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Riley Hospital for CHildren welcomes the first Indiana Chapter for Flashes of Hope

April 28, 2007

Photography program for children with cancer was sponsored by a generous Indiana family

The generosity of a special family brings the gift of Flashes of Hope to countless children undergoing treatment for cancer and other illnesses in Indianapolis at Riley Children’s Hospital. The new chapter has photographed close to 40 children and their families since it’s launch in late February of this year.

“I heard about Flashes of Hope and Allison Clarke’s story on national news, and wanted to sponsor a chapter as a memorial to my loving and generous grandparents Jim and Marty Rabb, and my niece, Jennifer Emelio who recently lost her battle with Cystic Fibrosis” said Indianapolis sponsor Denise Ritter. “I care so much for sick children and their families, and have seen first-hand what these families go through.”

Flashes of Hope brings world class photographers into Riley Children’s for monthly photo shoots. “I am so happy to be able to give back to the community through this wonderful program. Our team of volunteers, hospital staff and photographers are collectively providing a lasting gift to the pediatric patients and their families” said Keith Cooley, Indianapolis Chapter Director.

Flashes of Hope is a national non-profit organization based in Cleveland, OH that utilizes volunteer, award-winning photographers and stylists to set up photo shoots in pediatric hospitals across the country. The images help children feel better about their changing appearance by celebrating it. For families of terminally ill children, it is especially important to have a portrait that forever preserves the bravery, grace and dignity of their child. Families that are photographed receive a free portrait gift package and a CD with all of their images.

Flashes of Hope began its program in 2001,and currently operates in 19 cities across the country. This year the Flashes of Hope program will have photographed a total of 2500 children since its inception, which is 20% of the total number of children diagnosed with cancer each year. Flashes of Hope has a long waiting list to begin it’s program in more than 24 additional pediatric hospitals across the country, and anticipates more than one thousand children will be photographed this year alone. For further information about the Indianapolis Chapter, please contact Keith Cooley at 317-525-7915.

About Flashes of Hope
Flashes of Hope is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating powerful, uplifting portraits of children fighting cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Award-winning photographers and professional make up artists volunteer their time and talent during photo shoots held once a month in cities across the country. More than 2500 children have been photographed since Flashes of Hope’s inception in August 2001.

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Flashes of Hope Media Relations
Janelle Dougherty
216.570.2077 (direct)
216.514.7005 (office)
Janelle@flashesofhope.org

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