Madison Reporter

A new calendar project aims to support patients and research at UW Health's Carbone Cancer Center. Titled "A Beautiful Journey," the calendar was photographed by Kim Arneson, a local photographer who has also been diagnosed with cancer. The project features Arneson and 11 other women, all of whom have received a cancer diagnosis. The images capture how these women perceive themselves during their treatment journey.

"The goal really was to capture one image of each model where they felt beautiful in a not-so-beautiful journey," said Arneson, owner of KJay Photos in Waunakee.

Arneson conceived the idea after her own diagnosis in August 2024. She wanted to provide a sense of beauty and confidence to herself and others facing similar challenges while raising funds for research aimed at improving treatments and patient care.

"I thought, ‘What could I do for myself to make myself feel beautiful? How could I give that same feeling to other cancer patients?’" she recalled.

The calendar is a fundraising effort for the Carbone Cancer Center in collaboration with the Aly Wolff Foundation. This foundation supports research at Carbone and provides wigs for cancer patients. It was established in memory of Aly Wolff, who died from neuroendocrine cancer in 2013. The foundation has raised over $1.6 million through events like their annual Honky Tonk Hustle run, scheduled this year for May 31.

Models were primarily recruited through word of mouth, allowing Arneson to quickly photograph them and complete the calendar layout ahead of its promotion at a fundraiser event last November.

"I had two weeks to get everyone photographed and get everything together," she said. "I was going through chemo, 10 of the 12 models were in treatment, not only did I have to feel good but they also had to feel good for a photoshoot."

Each photograph reflects the model's input on how they wish to be portrayed, highlighting themes of beauty and strength despite adversity. For instance, Arneson's own photo shows her partially removing her wig as a nod to hair loss from chemotherapy.

"Every pose in there has an impactful meaning," she said.

The calendar includes QR codes linking viewers to personal essays by each model about their experiences with cancer and finding hope during difficult times.

"This is an uplifting calendar. We hope to inspire others," she said. "Early on, I had someone say, ‘oh a calendar with cancer patients, that’s a sad calendar.’ No, it’s not a sad calendar. It’s about positivity and inspiring people 365 days a year."

The production costs were covered by donations from commercial printer Suttle-Straus and labor contributions from UPS's Waunakee office, ensuring more proceeds go towards funding research and supporting hospital services like the wig salon.

Calendars can be ordered online via the Aly Wolff Foundation website or purchased locally at several venues including UW Health gift shops at Eastpark Medical Center and University Hospital; Simply Unique Boutique; Waunakee Chamber of Commerce; Hello Gorgeous Salon; MnMs Café; Waunakee UPS Store; and McFarland Café.