An Apple a Day.....

Who doesn't love an adorable, squishy faced, lovable kiddo?

I have always held a special place in my heart for children and given my profession(s) I have been given the most amazing opportunities to work with some of the most loving, beautiful, caring, adorable kids.  As a nurse, I chose to be in the pediatric field and I had the privilege of working with one of the most amazing little guys I have ever met.  My love for children facing illnesses or childhood diseases has always been at the front of my heart, but after hanging with my little friend every week, I knew that I had to do something more, something that would help more children, something that would make my heart happy.

Once I made the life changing decision to take my passion for photography full-time, I spent a lot of time thinking how I was going to keep my love for these kids known.  I instantly signed up to be a volunteer photographer with NILMDTS ((Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep)) and Kids Cancer Crusade.  These two amazing organizations have helped me grow as a person and allowed me to be introduced to a ton of new and amazing families, all of which I have grown to love.

A special shoutout to some of my beauties! Ryker, Kolbye Kaye, Liam, Trace and Eli!

But......I want more!  Since early in the year, I have been looking into what it takes to start a non-profit organization and it takes A LOT!  I am determined to start up what I hope to be an organization that is known around the country and is supported by millions.  The inspiration comes from all the kids that have come into my life and made an impact on my life and those of all of my fans.  So......do you want to know what I want this organization to be? 

I want this to be a source of love, inspiration and caring for everyone involved.  An Apple a Day is the name that I have decided upon and I will accept a select group of photographers, first in Oklahoma, and eventually around the country.  These photographers will volunteer their talent and time and go to children's hospitals, doing photo sessions for children and their families that are confined to the hospital for any reason, be it a short stay, an extended stay, or their only home away from home.  Sometimes, the hospital is the only place these kids will ever be and there is no reason that they shouldn't have professional photos.  Other times, children are diagnosed with diseases such as cancer or a life threatening heart disorder and live for days, months, or years going through extensive testing and rarely get the opportunity to travel far away from their hospital room. 

That is where we (the photographers) will come in.  Once we receive the request for our services, we will make each experience one of a kind and memorable for not only the children, but also their families.  With surprises in tow, we will ALWAYS make sure that each and every child has a special day when we are involved.  I can see it now, a smile on a little boys face that has not had the energy to smile until we walk in.  A giggle from a little girl that could barely say a word hours before.

I believe. I can do this. And I hope you will all stick around to see how amazing this is going to be!

{{{If you feel the need to help with anything involved with the process of starting this organization, be it monetary, volunteerism, logo design, or more, please contact me via email at natalierenaephotography@yahoo.com}}}