May 5, 2016 by HughE Dillon

Take the #tealbutterflychallenge– National Ovarian Cancer Day is May 8
But the #tealbutterflychallenge runs until June 21

I’m very proud of my sister Janine DeFeo for creating a campaign that will save a life. #tealbutterflychallenge

It began with this photo below, my sister Judy Dillon Wilkins, on the far left, had been diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in the Spring of 2008. After several rounds of chemo, Judy, my sisters and her daughter Colleen Wilkins (r) went on a long weekend trip to the Smokey Mountains for a getaway where they took this photo of the first “awareness butterfly” in the Spring of 2009. #tealbutterflychallenge

Judy lost her battle with Ovarian Cancer in November 2009.

#tealbutterflychallenge

My sister Janine DeFeo, who lives in Charlotte NC wanted to do something. She got together with her friend

#tealbutterflychallenge

Amy Roberts, who’s aunt had passed away from Ovarian Cancer, and created the #tealbutterflychallenge

Which runs from the first day of Spring til the last day, June 21 and is very simple to do, yet profound in getting the message of awareness out.

#tealbutterflychallenge

It’s simple:
*Paint your nails TEAL
*Make a butterfly symbol by interlocking your thumbs
*Take a photo or a video and post on social media (#tealbutterflychallenge #ovariancancerawareness)
*Challenge 10 of your friends to do the same

#tealbutterflychallenge

It’s to raise awareness because many women might not know the symptoms

#tealbutterflychallenge

It’s easy to Take The Teal Butterfly Challenge

#tealbutterflychallenge

Former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ryne Robinson

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#tealbutterflychallenge

go buy a bottle of teal nail polish, in fact buy 2 and tell a friend

USA Hockey National Sled Development Team (Custom)

Ovarian Cancer did not define my sister but it certainly has altered my life. We will continue to spread awareness until we see a change, not for us but for our girls, the future generation because they deserve better #tealbutterflychallenge Janine DeFeo

Philadelphia

Photos: Tara Lessard and Friends Gather in the Intention Circle to Say F*CK Cancer

January 12, 2016 by HughE Dillon

What a great day on Sunday when friends and family gathered to support and share love with Tara Lessard, who is winning the battle against Ovarian Cancer, which she was diagnosed with in the fall. You may know Tara as the talented photographer who photographs many of the events in the Philly GLBTQ community with her company Freedom G Philly, and has also photographed for this blog as well.

Over 100 people gathered in the William Way Ballroom the first sunny Sunday afternoon in the new year, harnessing their energies and focusing them on Tara Lessard (l-r Patrick Hagerty, and Tara’s parents and friend) in a room where the chairs were placed in a circle.

Spotted sharing their energies in the “intention circle” were Sen Brian Sims and Chris Bartlett, executive director of the William Way Center .

The idea of a community “Healthy Day” came from her friend, Diane Matkowski (c), who owns Freedom Massage. She wanted Tara’s friends to come and share their good energy with Tara, give her lots of hugs, and raise much needed funds for her day to day care. The Freedom Massage team including Sara and Jessica, taught the basics of massage, as well as donated free 10 minute chair massages.

There was an impressive silent auction with items, gift cards and services, which also raised funds.

Deja Lynn Alvarez, a transgender advocate with GALAEI and Mazzoni Center and filmmaker Kelly Burkhardt.

There was a lot of love and support in the room

You can help Tara Lessard fight her battle with Ovarian Cancer.

DONATE HERE

Sara Kelly, Fran Cortez, Amy Perez, Kelly Burkhardt and Sammie Munsch

Philly’s hottest drag king performed – JIMMYTWOFINGAS!

All the tips that were thrown in the middle of the floor were donated to Tara’s fund.

Yogi Marcy Mackay has traveled around the world three times in a “bikini” with The BEACH BOYS. In her travels she has studied with some of the best
yoga instructors in the world. She chatted about her experience
with Yoga and how it has changed her life and sense of well-being with the intention circle.

Yogi Dawn Smelser Director of Motherheart Studio in Fishtown was also on hand; she discussed her breath/meditation exercises. She has studied in India and is
a huge ICON in the wellness community.

I had to leave to shoot another event, but I found this photo that Diane Matkowski‎ took with Tara Lessard and her friends who attended the event.