I’ve never had a close friend or family member with cancer. I’m incredibly lucky. I’ve never had to experience cancer and its effects intimately – in my daily life. And I never take it for granted. I make sure I give thanks for how lucky we’ve been for our own health and for our family members’. But it’s always on my mind. That it could come any minute, any second and change my life or a loved ones’ life. And I appreciate all our healthy moments because of it.

Back in 2011, I learned about an event called St. Baldricks. It’s an organization that raises money for childhood cancer research. I knew I had to participate. The event asks participants to raise money by shaving their heads in comradery with children battling cancer. So I signed up to be an event organizer while we were living in the UK.

It was one of the most amazing experiences in which we’ve taken part.

St Baldricks fundraiser at RAF Mildenhall | Spokane WA documentary photographer

Several friends took part and because I couldn’t ask people to participate without participating myself, I also shaved my head. Some people thought it was brave but in the grand scheme of things, nothing in this world is braver than a child who is faced with the long battle with cancer.

While the idea to organize another event has been on my mind, I just haven’t been organized enough lately to do so. However, I want to give back in other ways.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. I would like to raise awareness for the issue and how people can help. But I would also like to offer something that is much more personal. One of my favorite things to do with my children is make documentary time capsule films. I make videos of our favorite things, favorite activities, favorite aspects of our lives right now and I create time capsule films. I would love to gift a family with a time capsule film. If you know a family whose child is battling cancer, I think a time capsule film would be a great way for them to bond and focus on the little joys in life. If you know someone who might appreciate something like this, please pass this on to them.

Below is a short example of a documentary film: