A Book That Helps Women Cancer Patients

Photography Captures the Determination of Cancer Survivors

by Jill Weinlein

It all began with a brave woman named Gayle. She recently had recovered from a mastectomy and bone marrow transplant. Feeling healthy and in remission, she contacted professional photographer and retired registered nurse Lesley Daley for a photo session.

They draped a silky, flowered material over Gayle's shoulders and with a black marker wrote Survivor above Gayle's heart. The photo was given to family, friends, and the doctor who saved Gayle's life. It also hangs above her fireplace mantle as a constant reminder of her good fortune to be alive.

Little did Lesley know that cancer would strike Jim, her 35-year-old husband, one year later. When his doctor diagnosed him with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Lesley, an oncology nurse, knew he would undergo six months of radiation and chemotherapy. He would lose his hair, but hopefully not his spirit. They became obsessed with reading every book about the disease, but most were too technical and boring. She felt terrified and too young to face cancer alone. Then Lesley remembered the strength of Gayle and realized she could express her emotions through photographic portraits.

She decided to photograph women who were undergoing cancer treatment or were recently in remission. Each frame she took captured the beauty and determination in the women. She journaled their stories and created an inspirational book filled with 37 photos and stories of cancer survivors. All live each day to its fullest, hence the title of Lesley's book: Goddesses Don't Buy Green Bananas. These women don't have time to wait for fruit to ripen; they want to enjoy the sweet taste today. I met Lesley through my sister-in-law Eliane who is a breast cancer survivor. Lesley photographed Eliane dressed and dancing Flamenco-style. Eliane's passion is dance. When her soul is desperate, the music and movements of dance help her find peace.

In the book you will also meet a 24-year-old diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of seventeen. Cancer helped her face her fears. Afraid of the ocean, she learned to surf. Today she is married to a professional surfer and they operate a surf camp. You'll meet Holly, who believes cancer is a wakeup call, not a death sentence. Her daughter was only five-years-old when Holly was diagnosed with cancer. She fought hard during and after a full mastectomy, chemo, and radiation, not wanting her daughter to grow up without a mom. Survival became the most important goal in life.

Lesley decided to self-publish her book. She held two fund raising parties. The Ventura community was enthusiastic about her cause, and opened their doors and pocketbooks to help her raise money.

She donated 50 copies of her insightful book to the Ventura Cancer Center to be given to new cancer patients seeking hope. "The women I photographed live inside me and I am much stronger for knowing each of them," states Lesley. She attends their support groups, speaks at cancer functions, and holds their hands when they are receiving chemotherapy.

People have generously helped her and her husband through their ordeal. Jim is now three years in remission and feeling great. To order a copy of this book call Lesley directly at (805) 216-9166 or go to www.Goddessbook.com.