Every show needs a warm-up act. For Marilyn Axelrod Burch, it was the Wall of Hope. The 200-foot project features photos of 1,500 California breast cancer survivors. In May, a 100-foot portion showcased 750 Northern California breast cancer survivors at the Churn Creek Road post office in Redding.

Now, she's working on a Mile of photos. "I think people are intrigued by something that big," Axelrod Burch said.

But first she needs 37,500 breast cancer survivors from across the United States for her project, which she hopes to display in Washington, D.C., within three years.

That's why Axelrod Burch, herself a 14-year breast cancer survivor, hosted a recent two-day photo event at Riverview Golf and Country Club in Redding for 50 Redding area breast cancer survivors.

Through the wall, she hopes to heighten awareness about environmental toxins, which she believes contribute to breast cancer.

Originally women were to pay $100 apiece for their session, which included hair and makeup styling, followed by glamour shots. After the 24-package photographs are mailed to the women, each will select one and send it to the project, Axelrod Burch said.

Area organizations, such as Cancer Care Consultants, MD Imaging, North State Cancer Specialty and Mercy Medical Center donated to the cause, although Axelrod Burch would not say how much they contributed. As a result of the donations, the $100-a-person cost was shaved to $30. Hairdressers and makeup consultants also donated their time for the event. Cash donations will be used to continue the project and keep it on the road, Axelrod Burch said.

"Cancer is a problem that we're all trying to solve at the Wall of Hope," Axelrod Burch said.

Breast cancer is the leading cancer in women, according to the American Cancer Society. The society estimates 215,990 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004. In California, 21,860 women will be diagnosed in 2004.

Death rates from breast cancer are slightly higher in Shasta County compared with the rest of California. According to 1999-2000 statistics from Shasta County Public Health, breast cancer death rates in the county are 28.3 per 100,000 women. The state average is 24.5 deaths per 100,000 women.

Alice Slagle beat breast cancer. The 67-year-old Millville woman attended the event with her daughter-in-law, Marta Kane.

Slagle, a three-year breast cancer survivor, closed her eyes and pursed her lips while Rebecca Wilson, a makeup consultant, dabbed them with lipstick. Wilson picked out warm amber shades for the salt-and-pepper haired grandmother. Slagle turned to Kane when the last bit was set.

Fluttering her eyelashes, Slagle turned to Kane. "What do you think?" Slagle said to her daughter-in-law.

"I like it, Alice," Kane responded.

With that, Slagle unfolded her glasses, put them on and looked in the mirror.

"Oh, I like it," Slagle said, gazing at her reflection.

Cindy Zoll also attended the event. The Redding woman was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 34. Now 41, the mother of three sat across from Kaylynn Garland, a Redding makeup consultant who suggested colors to match Zoll's flowing sable-colored hair and dark features.

"I'm open to whatever you think or suggest," said Zoll, who had a breast removed in a Sept. 11, 1998 mastectomy. Later, she opted for reconstructive surgery.

After makeup, the women had their hair styled by one of eight
volunteer hairdressers. Slagle had her hair curled and set. Zoll went for pinning her hair up.

Kelley Sweet, a Los Angeles-based photographer, rummaged through her clothing racks, which included boas, scarves, lame and metallic fabric, coats, hats, netting and more.

"This is kind of like when you go to the fair," Slage said. " You get all dressed up and have your picture taken."

Sweet plucked a cobalt-blue boa from her collection and wrapped it around Slagle.

"Oh, a boa!" Slagle exclaimed. "I'd love a boa."

Add a pearl necklace and clip-on earrings and it was picture time.

"Smile pretty for me," Sweet told Slagle. "Chin this way a little bit."

Each woman had four posed glamour shots. A 24-print photo package will be mailed to them later, Axelrod Burch said. From those photos, the women will select one to go onto the Mile of Survival project.

And even the mile will only represent ¼2nd of all breast cancer survivors in the United States, Axelrod Burch said.

The bottom line of what she wants women to know about the disease: "If you get breast cancer don't let fear run your decision," Axelrod Burch said. "You have to do a little bit of your own research."

Axelrod Burch wants more women to be aware of breast cancer and environmental issues, which she believes contributes to the disease.

"We generally think we have to search for this cure," Axelrod Burch said. "Really, we need to roll back (environmental) processes. ... Drugs are for after you have cancer."

Currents reporter Christy Lochrie can be reached at 225-8309 or at clochrie@redding.com.