Smiles Brighten the Day at Florida Hospital for Children

Smiles Brighten the Day at Florida Hospital for Children

Children with life-threatening illnesses are treated like celebrities for a day

ORLANDO, Fla., August 6, 2010 - With her hair and make-up done, 15-year-old Safarrie Daughtry, was all smiles as she posed for pictures at Florida Hospital for Children. Safarrie has been in and out of the hospital battling a chronic illness for quite some time.  However, today was not about battling her disease; it was about celebrating her life. 

To help brighten the day of pediatric patients battling life-threatening illnesses, Florida Hospital for Children along with Flashes of Hope gave patients the celebrity treatment by transforming a conference room into a professional photography studio. Stylists and a professional photographer made the children feel like celebrities for a day by photographing their changing appearance in a positive, fun and uplifting environment.

"This was an awesome experience!  I loved being treated like a princess for the day." said Safarrie. "This is the second time I have been photographed by Flashes of Hope and this time I am feeling better so I am really excited to see how the pictures come out."

Safarrie was one of 12 children who participated in the event. The goal of this unique event is to help children escape from the world of medical procedures and tests and have their changing appearance celebrated. For families of terminally ill children, this portrait preserves forever the bravery, grace and dignity of their child.

"These children may be dealing with an awful illness, but they are still just children," said Allison Clarke, Flashes of Hope founder.  "Their attitudes are just so hopeful, and they're filled with such courage and spirit. We want the images to reflect that." 

Flashes of Hope is a non-profit organization that creates uplifting portraits of children fighting cancer and other life threatening illnesses to raise money for pediatric cancer research. Flashes of Hope was founded in 2001 by the parents of a pediatric cancer patient in Cleveland, Ohio. The organization has now grown to have chapters over in 50 hospitals across the country.  Families photographed receive a generous portrait package, all free of charge. This year, approximately 6,000 children will be photographed, which represents more than 40 percent of the children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses annually in the United States. 

For media inquiries only, please contact Florida Hospital Media Relations at 407-303-8217.

www.floridahospitalnews.com

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