As Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins on October 1, many families in Ann Arbor pause to remember those who they love whose courage has shaped their lives. For us at Scanthology, that reflection often starts with something simple: a box of photos on a closet shelf, a handwritten letter, a saved voicemail, a home movie on an old tape. Those everyday keepsakes carry extraordinary stories.
We’ve learned that preservation is more than protecting paper or pixels—it’s a way to honor the people behind them. When we safeguard a loved one’s images and words, we make it easier for future generations to know their strength, hear their laughter, and feel their love.
Why preservation matters—especially now
- Memory as legacy: Saving and sharing photos and recordings keeps a loved one’s influence alive in family milestones yet to come.
- Connection across generations: Grandchildren and great-grandchildren deserve more than names and dates; they deserve the faces, voices, and stories that make those names real.
- Peace of mind: Organizing and digitizing fragile items reduces the risk of loss and gives families a single, easy place to revisit what matters.
A personal reflection
For me, this work is personal. My grandmother passed away from cancer when I was in grade school. Though my time with her was brief, uncovering and digitizing her photos has given me a way to keep her memory alive. Even family members who never really knew her can now see her smile, learn her story, and feel her presence. That experience is a daily reminder of why this work matters: preservation honors lives and ensures their stories continue to be part of our families.
Gentle ways to honor a loved one this month
You don’t have to do everything at once. A few small steps can mean a lot:
- Choose five favorites. Pick five photos that capture your loved one’s personality. Jot a few lines about each—who’s pictured, where, and why it matters.
- Record a story. Use your phone to record a two-minute memory. Don’t worry about being perfect; your voice and details are the gift.
- Save handwriting. Scan or photograph a meaningful card or letter so everyone in the family can keep a copy.
- Rescue a home movie. If you have tapes or film you can’t play anymore, set them aside in a clearly labeled bag or box so they’re ready to be digitized.
- Create a simple share. Drop your favorites into a shared album so distant relatives can add their memories, too.
This month, as we honor the fighters, celebrate the survivors, and remember those we’ve lost, let’s also honor their stories. Small acts of preservation—whether choosing a handful of photos or recording a memory—are powerful tributes that keep loved ones close for generations to come.
