Since 2008 more than 500 Texas Children’s Hospital patients with cancer and other life-limiting disorders have been photographed by Flashes of Hope. The non-profit organization hopes to change the way children with cancer see themselves and it’s doing just that here at Texas Children’s. Now those photographs will be displayed for hundreds of people who visit this year’s Fotofest at The Health Museum.
“We want to document this time together as a family,” said co-founder of the Houston chapter, Amy Spelman.
Professional photographers come to the hospital for the photo shoots and capture smiles to preserve the courage, beauty and dignity of the difficult time in each family’s life. The photographs take focus off of the sickness and bring light to the strength and beauty of a child filled with hope. It’s a chance for the kids to see themselves through a different lens.
In 2001 the parents of a child with cancer started the organization which has now grown to 55 cities across the country including Houston. The photographs are given completely free to the families. The mission, “Flashes of Hope raises funds to accelerate a cure for children’s cancer while honoring the unique life and memories of every child fighting cancer.”
The Fotofest reception on Thursday, March 6, is free and open to everyone. It’s a chance for families and caregivers of patients to come see the photographs. Spelman said there have been instances when the family of a deceased child comes to honor their memory as they view the photos on display.
“I hope they get to see something in their child’s face that maybe they’ve never seen before,” said Spelman.
Perhaps a rare smile captured in a photograph which had been hiding during treatments; a moment in time that will stay with the families and caregivers forever through photos.
The photos will remain on display at The Health Museum until Tuesday, May 6.