Brides Against Breast Cancer August 19, 2007

I’m sure anyone who has followed TTD has seen a fair share of posts asking why Brides don’t donate their dresses to a charitable cause, such as www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.com. With the fanfare that the organization is receiving on TTD, I decided that maybe we should learn more about them, and I’m glad I did. Since we at TTD are interested in creating memories- not destroying them, I was excited to learn that their mission is very similar, in fact- they own the website www.makingmemories.org.

I had the opportunity to talk to Fran Hansen, National Director and Co-Founder of the organization. After we had a chuckle over some of the misconceptions (like how the media hypes us up as destroyers of Vera Wang, when in fact we’ve never featured a Vera Wang on the site as far as I know) we had a great conversation. I explained that we are really about creating great art and memories for brides who want a little more non-traditional photo shoot. I explained that our goal isn’t to destroy the wedding dress- but to create an experience where the bride (and groom) can have a fun filled shoot without having to worry about getting the dress a little dirty or wet. Then, I listened to what Brides Against Breast Cancer is all about- and I was intrigued for the next 15-20 minutes. This is truly a great organization, and I now see why the supporters are passionate about it.

For those who aren’t familiar with the organization, you should check out their “about us” page as soon as possible. Basically, they sell donated wedding dresses at huge gatherings across the country- then use the money to help terminally ill cancer patients fulfill their wishes. This desription comes from their website:

It is our intention to “make a difference” in the lives of those suffering from this devastating disease. Our wish-granting service helps put the realities of this terminal illness aside, if just for a few days, while providing the opportunity for a family to spend quality time together. Our hope is that every metastatic breast cancer patient will be able to pass from this world comforted with the joy of having left his or her family a final beautiful memory—something the family will look back on and remember for a lifetime.

This organization is making a powerful difference in people’s lives, and we want to help any way we can. I asked Fran what she thought about some of the suggestions we’ve received, such as donating dresses to the organization after a TTD photoshoot (assuming that the dress only saw minimal exposure to water or dirt). I admitted that I almost felt like doing so would be like offering something of no value to her organization (after all, it was used for a Trash the Dress session- why would anyone want that, right?). Fran assured me that many of the dresses they receive are fairly dirty upon receipt- from wine, food, and dirt stains. She told me that 90% of the dresses clean with no signs that the stains ever existed. The only time a dress can’t be recovered is if the fabric or beading is scratched- but she said they have a use for those dresses as well. If the dress is beyond repair, the fabric can be used to make quilts, which also bring in revenue for the organization. Fran highly recommends that Brides send in their dresses, even after a TTD shoot, if she is willing to part with it.

Of course, in addition to letting TTD brides know about this option, there are many more ways we can help. They take monetary donations. They accept donations of all sorts- including dresses, jewelry, and other items. Even if you follow the blog, but aren’t interested in a TTD shoot- we highly recommend that you consider donating your dress if you don’t have plans to use it as a family heirloom.

I encourage our Photographers and Videographers to get involved with this organization as well. We have, without question, some of the most talented Photographers and Videographers in the world on this website. I’m thankful for the giving spirit that each of you have brought to the website- allowing us to show your images (even before the media hype), in a display of what can be accomplished when artists put aside their egos for a common cause. Because of your willingness to share, you’ve inspired others- both Brides and Photographers. Now, we have a chance to take it to the next level. Imagine what we could do with our talent as well as our monetary donations. We, as artists, know the power of visual art such as photography and videography. What would happen if we used the talent that we’ve been blessed with to help create documentaries for the terminally ill patients and their families. Not only would the families have something special to cherish, but with their permission- their story could be told through your work to help inspire others to give to such a great cause.

I’ll be the first to start. After all, I’m in this business to help make memories. I can’t imagine a better opportunity to do that than with a family who won’t have the possibility to make memories as the days, months, and years fade away.