Hence, Gayler Axelrod utilized her communications training and experience from working with a photography company to launch the Wall of Hope project. The photo events, which garner the portraits of survivors, also raise money to finance the wall and other organizations dedicated to eliminating cancer. Furthermore, survivors earn a spot on the Wall of Hope, and special attention from make-up and hair artists and photographers. For survivors, the Wall of Hope represents more than just their involvement with the disease. Participants choose from glamorous wraps and jewelry available at the event, and they pose for five separate portraits.
Survivors select their favorite pose for the wall.
Although Gayler Axelrod has been pleased to raise awareness about breast cancer by continually expanding the Wall of Hope, she said she is alarmed by the significance behind the wall's growth. This wall is about hope, but unfortunately the flip side is how scary the disease is. She hopes to extend the Wall of Hope project to other states, so that one day it becomes a national icon.