Champion of Change: Lori Grice by Casey Jones anchor Savannah ABC affiliate WJCL

If you have ever been told you have cancer, you know it can be a devastating diagnosis. Early detection is often the key to beating the disease.  A cancer survivor takes a stand to save lives and prevent women from going through the pain and heartbreak she experienced.  We find this Champion of Change in Statesboro.

Master photographer Lori Grice captures moments in time inside her Statesboro studio.  “I know people think I’m crazy, but I think cancer is the best thing that ever happened to me,” explained Lori. “It gives you a clarity that you never had before. You see what things are important and what things really don’t matter at all.”  In 2002, with her daughter, Edie Grace, just 14-months old, Lori learned she had cervical cancer.  Fears about her daughter never knowing her mother went away after doctors removed the tumor; however, that eventually included a hysterectomy. Her journey led Lori to create The Healing Art Collection. These images inspire, encourage and comfort cancer patients through the dark days of diagnosis and treatment. A portion of the money raised from the sale of these prints goes to the American Cancer Society.

“She is so well known for her photography, and she uses it in a way to help others,“ explained Kay Nay with the Bulloch County chapter of the American Society. “Not just because it’s a job she does, but I know it’s a job she loves to do.”  Lori’s voice as an advocate became louder after learning vaccinations to prevent 70-percent of all cervical cancers caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus were not being used.   “This is one chance– the first time in history that a cancer can be stopped,” said Grice, “and people are fighting it? I just don’t understand it. It’s not making sense to me.”

The objections were mainly moral concerns over whether this vaccine promotes sexual promiscuity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the HPV vaccine for girls ages 11-12 and can be given to girls as young as nine. That’s the age Lori and her husband, DeWayne, plan to have their daughter vaccinated.  “I tell people all the time she can walk the aisle at her wedding in the whitest of white dresses, pure lily white, but marry a guy who hasn’t made the same choices that she has and dies seven years later from cervical cancer,” said Lori. “In that case, how would I have made the best decision for her as her mom?”

Lori and DeWayne Grice even produced a poster at their own expense promoting the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer screenings.  “If this was a vaccine for prostate cancer, you’d have to call in the National Guard because men would be crawling over each other to be first in line before the shots run out,” said Lori. “Then why wouldn’t women want to protect themselves like men want to.”  During the summer, Lori marked five years of being cancer free.

She urges every mom to have a conversation with their pediatrician or family doctor about the HPV vaccine to learn all the information and get the facts.

The Healing Art Collection

Second Series released…

Lori and her Healing Art line has been featured in several regional publications, Mid Morning Live with Sonny and Jody on WTOC TV and FOX’s AM Live in Savannah. Most recently the WJCL TV named Lori a “Champion of Change” for her cancer advocacy work.  Contact Lori today if you would like for her to share this amazing story of her creative rebirth after her victory over cancer with your church, or civic club. Enjoy a recent article in the Statesboro Herald featuring Lori’s amazing story click here. Art can be very healing if you allow it to be. Cancer survivor and Master Photographer Lori Grice will take you on a healing journey through the lens of her camera as she creates some of the most amazing art pieces you will ever discover. Before the cancer, Lori and her husband DeWayne traveled on a 12 year journey to finally become blessed with the birth of their first and only child, Edie Grace. Things happen miraculously in Lori’s life. She learned of her conception on their twelfth anniversary. The next nine months, and the delivery, proved to be some of the most challenging days in her life. Then the diagnosis of advanced cervical cancer a little over a year after Edie Grace’s birth. Through the physical battles for Edie Grace and the fight of cancer, Lori has had a creative rebirth. Her work has become internationally recognized and sought after, through client assignments, wonderful press, and awards including being named by the Professional Photographers of America as International Photographer of the Year. The collection challenges you to sit back, and allow your mind and body to escape in the beauty of Lori’s “Healing Art”. Each Healing art collection includes a brochure with a brief description of the mental preparation and the personal power of each piece. Lori’s hope is that her work will inspire you and motivate you, to follow in her footsteps, and conquer any challenge in your life, physical or mental. Because of your support in purchasing Lori’s art, you are also joining the battle against cancer. A percentage of the profit from every art piece sold of the “Healing Art” collection will go directly to the American Cancer Society. The power of this collection is meant to be shared. Please consider purchasing additional pieces for your office, co-workers, clients, family and friends, and share with them the power of Lori Grice’s “Healing Art”. Thank you for your support and for helping spread the word about the power of Lori’s inspiring journey and this incredible “Healing Art” collection. To order or learn more about the collection email Lori click here or call her at 912-764-7274.