09/16/2025
Once again, this is a pretty warm September, so I have not been seen much this month in my gold hoodie while out on senior sessions. Each year, I think it is important to remind everyone that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. As a small business, I am always looking for charitable organizations to support. My primary focus, however, are children’s charities. I have worked with children for years and with a disabled brother, I know the importance of giving back to children who need support. I am proud to wear my gold hoodie from The Brother’s Trust and Momentum Charities. I believe it is more important than ever to be an advocate for children in today’s society. The welfare of others, especially children, can be overlooked with so much going on in the world today. An unexpected illness can change life in the blink of an eye, and a little support can go a long way in the life of a child and their family.
Through volunteering, I have met a lot of amazing people over the years. Stacy, a dear friend devoted her life to working with children. She was a true joy and always had a smile on her face that could light up a room. She was one of my first brides when I started my business. Sadly, she passed in June of cancer. In high school, we both spent a majority of our time participating in student led service organizations like Students for Charity. My junior year and her senior year, we were among a group of students who made it into People Magazine for our dedication to our local communities. Stacy always teased me every couple of years, why I never share this article, and she would send me the article. I’m just one of those people who doesn’t like to share a lot on social media. In honor of Stacy, I figured this month was the right time to finally share the article. I am sure she would have something to say to me right now…
My dedication to service started as a sophomore when I was selected to attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar or HOBY. My senior year, I continued my service to local communities, as president of five clubs ranging from National Honor Society to Student’s for Charity to Key Club. Like previous years, spent with members like Stacy, we spent evenings wrapping pennies, cooking meals at The Good Shepard Center, driving meals to community members that couldn’t make it in to eat, helping local veterans, escorts for the MCBHC dinner-dance, ringing the bell, purchasing toys for families, etc. Giving back to your community is key in this world. I am proud to wear my gold hoodie, and to say thank you for all the wonderful memories, Stacy. You are missed.