I guess by now my readers know my position on childhood cancer – and if you’re sick of reading about it – I’ll be okay if you leave… because I will advocate until I’m blue in the face and there isn’t much you can do about it.

Locally this has become an epidemic, to say the least – and it’s growing numbrs and waxing pain for the children and the families it effects is beyond comprehensible.  EPA this and that – whatever – there isn’t any more time to wait and action is appropriate.  We must educate those around us about what is happening – not only here, but all over the world as these gorgeous children are being delt hands in card games that aren’t even fit for the most robust of adults.  At my wedding, I read the statistics to my guests on ACS and where and what (little) funding/dontaions actually goes to childhood cancer research.  It’s just not enough.  We need to bind together and get it where it needs to be – so that when your children or grandchildren are afflicted, there is 10x the knowledge on the scientists’ desk as to go how to detangle it.

Meet my 4:00 from saturday, Alexa.  You can read her story here.  Be sure to sign the guestbook when you stop by if you can leave any words of encouragement for their amazing family.

Alexa is soft and sweet and her voice is precious.  She loves her cats and her dogs equally and will absolutely not choose between the two when asked to pick a favorite.  She is 10 and will be 11 next week and she likes her fuzzy white hat and will wear it no matter what her sisters say – because she has an opinion and it comes first

This is Alexa’s family.  Her sisters are a teacher (some of you may know her as she is local) and a nursing student (who I can sense will be great), and her brother is a 15 (16!) year old student who probably would rather not have his picture taken but he did it anyway and never complained.  There is a mom and a dad, Wendy and Warren and they are Warriors (no play on the Warren, swear). 

They are warriors because upon entering their home and meeting them I could see and feel the rage of love they carry for Alexa and her siblings and if you have seen them on TV news reports, you will know that is such by the words that they speak.  Here you see how awesome they are toether and that they are smiling.  But the truth is that they are freezing and the weather stunk and we are in the middle of a cul-de-sac and that the girls have no socks on (smile).

Okay – seriously, though.  Behind these gorgeous smiles is the fight of a lifetime.  A fight you or I maybe can only imagine.  A war so deep and so passionate that the sound barrier could be broken if it had the properties to do so.

 I want you all to see that this is REAL. It is HERE. It is so close.  I went on about this when Christi died and so many of you graciously donated to the fight at my wedding (we skipped the “dollar dance or whatever” and took up dontations instead).  

I am no scientist.  I cannot create a cure or a better treatment.  But what I can do is charitably offer sessions for those who deserve to have amazing images and use those images to create awareness.  I can photoshop and make things graphicly pretty darn well but I cannot create the elements that I hope so close to my heart, are created. 

From now until May 15th, 2009 – I am making you an offer.

If you donate  $5.00 toward fighting this beast – you will recieve a $10.00 print credit toward your next order.

If you donate  $10.00 toward fighting this beast – you will recieve $10.00 print credit AND $5.00 off of your session fee due when you book your date.

For every person that you refer – who also makes a donation, you will recieve an additional $5.00 (up to 20.00 in value) off of your session fee when you book your date! Just make sure they note who reffered them!

This credit applies to any sessions booked from today until 5/15/09 – meaning you can book in may for a november session for all I care (smile) and still recieve the credit.

I’m not trying to save the world here and I know that I can’t.  But I can help rally the impact for the fighters, the survivors, and our future children who can potentially be affected.

If you are ready – please join in.  Use the contact form or email me at dani@danielleluc.com to complete your donation and recieve your credit(s).

All donations will help in providing these sessions for families in the fight and to CureSearch. Check it.

Spread the word.

 

PS: lovely meeting you Brown familypardon me for talking your faces off today!

PSS: sorry the family photo isnt BW as I promised… it WILL beha!