Flashes of Hope
“Flashes of Hope is a nonprofit organization that changes the way children with cancer and other life threatening illnesses see themselves through the gift of photography and raises money for pediatric cancer research. The portraits, taken by award-winning photographers, help children feel better about their changing appearance by celebrating it. For families of terminally ill children, it’s especially important to have a portrait that preserves forever the beauty, grace and dignity of their child.”- That’s their mission statement. It’s a fantastic organization. They print the photos and give the albums to the families. – Here is their website- http://www.flashesofhope.org/
So when I moved to Madison, I looked to see if they have a chapter here and I signed up to volunteer a day for them. That day was last month. It was an emotional experience. I was a bit out of my element with this type of photography, not to mention working with kids. Of course, it’s sad to see kids that are so very sick, but what makes this worth it is to give them and their parents a slight and brief reprieve from the needles and lab tests.
A few days ago I received a very sad email from the chapter coordinator saying that one of the kids, a 17 year old girl, lost her fight with cancer. I think that is the power of this program; that the family will have some beautiful photos of their child. I hope I captured a part of this girl’s personality and spirit and her family sees that in the photos.
Narayan, These pictures are of my 17 year old sweet girl Mattie, and yes she did pass on Saturday the 19th. What a gift you have given us. It is absolutely beyond words. Our hearts are broken in a million little shards, but I am so glad we have these to cherish. Her beauty was just buzzing through to your camera that day, and I stood off to the side watching and weeping. I picked up the package today from the hospital and my heart just took a leap when I saw them again. I am so proud that you are showing her on your website. Thank you, thank you, thank you for what you have captured. Please never stop giving this gift to the families of these children. Again, there just are no words for this kind of gratitude and deep, deep love. My girl, caught in the bloom of her youth, despite the disease that would take her from us. I was wondering if there were more. There seemed to be several you took of her while sitting, and more of her and her brother. Just wondering and wanting to treasure all that you captured. With tremendous gratitude, peace and love. The Aiello family