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Flashes of Hope Partners with the University of Maryland and the JDI Children's Foundation to launch the Baltimore Chapter

May 24, 2008

Photography program highlights the bravery, grace and spirit of children battling cancer and other life threatening Illnesses. Thanks to the generous support and funding from the JDI Children's Foundation, the Baltimore Chapter of Flashes of Hope launched in April of this year. Flashes of Hope brings world class photographers into the pediatric hospital at the University of Maryland Medical Center for monthly photo shoots. All photographers and stylists volunteer for the shoots and all services are provided free of charges to the families. Leslie Landsman was the perfect choice for Chapter Director because of her experience working with volunteers. Ms. Landsman comes to Flashes of Hope from her work in Volunteer Management for the National Aquarium of Baltimore. She was also the founder and creative director for ‘Fish out of Water’ a public art exhibit that raised over $675,000 for youth programs in the city of Baltimore. “We are so happy to be recognized in the community for providing such a lasting gift to the pediatric patients and their families. The chapter is off to a great start thanks to the Baltimore Chapter of the American Society of Media Photographers and the hospital staff. � said Leslie Landsman, Baltimore 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 it’s inception in 2001, 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 Baltimore Chapter, please contact Leslie Landsman at 410-241-4001. 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. # # # Flashes of Hope Media Relations Janelle Dougherty 216.570.2077 (direct) 216.514.7005 (office) Janelle@flashesofhope.org