Escaping Cancer - Trip to the West

Sunday I attended & photographed a very special event. The Western Roundup hosted by PCRF (Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation) is a western-themed carnival & picnic intended to provide a fun day for oncology kids & their families. Activities included carnival games & rides, face painting, a petting zoo, pony rides, live entertainment, a raffle, a bouncy house, lunch & lots more.

If you are new to my blog, I am a pediatric cancer survivor myself. For so long I didn't identify with being "a survivor," it was something I wanted to get so far away from & forget that I didn't consider it a part of me. I was happy to be alive, but because I didn't have a choice of enduring cancer, in my mind it wasn't so spectacular that I overcame it. Well that feeling changed. I am not sure what exactly triggered that transformation in my mind but at some point something clicked. Now being a cancer survivor is just a part of my identity, no less than having green eyes or loving photography. I am also proud of how far I have come & I believe I am meant to use my experience to help others.

Seeing all these kids having fun & taking their mind off being sick was so special to me personally. It has been 11 years since my diagnosis but I can remember like it was yesterday the way I felt. The constant hospital stays, procedures, blood draws & transfusions & feeling sick constantly. It is not fair that these kids have had their childhood stolen from them, so it touched my heart to see them play, laugh, smile & just be the kids they rarely get to be.

I hope that all these kids will survive & experience all life has to offer. I hope they too can someday be proud to call themselves a survivor. I hope that I can make a difference by sharing my story & giving current pediatric cancer patients hope.

I haven't finished looking at all the photos from the day but here are a few of my favorites so far.

There was a dove ceremony at the end to honor those who didn't survive or those who were too sick to be there. For more info about PCRF or if you have any ideas for ways I can help by sharing my story, please feel free to contact me! & hearts; ♥

Happy Transplant-iversary!

11 years ago today I was in a hospital bed receiving the long-awaited cord blood transplant that would hopefully, if successful, help rid my body of Leukemia. I do remember that day a bit, mainly because there was such a big fuss over it, but mostly it is just a blur.

Every year on May 16th I like to do a little something to celebrate and acknowledge my transplant anniversary. This year is number 11 which isn't a major milestone number but it sounds lucky doesn't it? And what is luckier than beating cancer, and living another year to enjoy all my life has to offer. At year five, my mom bought me a heart-shaped necklace to commemorate the occasion. Year nine was dinner at Purple Feet. Year ten, my wonderful family threw me a big celebratory party. This year, I just wanted some of my favorite pizza with Brent.

The reason this day is of such importance is it was the day I was given a new life. That transplant was the first step of many which saved my life and the reason I am still alive. I have so much to be thankful for, and I am so happy for the ability to celebrate this anniversary!

Reaching for the Cure

Today we attended a fundraising event for a cause very near and dear to my heart. The Cinco de Mayo Half Marathon, put on by Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF). People from all walks of life came together to run a half marathon, 10k or 5k, fundraising teams were formed to raise money toward funding pediatric cancer research, like Team Gavin, which I was a part of. There were also activities for kids and families and a variety of incredible sponsors. Being a pediatric cancer survivor myself, it is incredible to see how many people are passionate about "reaching for the cure." I have met so many children not unlike myself when I was sick who are fighting for their lives, and their families who are fighting right alongside them. In the 11 years since I was diagnosed with Leukemia, there have been huge advancements in the treatment given for the type I had, and the prognosis is now improved drastically. So to see so many people come together to raise money to continue these advancements through research means so much for me personally.

Team Gavin

A few weeks ago I was asked to photograph an event to promote awareness for Team Gavin, a fundraising team preparing to run a half marathon to raise money for Pediatric Cancer research. The annual event is put on by PCRF - Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, a wonderful non-profit organization that raises funds for research. Diagnosed at age 12 with Leukemia myself, the Foundation is near and dear to my heart and love to donate my time and skills whenever I can. Team Gavin was started in honor of Gavin Rowe, an adorable boy who is fortunately winning in his battle against Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Team Gavin learned a dance and performed it flash mob style at the Irvine Spectrum. They did a great job! I have a link to the video at the end, here are some of my favorite photos from the day.

{Last practice before the big reveal}

{In action!}

{Gavin Rowe, the inspiration behind the team,

currently fighting against Acute Lymphatic Leukemia}

{Gavin and Dad}

{Gavin's sister, Mia}

{Kim, Gavin's mom and leader of Team Gavin, speaking to the crowd}

{The Team}

♥ To learn more about Team Gavin click HERE.

♥ To donate to Team Gavin, click HERE.

♥ You can also watch the Youtube video of their dancing, HERE!

♥ For more about PCRF click HERE.

♥ Contact me at clchamness@gmail.com for all your photography needs: portraits, events, engagements and more.