What an amazing two days. We flew out first thing Friday morning to Chicago where we met Gabi Heller, a 17 year old Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor, and her friends who are all students at IMSA (the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy).
https://www3.imsa.edu
Gabi’s friends Jamie, Dawna, and Matt are all co-founders of something called Shine On. The purpose of this event is to raise money and awareness about blood cancer through a multitude of school-wide events, culminating in head shaving. All money will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Over 60+ students (boys and girls) and teachers came together as one to shave their heads in support of Gabi and they were able to raise over $7000 and we were there to capture this truly amazing event! What an inspiration these kids are…truly inspiring.
The Adventures of The Great Baldini
Gabi’s blog about her “whimsical life with cancer”.
she is SO beautiful. and what a heart warming story. having your friends and family there for you when you need them most is the best thing ever. empowering and such an awesome gift.
WOW! I have goose bumps. She is just stunning and of course the images are amazing!!
it doesn’t matter how many times I watch the video or look at the amazing photos…it brings tears to my eyes. I feel extremely blessed by each and every family and child we meet…I have never been more inspired by their strength and courage.
Wow! These pictures, this girl, and this event are simply amazing! What a amazing documentation of support and beauty!
Gabi is such a beuatiful girl! She has obviously made a huge impression on her friends, as is evidenced in their willingness to hold this event in her honor! What a beautiful group of teenagers & faculty members! The love and joy is seen on each of their faces through their beuatiful smiles! Lidia & Jael, you two captured such amazing moments:-)
I am speechless. I actually laughed and got all teary-eyed while reading and watching and loved it all! You ability to be capture life changing events like this amaze me. Continue to keep up the hard work!
these are all so gorgeous!!! I love how you have captured their spirits
this shoot is greatness!!! loved the photos totally touching!
This brings back memories from when I was 16 and diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. What beautiful inspiration she is!!