I’ve been working with Keep A Breast for nearly three years now, yet it never ceases to amaze me that every time I am in a room with breast cancer survivors and newly diagnosed women, I feel like it’s my first day! This month I was lucky enough to accompany KAB’s Miss Nixon to her Art Therapy Workshop at The Living Beauty Foundations Retreat to help cast for the Treasured Chest Program. I was engulfed by about 20 of the most beautiful, strong, enlightening women I’ve ever met.

I am always the semi cynical “I don’t cry” girl at Keep A Breast (although those close to me know I’m a big softy), which is why I never expected this day to affect me the way it did. There’s a level of vulnerability in the casting process. The breast cancer journey is written on ones chest in scars and reconstruction. As I casted, these women shared with me every detail, they were proud of their bodies, they were empowered to live and they were present. I will forever remember the people I met and the stories I heard. I laughed, listened, and dang it, even cried, but I wouldn’t trade that day in the desert for the world.

One woman I casted by the name of Ida really made a lasting impression on me. She was so proud of her body and her reality that she wanted to make sure her cast was a true representation of her journey. Upon returning home from the retreat Ida posted on our Facebook,

“The most profoundly empowering experience I have every had. "The Treasured Chest" program lives up to its name, as I will treasure this always. Kayla Kelley did an amazing job casting my breasts for me and we had so much fun doing it! Amanda Nixon is a true treasure herself; beautiful both inside and out, it was a gift to be able to spend time with her. Her words of encouragement brought out my creative "goddess" (despite what the cards had said, lol).” – Ida

Since that day in Joshua Tree I’ve truly listened to the lessons I was taught by each of those inspiring women; to take moments everyday to appreciate my life, to be thankful for those around me and to take on every situation with strength and courage.

Xx
KK