I had the AMAZING opportunity to photograph for Flashes of Hope Chicago, which is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to raising awareness and money for pediatric cancer patients by photographing the patients and their families. We make them feel like movie stars – do their makeup, hair, and listen to music while prepping for the shoot in the hospitals. They need to know they are so beautiful. Here is a passage from the Flashes of Hope website…

“We are honored to be there to capture those smiles and forever preserve images of courage, beauty and dignity.

By focusing on the child, we put cancer in the background. Volunteer stylists make every child feel special before they step in front of the camera with family, friends and often, a favorite nurse. A routine day quickly turns into a celebration of the love that surrounds them.

Every year, we provide free portrait packages to 7,000 children in 55 cities across the country. Each family is presented with framed enlargements, proofs and a CD of all the images. The portraits help the children see themselves in a new light. The images are not of sick kids, but of strong and beautiful children filled with hope.”

Check out their website here. 

However, I was able to act as a candid photographer for a fundraising event for Bear Necessities which is an organization dedicated to providing hope and support to those who are effected by pediatric cancer. Here is their website. This event had great food, crafts, and games for all of the children and families there. It was held at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Lincoln Park, Chicago. I was was amazed at how strong the parents of these children were, and even more touched by how incredibly strong each of these children were. Take a look at my some of my favorite photos….