Thursday, August 21, 2008

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems


(Picture COURTESY: Flashes of Hope /'Kick it' websites)



Today's Hidden Gem: Flashes of Hope

I first learned of this non-profit organization, Flashes of Hope, shortly after its inception.

I had the pleasure and distinct honor of working very closely at one time and becoming good friends with one of the group's co-founders, Allison Clarke (I remember her as Allison Glovna!).

Allison, a beautiful, highly motivated, and talented young woman, championed a number of different tasks from producer to reporter to model and beyond.

When she found out her son had cancer, she and her husband, Kip, founded Flashes of Hope while their son was being treated for his cancer.

Allison has always thought outside of the box. She took her skills, experience, and many contacts and turned it all into a wonderful venture which helps so many people.

Flashes of Hope strives to help children dealing with illness, including cancer, foster positive attitudes toward their changing looks (at times) as well as their entire situation.

Allison enlisted the efforts of some of the best photographers, make-up artists, and others who she worked with during her modeling days, to volunteer their time and talents and take lasting photographs of these children.

Not only did the children have beautiful photographs of themselves they could be proud of...but if the worst occurred, and the child passed, the family had a wonderful portrait to hang onto forever!

During the photo shoots, the children's hospital rooms are transformed into a professional photography studio. This helps take the children's minds off of where they are while they are getting all dolled up and treated like little kings and queens!

The children are photographed alone as well as with their families, supporters, and favorite nurses or doctors!

Families are then given a number of photographs, proofs, and a CD of their child's photo shoot to keep forever! Due to the generosity of everyone involved, there is no cost to any of the families.



UPCOMING EVENT!!!!
This Saturday, August 23rd, the community is invited to take part in the first 'KICK IT' game at Gurney Elementary School Field in Chagrin Falls.

This event not only raises money to support pediatric cancer research but also gives hope and support to Quinn Clarke and Ava Harb, who are both fighting cancerous tumors.

The community is being asked to come out to cheer on 'Team Clarke' and 'The A Team' and play kickball or multiple other games between 1 and 4pm.

The location is 1155 Bell in Chagrin Falls.

For more details, call 216.514.7005 or email lisa@flashesofhope.org.

Everything Flashes of Hope has a hand in contributes to giving ill children and their families the dignity and courage to deal with whatever may come their way and the hope that they may be able to conquer just about anything!

Just take a look at all this group has done for children over the years and, you too, will see why Flashes of Hope is this week's Hidden Gem!


Some background information Courtesy: Flashes of Hope Website

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