About a month ago, I was contacted by the Kids Wish Network to grant a wish for a 13 year-old girl who is currently struggling with Polycystic Kidney Disease. Her name is Bella, and you would never know the pain she endures daily, just by meeting her. Her spirit is the sweetest, and she is so kind and loving. She is in pain. Lots of pain, on a daily basis. However, in spite of all her struggles with this yucky part of life, she chooses to find joy in photography. It heals her. It gives her hope and fills her cup.
So, as you can imagine, my answer was, “Yes! I would love to help!” I love photography (we all know that), and the best part of knowing something, is the opportunity to share what you know with others! So, that is exactly what I did.
The next step was to connect with Bella and her Mom, Tanya. We had a chance to chat, and decided to meet at Another Broken Egg Café in Winter Park, FL. Once that plan was in place, I thought to myself, “Maybe I should see if they want to help, too?” And they sure did! Without hesitation, we all pitched in to create a really fun morning for Bella!
From left to right: Tracy, Shelley (GM at Another Broken Egg Café in Winter Park), Bella and Tanya (Bella’s Mother)
After a fun photography class, to infuse some of the basics of photography, Shelley had another surprise for Bella! In the upcoming weeks, Another Broken Egg Café will be hosting a fundraiser for Kids Wish Network to give back and support this awesome organization who coordinated Bella’s granted wish and gifted her with all the camera gear she needed to get started. How cool is that?!?!? I am 100% going to go be a fan of this restaurant, for life! Count me in!
Bella was asked to create a custom pancake, named “Bella’s Cakes” to sell at their Winter Park location for a week. For each and every pancake that is sold, a portion of the proceeds will go back to Kids Wish Network. Stay tuned for the dates, if you are near this area. I can’t wait to try them, honestly. Oh, and if you have an allergy or aversion to Gluten … these are for you, too! Yippee!
Left to right: Shelley (GM at Another Broken Egg Café) and Bella
The last part of our mini photography adventure was a trip to the lake, to capture some images, using what Bella learned that morning. She started photographing textures, colors, some cute little ducks we came across, and much more. It was super fun!
If you ask Bella, she will tell you that her day was “so exciting” and that she loved taking pictures and talking to everyone. The smile on her face makes me so happy! I feel so blessed to have had this incredible opportunity. Bella took some really creative images, and I am excited to stay in touch with her and her family. Click here, if you feel led to help Bella and her family with their ongoing expenses, as they continue to keep her comfortable and on the path of healing.
♥ Tracy