Friday night was my 6th annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life. I look forward to the Relay event every year, but for some reason, I was even more excited this year. From watching survivors walk the track, to a silent auction and fun on-site fundraisers, to a beautiful luminaria ceremony, I’m always crying and laughing by the end of the night. My 15-month old daughter had a blast running around the track and field – she didn’t crash until almost midnight! This year our team has raised just over $2,800 for the American Cancer Society, but of course we’re still accepting donations! I’d love to reach $3,000. Here is where the money goes.
Tag: hope
Fighting Cancer One Step at a Time
Friday night was my team’s fifth annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life event. I walk the track and fundraise in memory of my aunt Jill and in honor of many other friends and family. This year was a bit different – juggling team captain responsibilities and taking care of a four-month old was a challenge at times. And I didn’t get to take nearly as many pictures as I would have liked. This year we packed up around midnight rather than walking until 6 a.m. But our strong and mighty team has still raised over $3,000, and we aren’t finished yet! There’s still time to donate to the cause.
Check out photos from 2013, 2012, and 2011.





Photo of the Day: High Hopes
I was SO excited after capturing this photo – it’s perfect representation of our Relay For Life event on Friday night. It was a huge success – our event raised over $76,000, my team raised over $4600, and I raised over $1000 for the American Cancer Society. Let me know if you’re interested in purchasing this photo through etsy (choose your own photo option) or the contact me page – all proceeds will benefit Relay For Life. I’d love for our team to reach our $5000 fundraising goal!
Photo of the Day: HOPE | Relay For Life
A few of the ladies in my office wanted to put together this symbol of HOPE using their hands for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. I shot the photos and put together the collage, and it turned out even better than we’d hoped! If you would like to get involved in Relay For Life or make a donation, click here.

Day 220: Little Hands of Hope
Yesterday I helped out with a photography project for the upcoming Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event in Kansas City. One of my coworkers brought her adorable daughters to work for a mini photo shoot. I pray that my job at the American Cancer Society will eventually lead us to a world where these girls will never have to worry about cancer.
Day 47: A dreary day
Yesterday was difficult; my grandpa passed away. We spent the day with him at the hospice house as he slowly passed on. He was such a strong man – he truly held on to life on Earth until he couldn’t fight anymore. The hardest part was seeing my grandma grieve. They had been married 65 years, and it was always clear they were still in love. I took two photos that I feel symbolize the day. The first: a dreary, foggy, morning, symbolizing the sadness we all felt. The second: my mom and dad walking around a maze at the hospice house gardens. I think this photo symbolizes hope, light, and moving forward with all the happy memories we shared.
1/180 sec., F4.5, ISO 400
18-55 mm lens (35 mm), no flash fired
1/750 sec., F?, ISO 400
300 mm zoom lens, no flash fired