BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – S MODEL MANAGEMENT has collaborated with the Essence of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation to produce a number of promotional photographs and posters to help increase the awareness of Breast Cancer.
'Models in Support of Breast Cancer’ is the name of the project and, according to the agency’ s CEO Suelika N. Creque, the idea surfaced because the agency wanted to be actively involved in Breast Cancer Month.
“ Models cannot only be used for fashion events or in glamour photography, but also in support of worthy causes. Models too can make a difference,” she said.
The ‘ Models in Support of Breast Cancer’ project falls under the agency’ s new initiative MAP.
Creque explained that MAP stands for Models with A Purpose.
“ Models can be used to execute positive messages and be advocates for change. ‘ Models with A Purpose’ is our new initiative within the agency that will spearhead a number of projects in St. Kitts and Nevis, including projects with HIV/AIDS awareness and also projects with the Children’ s Home. This breast cancer initiative is our first project under MAP,” she said.
The CEO said that they were also invited to be a part of the ‘ Race for Life’ Breast Cancer Awareness Walk which will be hosted by Essence of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation on Saturday, October 23.
In terms of ‘ Models in Support of Breast Cancer’ , Creque said she did some research online.
“ I did some research online about breast cancer awareness to learn more about the disease and see what messages can be used in the project to be effective.
“ Some of the photographs will portray the self-examination routine, a friend comforting a friend letting her know there is still hope, and also photographs that show that anyone is at risk for breast cancer.
Breast cancer not only affects the individual but also the family, friends and loved ones. I think by us doing this project we are doing our part in possibly helping to find a cure for the disease and also showing support to those it may have affected by creating awareness,” she said.
Pamela Armstrong-Hendrickson of Essence of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation said that the project was nothing short of genius minds coming together to pull off such creative art work.
“ The photographer and the graphic designer were great in using their talents to execute what needed to be done. I was very, very pleased with the idea of S Model Management wanting to come on board to be a part of this massive campaign that we are on, promoting the awareness of breast cancer across this country and to the Caribbean also around the world.
“ I know the videographer is doing a great story telling on how this all came about and where it will be going. As a collective team, I believe this will be a start of great things to come, and I know this project will get the public’ s involvement,” Hendrickson said.
Hendrickson thinks that the project would be very effective because of the use of local models.
“ I am hoping that by having the models involvement young people can take the seriousness of breast cancer as their way of getting the word out to their loved ones as well as their friends that this affects all of us directly or indirectly.
“ The message that I wanted to see portrayed was that breast cancer has a face and we need to start examining our breasts and getting to know them like any other part of our bodies. Early detection does save lives,” she said.
According to Diego Spanner, Creative Director of Vivid Designs who will be designing the posters, he and his company were honoured to be a part of the project.
“ I must say that it’ s an honour to be a part of such a project. A project which brings forth awareness to the fact that breast cancer and cancer on a whole is a disease that can affect us both mentally and physically, no matter colour, class or race.
“ VD House Inc. supports health and longevity and is proud of S Model Management for taking on this initiative. It’ s the perfect opportunity to let our creativity shout out in the fight against breast cancer,” he said.
Garth Archibald of Archibald Photography was tasked with capturing the solemnity of the effects of breast cancer. He indicated that he knows someone who battled the disease and won.
“ So it really carries a personal weight with me. The shoot was really good! Once Pam had spoken to the ladies about the statistics relating to breast cancer and why she started Essence of Hope, they (models) all slipped into the correct state of mind,” he said.
“ It was also a great help to have Diego of Vivid there to give me a little better direction as to what he was thinking in terms of designing. We were able to visualise from concept to the posed images and all the way to the final product of what needed to be portrayed,” Archibald said.
Creque said that the posters would be posted on popular online media outlets and she is hoping to have some executed around town even after Breast Cancer M onth has ended.
