We can’t believe it has been ten years since the very first Beyond Boobs! calendar model was chosen for our annual A Calendar to Live By! Our calendar is also a health guide in disguise and offers a year of hope and inspiration, along with reminders to put your health first. We are beyond grateful to our generous sponsors, as well as the 100-plus calendar models who have graciously represented BB! and their fellow Boobers! over the years.
During the next several weeks on the blog you will meet the Boobers! who were chosen as calendar models for A Calendar to Live By 2017. You are also hereby invited to join us at the Pink Carpet Gala on Saturday, September 17, as we unveil this year’s calendar. See you there!
By: Jamie McAllister
A call to Riverside Regional Medical Center to find a breast cancer support group put Kristie (Pink Slayer) Fields in
touch with Beyond Boobs! Connecting with BB! lit the spark for her new mission in life – providing resources and encouragement for other women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Kristie lives in Newport News with her husband Jermaine and their three children: Treavor (20), Tierre (19), and Jayla (9). She works as Curriculum Advising and Program Planner at Hampton University. Here she takes a moment to talk about her passion for helping others dealing with a cancer diagnosis, as well as her favorite cartoon fashion icon, Jane Jetson.
What five items would you put in a time capsule to open 10 years from now?
- Family Pictures
- Bible
- Maya Angelou poems
- A letter to myself outlining my goals
- Stationery
If you could be any cartoon character, who would you be? Why?
Jane Jetson because she kept up with the times and was a great wife and mother. She controlled everything with the push of a button. Not to mention she always looked fierce and her fashion was always on point. Also Princess Tiana from Disney’s The Princess and the Frog because she was able to excel even though she had many roadblocks in her way. She was motivated to work hard to achieve her dreams and, as you can see, hard work always pays off.
What is the most daring thing you have ever done?
I don’t remember doing anything daring . . . I do pranks on family but nothing exciting. LOL.
What is guaranteed to always make you smile?
My family.
What does being selected as a calendar model mean to you?
Being a calendar model gives me the platform to educate our society about the importance of EARLY diagnosis of breast cancer, other forms of cancer, and any health issue that can be treated. I have lost so many friends and close family members because of cancer and other medical issues. If they had had proper medical attention from the beginning, it could have saved their lives. It breaks my heart when I see ANYONE suffering in pain because they DIDN’T know there is help out there, even if they don’t have insurance. My goal is to become a certified patient navigator. I also want to do forums in at-risk neighborhoods to get them information about FREE screenings for various medical-related issues. I really want to showcase how Beyond Boobs! brings out the best in all who attend the meetings and participate in events.
I was very good at keeping a smile on my face and making others laugh and feel good about themselves, but my reality was very different. I didn’t know how to channel the pain that I was hiding inside until my first meeting with Beyond Boobs! For the first time since being diagnosed, I felt normal with this lovely group of women. We formed a sisterhood that is stronger than any other support group out there.
What was the most impactful moment of your calendar model photo shoot? It’s realizing this is so much bigger than you. It’s being thankful you can help someone else with your story. Cancer does not discriminate. It affects young, old, rich, and poor. Being proactive in getting the RIGHT information could save so many lives.