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What is The Littlest Heroes Project? Let me quote a piece from their website:
“The Littlest Heroes Project is a non-profit based organization made up of professional photographers nationwide that provide free photo sessions to our nations Littlest Heroes. This is their way of giving back and taking a stand for these children who sometimes feel forgotten because of their illnesses. We are here to let them know that they are heroes to many, and to share their inspirational stories and photos with the world.
If you have a child, or know a child, who suffers from any type of serious illness we are here to help. The Littlest Heroes Project provides you with a complimentary photo shoot for your hero and family … Super Sibs and the Brave Parents are welcome to participate in the session as well!
Eligibility for the project: Any child or young person (Infant-21) that is currently fighting or has fought or suffers from any of the following: Autism, Alopecia, AIDS, Bell’s Palsy, Cancer,Chiari Malformation,Cystic Fibrosis, Cerebral Palsy, CHD,Childhood Stroke, Servere Diabetes, Down Syndrome, HIV,Immune System disorders and diseases, Kidney Disease, Muscular Dystrophy, Neurocutaneous Syndromes, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Shaken Baby Syndrome, Sickle Cell Anemia, Spina Bifida, Tay-Sachs Disease
(If your child’s illness is not listed and you are interested, please e-mail [email protected] … This is just a basic list of illnesses of children we have already photographed!) “
I first heard of this project through a flickr contact of mine, Felicia Reinhard (I’d encourage you to go check her profile out. Her own story is very heartfelt and encouraging. She is such a beautiful young lady).
I visited their website (http://www.littlestheroesproject.org/) and was reduced to humble tears as I read the testimonies and trials of families who’s lives have been forever altered by disease and sickness, many of which I’d never even heard of. As a parent of two young ones myself, I found it unbeliveably heartbreaking and agonising to even imagine myself in their position.
I can’t recall the amount of times I have looked apon my life, wishing I was smarter at this, or better at that, as pretty as her, as outgoing as him etc etc. I’m sure you know what I mean – we’ve all been there (if you haven’t, I wish I was more like you…. 🙂 ). And perhaps it’s a stereotypical response, but as I read through the stories of these children and their families, I felt so selfish and guilty. Who am I to complain about my life. At his point in time I have everything I could ever want.
It was a pretty easy decision for me to volunteer as a photographer for this organisation. I don’t always feel like I’m the best photographer in the world (actually, I rarely do, but we won’t go there again lol) but I do know there are lives that can be touched with what I have to offer. How often do we get that opportunity in life.
So if you have a child, or know of one, that is affected by any of the illnesses mentioned above, please contact me via the contact button at the top of this page. It would be my pleasure to organise a complimentary photo session for you. It’s the least I can do.
And please check out The Littlest Heroes Project webpage (linked above, or under my links button at the top of the page) if you are after more information.
Narrelle x