Red Bella is committed to making a difference in advancing the research of breast cancer so that great strides will be made in finding a cure.
On January 27th 2014 I lost my cousin Lisa Smith to breast cancer. Lisa was known for her warm smile, her gentle and sharp wit, her passion for supporting and mentoring friends and family. She was a hard working mother who eventually settled in Louisville, KY where she raised her family. Lisa was a role-model to me and someone whom I dearly looked up to. In a statement given shortly before her passing, she wrote:
“In March 2014 I will be a 6 year CANCER SURVIVOR. from the beginning the road was tough but knowing that I have a VERY STRONG support system it makes all my daily struggles worth it. I love having four boys who love me unconditionally. They make every second of every minute of everyday more and more special. My family and friends are the best a girl could ever ask for, they have been there since day 1 and they still show me that genuine love. I love hanging out with family and friends…I love my life and the people in it. I am very BLESSED and very THANKFUL for all my struggles because it shows me just how strong of a woman I am!”
Sadly, Lisa passed away before March of that year. I was so moved by her brave battle, that I decided to use my art to ensure that future diagnoses of breast cancer wouldn’t be as difficult a struggle as Lisa’s was.
After seeing the positive response my graphic novel, I decided that my art might be used to help those whose lives are affected by breast cancer. In memory of my late cousin, I decided to donate 10 percent of the sales from my graphic novel series to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Our mission is to provide the world’s finest graphic novels – written and illustrated to elevate the reader’s perception of what is possible through dedication to the craft of art. In much the same way, I believe we can endeavor with the same fervor we apply to our books in pursuit of advancing, and empowering those who stand on the front lines to protect those susceptible to this onerous disease. It is my mission to support this cause – and Red Bella marks our commitment to breast cancer research through the distribution of our profits. Be it through our book sales, merchandising initiatives, or our online outlet – Redbella.com – we will wage a multi-front effort to support those institutions and clinics staffed with dynamic and dedicated breast cancer researchers making a difference to women like Lisa each every day.
In addition to our fiscal contributions, we also intend to bring awareness of the cause through the incorporation of breast cancer-based narratives throughout the storyline of Red Bella. Our protagonist, Elena Artella Rossalini, is twenty-something and a proud Italian woman. When she’s not at her depressing day job working as a paralegal for a corrupt law firm, she is consumed by her desire to destroy those who she feels will not be brought to justice in the legal system. Elena aims to save the world from evil while driving her Alfa Romeo. In the process of her adventures, she looses her mother to breast cancer. The storyline will help the reader understand the severity of struggling with this disease through artistic creativity laced with the realism which, will tug at the heartstrings of the most stoic Red Bella enthusiast.
In this way, we remain focused, energized and diligent in our efforts. I understand that it is unlikely that any individual effort with directly result in a cure – but I cannot go another day without trying. Even if we can make the smallest difference in this global crises, we ask that you purchase our products not just for your enjoyment but so that we can together help women who are fighting the greatest battle of their lives.
Bryant Bridgewaters
Founder
