August is barely here, but breast cancer awareness projects for October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, are already kicking into gear.

One of them — a photo shoot designed to empower survivors and those who have lost loved ones and raise awareness of the disease — is beginning registration next week.

Renee Battle has dreamed up the photo shoot to have images to share on social media for awareness throughout the month of October, she said.

“It’s open to survivors, ladies and gentlemen who have lost someone to breast cancer and people who, like me, are an advocate for breast cancer awareness,” she said. “I think it’s going to be something really, really nice and something different for Suffolk.”

The event will not be a fundraiser, though she’s working on how to incorporate that in future years, Battle said.
“It’s not raising money, but it’s bringing awareness,” she said.

The photo shoot will be held on Sept. 21 at the First Lady, 447 W. Washington St. A meet and greet for all the participants will be held the day before at the fellowship hall of her business, T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home, from 3 to 6 p.m.

There’s no cost for the photo shoot, Battle said, but participants will pay for the matching attire — tutus and bowties — they will wear during the shoot.

In addition, four survivors will be chosen to have their makeup done by a professional makeup artist on the day of the photo shoot.

Those interested can call 539-4861 for more information or register in person at the funeral home, 405 Johnson Ave., from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Registration begins Wednesday and ends Sept. 5.