Images of strength: "Alaskans in Pink" exhibition depicts cancer survivors

Sometimes actions speak louder than words. That's the theme of 12 black-and-white photographs on display at Valley Hospital -- "Invisible support, one act at a time."

Through a project produced by Alaska-based Affinity Films and funded by proceeds from the Alaska Run for Women, the display honors people whose lives have been changed by breast cancer in Alaska, along with those who have used the opportunity to reach out to others.

Two Valley residents are part of the display -- longtime Valley resident Katie Hurley, a 14-year survivor of breast cancer, and Aubrey Burts of Palmer, who is taking charge to combat a legacy of breast cancer concerns from both sides of her family.

According to information at the exhibit, each person depicted in the 12 portraits was nominated by a mother, a patient, a colleague or friend who "thinks he or she is doing a terrific job and wants the world to know it."

When the nominations were selected, the subjects were matched up with Alaska photographers who volunteered their time and skills to the project. The only guidelines for the portraits were that the final image be black and white, and include a pink ribbon, the universally accepted symbol of breast cancer awareness.

Under each photo is a quotation from the nominating party telling how the person touched their life.

For more information about the program, visit Affinity Films' Web site at www.betweenus.org.

"Her maternal grandmother, mother and aunt all had 'suspicious findings' on mammograms and consequent biopsies. Her paternal grandmother had a double mastectomy. Doctors say we'll watch, wait and see. As she begins to need her first bra, we talk. We channel our fears into activism …"

-- Janet Burts, mother

"The day after my surgery, I awoke in my hospital bed to find Dr. Manuel standing in my room at 6:30 in the morning. I was amazed he was there so early. He's very compassionate and -- this is important -- he's nonjudgemental. There is a lot of politics surrounding the issue of breast cancer; a lot of people will try and tell you what you should do. Early on, I made an educated decision about the treatment plan I wanted to pursue. I encountered doctors who offered resistance to my plan. The moment I met Dr. Manuel, I felt a sigh of relief. He never told me what to do. He plainly and clearly covered my options. He and his staff were very forthright in going over those options and in showing me graphic photos of what was/was not possible through plastic surgery. He takes the time to talk with you about everything; he's not an in/out of the room kind of doctor. In my case, I felt I needed extra hospitalization since I lost a lot of blood during the surgery … I remember him clearly telling me to 'stay as long as you like. Don't let them rush you.'"

-- A former patient

Nomination for Katie Hurley

"Katie, 81, is a 14-year survivor whose life, post-cancer, continues to be devoted to public service. She is adamant about not relying on mammograms as the only source of detection. She is living proof that early detection can allow a woman to experience the joys of the golden years. Currently she sits on the State Judicial Council and on the board of Matanuska Telephone Association. She plays the organ every Sunday at the Episcopal Church in Wasilla and gives speeches to various groups about Alaska history and politics. Two years ago, she was the winner in her age group of the Alaska Run for Women."