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 helps children feel better about their changing appearance by celebrating it. Furthermore it raises money for much needed pediatric cancer research.
This past Sunday I had the opportunity to participate at the Peds in the Weeds Picnic held at St. Paul Woods Forest Preserve in Morton Grove. The event, organized by the Advocate Lutheran General Children’s Hospital and Flashes of Hope, was put on to promote awareness and raise funds for much needed cancer research during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Thanks to many volunteers the grounds were filled with tents, performers and play stations of all sorts. Food, beverages and ice cream were being served in abundance. But above all, there was LOVE, LAUGHTER, JOY, HOPE, STRENGTH, COURAGE and GRATITUDE. Following are the kids and families I had the joy and privilege to photograph during the event.
It was wonderful to see everyone being a true testimony to a saying I recently read by Martin Fischer: “Life is a ticket to the greatest show on earth”. It also reminded me once again that Love and Compassion are amongst the strongest remedies.
Allison Clarke and her husband Kip founded Flashes of Hope during their son’s successful treatment for cancer. The first photo shoot was held in August of 2001 at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio.
The organization’s goal is to photograph every child until every child is cured. Thank you for allowing Marian Kraus Photography being part of that. I also would like to thank my assistant Lindsay Tosto for having kept things organized. And not to forget thank you to the folks from Bizar Entertainment for some fine tunes throughout the afternoon.
Wow. There are some beautiful smiles in this collection! Flashes of Hope must be doing a great job with their mission because, from the little that I can see, this day was full of joy– not illness. I’m glad that there are programs like this and photographers like you documenting the “Great Show” we call life. When people begin to realize that the Truth of life lies in each of our smiles, is encouraged by love and evolves with compassion, we’ll be a little closer to all cures. I’m certain of it.
Wow, Marian. These photos are wonderful! It was such a wonderful event and what a blessing we were paired to work together and meet the families and children we met! God bless.