North Carolina Triangle
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A few years ago, I was staying at the Ronald McDonalds House in Long Island, NY with my nephew who was undergoing a specialty surgery. I was amazed at the wonderful volunteers that ran the House and decided then and there that I wanted to do something to give back to the community. ... { more }

A few years ago, I was staying at the Ronald McDonalds House in Long Island, NY with my nephew who was undergoing a specialty surgery. I was amazed at the wonderful volunteers that ran the House and decided then and there that I wanted to do something to give back to the community. Then one morning in 2006 while getting ready for work, I learned about the wonderful work of Flashes of Hope and it was like a lightning bolt hit me and I knew this is what I wanted to do. I recruited one of my best friends, Nancy Padgett, and we went to a Flashes of Hope, photo shoot in Atlanta to learn more about the program. When we left Atlanta, there was no question that we were meant to bring this program to NC Children's Hospital in Chapel Hill. Six months later, Flashes of Hope, at NC Children's Hospital, had its first photo shoot in May, 2007. Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting such wonderful kids and their families and am amazed at how much they stick with me…..the child laughing at the silly photographer, the child dressing up their IV pole and giving them names, "feeling gorgeous" even in the lovely yellow hospital gown, and the quietness and bravery that the pictures show. Flashes of Hope gives the families a timeless photo showing the child and family their courage and strength during a tough time, but the families give back to me so much more…..I love it!