Directors

Ila Coretti

I came to FOH, with a background in photography. After having gone through the cancer battle with my young son, I read about the organization in Parade magazine and immediately wanted to get involved.

When I see a child and they are photographed for the first time, sometimes they are a little shy at first, but after a few minutes you see a little smile sneak in, then it turns into a big smile or a silly face. Then you see the parents reaction, seeing their kids, be a kid in front of the camera, doing what kids do.

One of my favorite memories takes place at the hospital holiday parties and summer picnics that we photograph. There are a group of teenagers, that met when they were first diagnosed as children with cancer. Through the years they have all remained close and they will always have a group shot taken together. They have been through so much, remissions, relapses, it's important that they have these photos.

I used to be surprised when people would ask me " Why would anyone want photos from when their child was sick?" After having been through this with my own son, I am so glad that I have the photos that I took, I still have his smile to look at. Currently, I live outside of Chicago with my husband, 2 sons and 2 crazy dogs.