Photographs of the Beautiful People :: Bay Area Photography Fundraiser to Benefit Phin’s Fight

Last month a local family discovered that their 18 month old son had cancer and the news stunned us all.  It was absolutely heartbreaking.  I knew photography was very important to the mom, Krista, so I called to schedule a family session before chemo would start.  Since her son was already stage 4 there was no time for a family session as chemo needed to begin immediately.  Krista instead asked me to come to the hospital because she felt it was important to document his cancer journey.  It was the hardest thing I’ve had to do as a photographer.  I cannot tell you how much strength and courage Phin’s mom has.  I am in awe of her.  She is an inspiration.  I’m totally embarrassed to admit this, but she actually had to hug me when I came into the room because I totally broke down (you all know I’m a bit of a sissy, right?)  And then when I got home I couldn’t sleep for at least four days… but I went again the following week to take more pictures.   And once again I couldn’t sleep for several days.  Each visit was like a kick in the gut, but it didn’t matter.  This wasn’t about me, and I felt compelled to do whatever I could.

So I set up a fundraiser – an afternoon of photography mini sessions with 100% of the net proceeds going to Krista and her family.   I had six wonderful families brave the freezing cold wind to support a local family.  These people were all touch by Phin’s story, and I was so moved by their kind words for the Halligans.  One of the little girls even made Phin a picture to hang in the hospital.  These people are truly special.  They are the beautiful people.   With their help I was able to raise $1,600 for Krista, and it feels empowering!  I strongly encourage all photographers out there to reach out to your community and share your gift.

I cannot cure Phin, but I can help his family raise money so they can focus all of their energy on helping him get better.  The last thing they need to be thinking about is how much their copay will be or how much a nanny will cost.  I hope to get out to their home as soon as Phin is released from his 3rd round of chemo.  It’s my goal to get some family pictures before he goes back in for round 4!

If you would like to read more about the Halligan’s story, please visit Phin’s Fight blog.   And thank you for bearing with me on this super long post.  These happy little faces below ought to make the read well worth it, yes?  Honestly some of the sweetest kids I’ve had the pleasure of working with.  Thanks again to the families who made it out last week.  Your participation is greatly appreciated by me and the Halligan’s.  :)

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I call this the “wow-it-looks-warm-and-glorious-but-it’s-really-cold-and-crazy-windy” session!

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You can see more pictures from our sessions on my Facebook page…. and I would love it if you joined our little group over there!  It’s where all the super cool people hang. ;)