Beyond Boobs!

The 2011 Beyond Boobs Breast Cancer Awareness Calendar

The 2010 “A Calendar to Live By”

The 2009 “A Calendar to Live By” won the Gold Award for Best Non-Profit by the Calendar Marketing Association 2009 National and World Calendar Awards!

Rachel Kemble, owner of Denver’s Rachel Kemble Photography, wants to change the way you think about breast cancer. Kemble has joined forces with Beyond Boobs, a Virginia-based support group for pre-menopausal breast cancer survivors dedicated to shifting the conversation about breast cancer from awareness to taking action for breast health.

Earlier in 2008, Kemble was selected to photograph young breast cancer survivors and those living with the disease for the organization’s 2009 A Calendar to Live By. The calendar is a a breast health manual for young women and the people who love them, with information on all aspects of breast health, including risk factors, instructions for self-examination, and the benefits of early detection.

According to Kemble the calendar is a way to get this information into the lives of young women. “Women in their early 20s aren’t generally encouraged to examine themselves or to be aware of the risks. They’re told all about contraception and STDs, but breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in women between 15 and 54, and there isn’t enough information out there geared toward this age group.”

Mary Beth Gibson, co-founder of Beyond Boobs and a breast cancer survivor says, “Rachel is fun and engaging. She captured the true spirit and essence of this year’s ‘calendar girls,’ and it is through her photography that they speak their messages of love, life, and hope.”

Kemble interviewed each calendar girl to connect with them on a personal level, and was then able to capture them in their natural elements and help them tell their stories through the photos. “I was really inspired by the way these women used humor to get through difficult times. They were energetic and lively, and approached this challenge with a joy and toughness that touched me. It’s been a privilege to help them tell their stories.”

Rachel Kemble is a Denver based photographer specializing in unique, on-location maternity and birthing shots, and photos of infants, children and teens. She can be reached by phone at 303.828.7257 or email at rachel@rachelkemble.com.