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
There are so many families with a special needs child and many more with a ill family member. Family portraits, many times are the items that are forgotten or may be the one thing famlies would like to have, but find it difficult to afford a professional photographer, that will bring out the special qualities and help capture the legacy of their loved one. Your donations to Younique Legacy Foundation will enable these families to acquire precious memories at no charge.
