2015 Creative Cups

Margaret Fox-Jackson, Tara Umland and Linda Calamia

Mardi Gras Bra
I made a quick list of women in my life who are breast cancer survivors. Without having to hesitate, I was able to write down nine names: nine. Tara, Teri, Ann, Denise, Linda S., Connie, Harriet, Penny and Maryann. Nine. Nine amazing women who have had to fight this fight and have done so and continue to do so with an incredible amount of both strength and grace. I dedicate this to them all.

Of course, the one that touches me the most is my daughter, Tara, who was part of the three-person team who created these cups. Tara, who at 34 weeks of pregnancy gave birth to her first and only child, Kiersten who was still born. Tara, who, when her milk came in, was then diagnosed with breast cancer. Tara, who underwent a double mastectomy at the age of 31.

Through it all, she was an inspiration to all. She always has a smile on her face. She continually amazed me to see what a strong young woman she had become. A strong woman amongst the other eight ‘strong sisters,’ she has been able to either look to for inspiration or have them look to her.

I know that it usually is that daughters look up to their mothers, but in my case I have it turned around. I look up to my daughter with so much pride and admiration that it makes my heart swell.