MADISON, Wis. — A Waunakee photographer transformed her devastating breast cancer diagnosis into a mission of hope and healing. 

  What You Need To Know

  • Kimberly Arneson's Beautiful Journey Calendar features 12 inspiring women sharing their cancer journeys
  • Proceeds from the calendar benefit UW Health’s Carbone Cancer Center, funding research and resources like wigs
  • The project honors the Aly Wolff Foundation and supports Aly’s Honky Tonk Hustle initiatives 
  • Calendars are available online and at select Wisconsin locations, helping turn Arneson’s vision into life-changing support for cancer patients

Kimberly Arneson, known for her nationally recognized work featured in “People Magazine,” has recently used her photography skills to inspire resilience in others facing similar challenges. 

While undergoing chemotherapy at UW Health, Arneson envisioned a project that combined her artistic talents with her determination to support cancer patients. She said the idea began when she asked herself, “If I don’t feel beautiful, what could I do to make myself feel beautiful?”

Her answer: help others see their own beauty through her lens.  

So she created a calendar, featuring 12 women and their inspiring cancer journeys.

During treatment, Arneson shared her vision with her oncologist, Dr. Marina Sharifi, who admired her strength.

“To find that strength during such a tough treatment regimen and bring joy and love to the situation is just amazing,” Sharifi said. 

The 2025 Beautiful Journey Calendar helped raise $20,000 in just a few weeks, with a goal of $50,000. The funds support research at the UW Carbone Cancer Center and provide cancer patients with complimentary, high-quality wigs through the new positive image salon at UW Health Eastpark Medical Center.

Salon volunteer Sheila Wolff, whose daughter, Aly, died of cancer in 2012, expressed gratitude for the project. It also honors the Aly Wolff Foundation and supports Aly’s Honky Tonk Hustle.  

Wolff called Arneson’s work “a shot of energy and boost we needed.”  

For cancer survivor Greta Casey and patient Megan Ring, Arneson’s project has offered a sense of healing.

“Not only had I walked through that dark valley of terror, but I knew that things could be okay on the other side,” Casey said.

Arneson said she was grateful for the trust patients placed in her and is already preparing for next year’s calendar, continuing her mission of turning pain into purpose — one photograph at a time.

Calendars are available online and in select Wisconsin shops. Learn more at Aly’s Honky Tonk Hustle.

Correction: A previous version of this story misspelled Kimberly Arneson's last name. This error has been corrected. (Dec. 18, 2024)

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