The Real Men Wear Pink Campaign is great because breast cancer affects us all: women, men, children, all nationalities and ethnicities.
As a man who wears pink, it’s my chance and opportunity to give back to help bring awareness and help others.
We all have different reasons for giving back to our communities, and our lives lead us to do so in different ways. As a native Phoenician, born and raised here in the Valley, I feel strongly that my place to give back is right here in the place I call home. In 2009 this led me to volunteering for the American Cancer Society.
It’s sad to think that it’s not a question of if but when cancer will touch each of us in some way.
Fortunately, I am a Certified Professional Photographer and own 3 photography related companies. Everardo Keeme Photography, Photo Fusion Studio, and Twelfth Year Senior Portraits, which allows me to give back by donating my time and skills for the benefit of local charities. It is a privilege to use my art to showcase the great work of charities, and the blood, sweat, and tears of all those who participate in their fundraising events.
For the month of October I will be donating a portion of all photography sales to the American Cancer Society. Please join and support me by clicking here.
My journey to being in a place where I have the privilege of giving back was (like most people’s) a bit of a winding road. Having raced bicycles for most of my life, I first pursued sports photography and covering big races such as the Amgen Tour of California and the Tour of Utah. After becoming the photographer of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, things changed again, and my photography business evolved into more Commercial and Event Photography.
Still, no matter how things change, there are common themes that follow us through life. I was raised in my grandmother’s restaurant, and the value of hard work I learned there served me as well when I worked in Fortune 500 corporations as it does now in my own business. Because of her, I understand the hard work and dedication needed to build and maintain a business.
A family is also part of my motivation to work with the American Cancer Society. I’ve lost family members and close friends to cancer, which always makes you re-think life and goals. Sadly, it takes something tragic to remind us, sometimes, just how precious life is.
The most impactful moment, for me, was photographing a family’s last Christmas together. It was a mother in her last months and I documented the family’s last time decorating the Christmas tree together. I can’t even begin to describe the emotions at that moment and then editing and delivering those images to the family.
I’ve been the photographer for several ACS events including Climb to Conquer Cancer, Picnic Under the Stars, and Making Strides Against Cancer. I have made some lasting friendships which I hope continue on. It’s an amazing experience for me to be involved in such a small part. I take pride in knowing the images I take not only help ACS bring awareness to the cause, but also create for the participants and their families a record of their involvement in this important fight. As a community leader for fundraising and awareness, I am proud of my role as “Mr. Pink”.
Your donation will truly help save lives.
Your money helps the American Cancer Society fund groundbreaking breast cancer research, provide free information and support, and help prevent breast cancer and find it earlier when it’s easier to treat. Your donation will truly help save lives.
