 and after chemotherapy had a mastectomy to the left breast in 2007. She was offered reconstruction at the time of her mastectomy but declined, due to feeling exhausted from chemotherapy. Her worst experience was losing her hair but has never thought ‘why me?’ as she sees it is just something that happens and has to be dealt with.

"I do not consider myself any less a woman because I have one breast, it hasn’t affected my confidence. It is a pleasure and a privilege to take part in the Art of Genesis and great to see Rosana at work!"

Annette Thomas - age 54

Annette has a family history of breast cancer. Her Gran died of breast cancer, her mum was diagnosed and treated, her older sister Susan died of the disease and her younger sister Marie has been diagnosed and treated. Annette herself was gene tested, given a one in three risk, and counselled before deciding on prophylactic bilateral mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. After her sister was treated at The Nightingale Centre, it inspired Annette to apply for a job as radiographer and she is now a trained assistant mammographer.

"This is a unique and original way to raise funds for Genesis. Rosana has a lovely, gentle manner so I felt relaxed and comfortable during the sitting. I’m looking forward to an inspirational exhibition."

Beverley Uddin-Khandakar - age 50

Beverley was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2008, which she considered the worst day of her life! She had a lumpectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, all of which was a terrible shock for her. Running the Didsbury Magazine with her husband and having five children, she found it all very trying and protected her younger children from all news of the situation. Beverley now has six monthly checks and has found she has become more prepared and organised, never knowing what is around the corner.

"I think it was a fabulous idea and I am really looking forward to seeing my drawing. I have seen Rosana’s work and she is fantastic, so talented! "

Mary Underhill - age 47

Breast cancer was first diagnosed in 2005 on the right breast, for which Mary had a lumpectomy, three weeks of radiotherapy and Tamoxifen for five years. She was diagnosed again in 2008 on her left breast and had a bilateral mastectomy and chemotherapy. Mary has struggled with this treatment and was put on anti-depressants; however she is determined to overcome this experience. Treatment is still being carried out.

"I think the Art of Genesis is absolutely fantastic! Well Done! When this is all over I would love to go back to nursing and perhaps help women through similar to what I have experienced"

Lorri Wilson - age 49

In 2006 Lorri was diagnosed with breast cancer and a week later had a mastectomy of her right breast. Chemotherapy followed, then radiotherapy and a reconstruction in 2007. Lorri was shocked and frightened by her experiences but acknowledges there were good and bad days, she now regards herself as fortunate, realising the importance of family and friends.

"This project is certainly overwhelming, but it proves that breast cancer is not always a death sentence and can be beaten. It allows women and men who have or have had the disease to see what difficulties can be overcome, and is living proof that there is hope, help and life at the end. What a wonderful way of showing others."