Inspiration for the New Year

Life Through Lisa’s Lens

Over 20 years ago, there was a young vibrant 29 year-old young lady ready to take on the world and fulfill her life long dream as a fashion photographer. Little did she know that her life was about to take a dramatic turn battling the deadly beast-cancer! After enduring a mastectomy, chemotherapy, stem cell replacement and radiation, Lisa successfully defeated the disease and, after ten years, was declared “cancer free.” But 11 years from her original diagnosis, Lisa was diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer and was given 5 years to live.  She’s proved that prediction wrong and today see is going on 10 years.  Currently, she receives chemo treatments every other week and will always be on some type of treatment.

In the midst of her battle, Lisa has not allowed cancer to thwart her passion for photography. It is deeply rooted in her heart and soul. Upon her initial diagnosis, Lisa’s photography took a shift and has since become a reflection of her deep appreciation for life. “I am in awe while photographing things that people don’t normally look at or appreciate-the little things in life. Everything has an inspirational story behind it no matter what it is,” says Lisa. Each day of her life is a gift and it is through her photography that she is able to find inspiration to keep battling the disease. “We all battle something,” says Lisa. “I just happen to battle cancer. Some battle a loss, others a broken relationship or a disease. Whatever your battle is, hang on to something you love and it will help you uncover a new appreciation. You will be amazed at your bravery.”

Lisa’s love is volunteering and photography which has brought her to where she is today-a very active breast cancer advocate and spokesperson for the Lisa Boccard Breast Cancer Fund-a fund that her brother Vince Boccard (Coral Springs Mayor) and his wife Terry formed in her honor.  With the goal to help provide free mammograms to women who are unable to afford them, the fund has already screened over 1,000 women since its inception in 2003. Of those women, 54 were diagnosed with breast cancer and treated early enough to save their lives.  Lisa’s goal is to raise enough funds to reach as many women as possible-beyond the current service area.

To help with the ongoing fundraising efforts, Lisa’s photography is being sold in the form of note cards. This first ever edition of “Life Through Lisa’s Lens” includes eight note cards each showcasing different photographs taken over the years-some through Lisa’s travels and some in her own backyard. They include scenic photographs, abstract photographs, animals’ expressions, blooming flowers etc.  “When I travel, I am engrossed with taking pictures,” said Lisa. “It allows me to go to a different place-a place of joy, enlightenment and creativity. When I look at my photographs I feel the emotions and I hope others do too.” And to reflect this, each card has a tagline and an inspirational quote that collates with the photograph and its emotion.

The cards come elegantly packaged in a gold box topped off with a bow and the blank cards allows someone to tailor it with a personal message for any occasion.. The cost is $10 and 100% of the proceeds go to the Lisa Boccard Breast Cancer Fund.  Starting the New Year with a series of positive messages is a priceless gift idea. To order cards, call Broward Health Coral Spring’s Community Education Department at 954-344-3344 or order online at www.browardhealth.org/lisaboccardfund

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