August 2023 saw the 2nd photo retreat for breast-cancer survivors—Beyond Beautiful—as an entire weekend at the historic luxury resort Hacienda del Sol under full sponsorship of Tucson Plastic Surgery Foundation.
Denise: "An amazing experience—the camaraderie. It was wonderful to connect with other survivors, to share our story, our journey, that you're not alone. All the pampering, being surrounded by all those women—the volunteers were amazing. I love my photos. Wow. I never thought I'd have one of these books. It has helped my self-confidence. Now I see myself in a different light; I felt great, beautiful and whole. This is amazing, I love it. [The whole retreat's] like an out-of-body experience—never in a million years."
Five survivor/warriors joined 10 volunteers for the July photo retreat and were treated to hair, makeup, nails, wardrobe and boudoir photo shoots.
As the volunteers set about pampering our Queens for a Day the intention was for the survivors to share with each other to bond in a sisterhood only those who have walked in their moccasins could know. Mission Accomplished!
Lynne: "I didn't know how much the retreat would mean to me—the whole show. All the volunteers made us feel special. It's the interacting; it was the women. I'm very happy with the photobook. Wow. You made me look very attractive. Cancer was serious enough—you brought out the fun side of me, It was an emotional healing. That's what I needed."
(above left) Tucson Plastic Surgery Foundation's co-founders, board members and Beyond Beautiful patrons Dr. Silvia Kurtovic and Dr. Raman Mahabir, husband/wife surgical team and owners of Tucson Plastic Surgery. (right) Jana photographing Sonia.
Shantel: "I didn't know anyone else with breast cancer. To hear others' individual stories, their struggles, just the opportunity to bond and talk with others going through the same thing—it's not just me that had it. Being pampered was amazing, the photos were amazing! I liked all of it, It truly did make me feel powerful and beautiful again. I would absolutely recommend it to other survivors. This was 100% a well-thought-out event. Ten out of ten I would recommend to a friend."
As the volunteers set about pampering our Queens for a Day the intention was for the survivors to share their stories and journeys with each other to bond in a sisterhood only those who have walked in their moccasins could know. Mission Accomplished!
2023 Beyond Beautiful Gallery
Sonia: "Ever since treatment I haven't felt like myself. When Jana showed me some of the shots I couldn't believe how beautiful they were—the images you captured all look so amazing. Very cool. These are gorgeous. I didn't think I could be beautiful. I couldn't be more grateful to everyone for this experience, all the volunteers were wonderful, very warm and welcoming and caring. Breast cancer sucked, it was a nightmare in my life and this was such a beautiful way to come out of it. And for someone else to see it, to see the photos—I'm valuable."
Sponsor doctors surrounded by pink-sashed survivor/warriors flanked by our gracious volunteers.
(seated, l to r) V., Lynne, Shantel, Dr. Kurtovic, Denise & Sonia.
Back row, l to r) Host Kaiona, makeup artist Deb, hair stylist Josie, (behind) nail stylist Anna Marie, photographer Jana, Dr. Mahabir, photo assistant Tami, appointment manager Debra Anne, Foundation board member Stella Kahn, wardrobe consultant Jennifer, event photographer Elsa & nail stylist Tori (missing board member, Alexis Jefferson).
V.: "This has been one of the best weekends of my life. First time being in a room with others who had breast cancer and I feel so known and encouraged. I felt pampered and cared for. It provided a sense of hope. Everyone was amazing and helpful and caring. [Breast cancer's] been an emotional journey and hard to feel beautiful and this gave me confidence. It's fun to pretend and get to play—the outfits and shoes and jewelry. This was magical!"
(below) The historic luxury Hacienda del Sol and it's impeccable grounds. La Hacienda started in the 1920s as a Western school for well-heeled daughters from Back East, each assigned her own horse when the resort was surrounded by nothing but Sonoran Desert, now full of well-heeled homes in Tucson's beautiful Catalina Foothills.
The resort's 1500 sq ft casita where all salon, wardrobe, hospitality and photoshoot activities took place.
2023 Beyond Boudoir Gallery