Out of the blue, I believe that Flashes of Hope found me. I read a short article in a magazine I had never seen before. It touched me deeply, and I knew immediately that I wanted to find a way to be involved in this organization. It seemed to bring together everything that I...
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Out of the blue, I believe that Flashes of Hope found me. I read a short article in a magazine I had never seen before. It touched me deeply, and I knew immediately that I wanted to find a way to be involved in this organization. It seemed to bring together everything that I had been looking for as a way to give to others. We opened the Baltimore chapter in 2007 and I continue to be energized and humbled by the photo shoot experiences.
I found a way to offer some light to people who may be in the depths of darkness. I wanted to help people realize that even though life can be full of despair, there can be moments that can bring great joy. I have experienced this in my own life, so I understand the importance of it. I understand that it is possible to find beauty and peace, when you think there is none.
Although some people think it is difficult to volunteer for an organization that works with children who have cancer and other life-threatening illness, I do not find this to be true. The smiles, the courage, and the strength that is so apparent in these children and their families is uplifting and inspiring. I will not forget one such girl with just a few wisps of hair on her beautiful head. She was almost defiant in her manner. Her portraits are etched in my memory. She was so young and yet she was full of dignity, power, energy and a palpable force. She would beat this illness that was challenging her life. We can all learn so much from these children.
I am grateful that Flashes of Hope continues to be a source of joy and delight. At a particularly difficult time in my own life, it provides light and direction. Knowing that we make a difference with the experiences we provide and the family treasures we create is a gift that would be hard to duplicate. The extraordinary people within this organization and the ones I meet on each and every shoot enrich my life in ways I never thought possible.