The reason ~Younique Legacy Foundation~ has been started...

Through many different circumstances that has taking place in my life lately, the Lord has been burdening me about doing "something different", something that will be a blessing to others... I have been approached several different times, in many different ways that has made me come to the conclusion for what I am about to take on. I will definitely need many prayers and support from my friends and loved ones. I have started a Foundation for medically ill and special needs patients. This is where Younique Legacy Foundations comes into play.

About 6 weeks ago, a little boy that is very special to our family (Dakari) broke his femur completely in half. He was in the hospital for several days at Wolfson Medical Hospital. While he was there, I had the opportunity to visit with him, for a while each day. He did incredibly well, but it was so sad to see all the other kids that were not as fortunate as Dakari. I know that may sound strange, being he had to go through major surgery and was in a lot of pain, but the children I'm talking about, were terminally ill or very sick, they basically lived there day in and day out. All I could think about is "SOMEONE" needs to capture their precious moments. There was a sweet little boy that passed away, while his daddy was walking him through the hall ways for the last time. I was broken... I left the hospital that day, trying to put it, in the back of my mind.  This is now many weeks from that day, but my heart can't help but hurt. What if that was my child??? God has been so good to my family. I am truly blessed, with only minor bumps and bruises along the way. 

I have two very sweet friends, Judy and Kimberly that both have a special needs child. These two ladies have a big part in why I'm doing what I'm doing... Through many talks with them and through seeing how much they have had to put into helping their precious babies has made me realize how I can help in a small way.  Money is tight and time is precious.

 I have been to several photography seminars lately that have been a big part of my decision, the crazy thing is, they were not telling us to go out and do something "free" for others, but the total opposite. All I heard is, DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT, RAISE YOUR PRICES, BECOME A FAMOUS WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER, THIS IS HOW YOU MAKE IT BIG SHOOTING SENIORS, ON AND ON... My flesh was saying "OH YEAH" That would be great! I love it... BUT, my heart and spirit was saying the total opposite.  I'm not saying, I'm not going to continue being a photographer, I'm just saying I'm gonna start using my God given talent for a better purpose in life also. I love everything about being a photographer,( except the editing part...haha ) It's very hard work, but very fulfilling when I see the smiles on the faces of those I deliver the finished portraits to. I want my passion to extend further than, just for ME.  My goal is to have a portrait hanging in every ones home of their loved one that is either medically ill or physically challenged / special needs. A great photographer Sandy Puc started the foundation, Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. This is a foundation for those that loose their baby at birth. It enables families to receive a cd with their loved ones images on it.  It is such a great ministry. It has spread through out the United States. 

My desire is for each family, that has extended medical needs in their family, that cannot afford hiring a professional photographer due to medical bills, to be able to have a professional photo session that will include a cd of at least 10 images and a 8x10 to hang on their wall at no charge.  I want to capture each and every "Younique Legacy" that comes into my path.  I am blessed to have my entire family ready and willing to work and eager to be apart of the blessings in store for others. It was so precious when my younger son Caleb asked: What can I do? Can I blog your stories, mom? And then... my older son Corey, said he'd be willing to do WHATEVER is needed. Wow, I am a blessed momma.  Both sides of our family are ready and willing to help us, as well. I have several friends that have stated, they are on board, I can see God has already started opening doors... since I finally committed to His will on this, not mine.

I will obviously need help, not only by prayer, but by donations and support physically.  I am looking for someone to donate their time and effort to help with the book keeping, the legal side, booking sessions, going out on shoots with me and etc.  I know God has the perfect people lined up for this new and exciting adventure. Starting Thursday, I will be setting up appointments, to discuss more in detail my vision for this mission / adventure.  Please feel free to call, text or shoot me a email. I'd love to hear from you. Your thoughts, your prayers, your love. 904-813-9534 /  youniquelegacy@gmail.com

Meet Abbie Whitaker!

This is precious lil' Abby. She is so sweet and loving. Abby loves holding your hands and playing with your fingers! She is such a smart lil' girl. It absolutely amazes me how much she knows!! Please keep Abby in your prayers, as she has several different medical needs at this time.

1p36 Deletion Syndrome is what Abbie Whitaker has been diagnosed with. Here's a brief summary of this type of syndrome.

1p36 Deletion Syndrome, which is pronounced one P three six, is a genetic disorder where a small piece of the top of the first chromosome is missing. It causes birth defects, intellectual disabilities to varying degrees, and other disabilities and disorders. Some of the main things 1p36 Deletion Syndrome affects are: low muscle tone, seizure disorders, growth and feeding problems, dismorphic features, developmental delays, congenital malformations, cardiac problems, hearing loss, vision and/or eye problems, and behavioral problems. For more information please visit www.1p36dsa.org

Abbie enjoying the day with her sweet family!

This session with the 9 Whitaker's, couldn't have been more plesant to photograph! There were several " funnies"that happened along our way! From Ella falling in the mud to trying to get all 18 feet on top of each other!!! These kids are amazingly well behaved and lovable... With that said, all six siblings really look out for Precious Abbie. She is truly loved by them all. Keep a eye out for Abbies story to be uploaded in a few days by her momma Kimberly. I am so blessed to have been able to offer this opportunity to this family to get their pictures done.

Light the Night ~ Leukemia Walk for Precious lil Evan Chapman

Evan was diagnosed with Leukemia 3 years ago. He has to battle daily with his illness. He is a typical, fun loving lil' boy that loves to be apart and do what every 8 year old loves to do.  His parents are James and Lisa. They are wonderful parents that put their whole life in their kids.  I am anxious to follow the progression, as many new medicines are being developed to help with Leukemia.

Hunter on his adventure!

 Wow, I had such a great time capturing Hunter and some of his favorite things in life... rocks, sticks, water, trees and more!

 Along our way, we stopped and played, many times through out his day! 

 

 To look at Hunter, you'd never guess he has Autism. He amazed me in so many ways. He knew exactly what he wanted and the way he wanted it.  He was so sweet and I really think he loved every minute of his Younique session. He touched my heart unbelievable!!! I loved every minute of my day! I was truly blessed to have the opportunity, to spend time with him and his mom... Awesome family! 

Hunter was so excited about the water falls and the amazing rocks he found!

*My favorite saying of the day...
Look Mrs. Kim, it's SNOT...
( the green stuff in the water!) Haha!

When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of our great creator!

What a beautiful night to end with... Thank you Lord!

He looks completely normal.  However, Hunter is a sweet 14 year old boy who has Asperger’s Syndrome.

Although there are many possible symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome, the main symptom is significant trouble with social situations. Your child may have mild to severe symptoms or have a few or many of these symptoms. Because of the wide variety of symptoms, no two children with Asperger's are alike

Children with Asperger's syndrome may:

·         Not pick up on social cues and may lack inborn social skills, such as being able to read others' body language, start or maintain a conversation, and take turns talking.

·         Dislike any changes in routines.

·         Appear to lack empathy.

·         Be unable to recognize subtle differences in speech tone, pitch, and accent that alter the meaning of others’ speech. So your child may not understand a joke or may take a sarcastic comment literally. And his or her speech may be flat and hard to understand because it lacks tone, pitch, and accent.

·         Have a formal style of speaking that is advanced for his or her age. For example, the child may use the word "beckon" instead of "call" or the word "return" instead of "come back."

·         Avoid eye contact or stare at others.

·         Have unusual facial expressions or postures.

·         Be preoccupied with only one or few interests, which he or she may be very knowledgeable about. Many children with Asperger's syndrome are overly interested in parts of a whole or in unusual activities, such as designing houses, drawing highly detailed scenes, or studying astronomy. They may show an unusual interest in certain topics such as snakes, names of stars, or dinosaurs.

·         Talk a lot, usually about a favorite subject. One-sided conversations are common. Internal thoughts are often verbalized.

·         Have delayed motor development. Your child may be late in learning to use a fork or spoon, ride a bike, or catch a ball. He or she may have an awkward walk. Handwriting is often poor.

·         Have heightened sensitivity and become over stimulated by loud noises, lights, or strong tastes or textures

Just to give you a update...

In the past week, I have been able to talk to so many excited people about Younique Legacy. I've heard so many great stories and have been blessed by the people willing to help.  Keep a eye out for the "Neighbor to Neighbor" newspaper as they are going to be running the story and keeping taps on us along the way.  I still need a lawyer, if anyone knows of one that will take this foundation on as project/ministry. I've talked to a few accountants and I have a few sponsors willing to help as well. God is Good!!! We still need more... I am building my board members daily. If the Lord leads you to help in any way, I would love to have you on board.  I know this is not the "most glamourous" charity ever, but I do think it will be a lifetime blessing for many...Capturing the Legacy of  Loved Ones. I have 5 bookings already and we have only just begun... Each family that I have talked with and booked a session, they have cried with heart felt tears saying "Thank you!" That means so much and tells me I'm on the right path!  ~ Thank you guys for allowing Younique Legacy the opportunity to capture your precious loved ones! :}