mini sessions for cancer

In July 2016, my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer.

In the fall of 2016, he was declared "cancer-free."

Then, in January 2017, it was back.

By April 4, we learned it had spread.

By April 17, I was finally able to convince my dad that the treatment he needed could be covered in cost through fundraising and donations--an idea he hated the thought of, but allowed me to move forward with.

For three weeks, I conducted mini sessions in the evenings and on the weekends, in an effort to raise nearly $40,000 for my dad's treatments. We also held an auction. We also flat out groveled.

I had over 30 families participate in this mini session fundraising and take me up on my offer. I asked for a minimum of $50 to go toward my dad's fund--overall, those families gave over $3,000.

And on a larger scale, my dad's community of people--his friends, his family, and perfect total strangers--collectively raised over $28,000 in just a few weeks.

Unfortunately, we never had a chance to fight for that last $12,000--my beloved dad passed away on May 28, 2017.

Pardon the language but, um, #fuckcancer.

I never really posted any of these images as I completed them because I was editing them while in the hospital with my dad. There was a sense of urgency to complete them before I had a chance to actually market them.

So tonight, as I edited the very last session from those minis, I took the time to pick a few favorites to share here.

I am so thankful for this community. All of the people who came out for this cause hold a place in my heart--thank you for your donations. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your cards. Thank you for your love.

It has been exactly two months since my dad passed away. And even though we are slowly (very, very slowly) starting to adjust to a new normal, it feels like it has been years since I have heard his voice, or spoken to him. I miss him even more than I ever imagined I would and--at times--photography feels a little difficult to do. Photos of dads and daughters feel especially difficult, even though it warms my heart to capture those images for them. <3

Once again, enjoy these sneaks. And thank you to everyone who came out to support my dad! He definitely felt the love, as did my entire family!