KATIE | Photographed by Kathy Wolfe 

Pittsburgh
chapter

founded April 2008
kids photographed to date 1,261

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In October 2006, I was busy planning our family's move from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh (my hometown). We were three weeks away from move day, when everything turned upside down. My 19-month old son, Daniel, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Stunned, we were able to push back the move for a few months and... { more }
In October 2006, I was busy planning our family's move from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh (my hometown). We were three weeks away from move day, when everything turned upside down. My 19-month old son, Daniel, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Stunned, we were able to push back the move for a few months and focus on his treatment. During those months, I met families who had beautiful pictures from Flashes of Hope. The portraits were so amazing; I knew immediately that I wanted to have Dan participate. But things were so crazy, I thought, "I'll do that once we get to Pittsburgh and things settle down." Once we finally arrived in Pittsburgh and had settled into our new routine, I decided it was time to schedule our Flashes photo shoot. To my dismay, there wasn't a chapter in Pittsburgh! But there was a little button on the website that read "Start Your Own Chapter." It sounded like a perfect idea to me! So I contacted the office and the rest is history!

Since our Pittsburgh chapter opened, I've had the honor of meeting so many children and families each month during our photo shoots. I love seeing each one sparkle and shine for their moment in the spotlight. But some of my most memorable moments have come from conversations I've had with the parents. I remember one mom in particular whose son had just recently been diagnosed with the same type of cancer that Dan had. I was able to talk to her about our journey. I was able to share pictures of Dan healthy and happy today. And I hope that I was able to give her just the tiniest bit of reassurance, that even though the road ahead seemed overwhelming at that moment, she was going to be able to do it.

Recent Support

Mary Jo Bennett
Charles Town, West Virginia
$35

Max Louik
Pittsburgh, PA
$108

Leah Knotts
Rivesville, WV
$20

Chapter Director(s)

Carla Mooney
[ bio ]
Carla Mooney

Chapter Information

610-952-3663

Shoot Locations

UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

Chapter Sponsor

Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation

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