Post Show-Love for Alyssa Exhibition

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alyysa and joseph

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Hi Everyone, May 12th came and went so fast. The show was everything I had hoped for it to be. The room oozed of positive energy. For me the evening was a complete whirlwind seeing three years in the making finally come to fruition. As I've said to those close to me, the only other event similar in my life to compare it to was my own wedding reception, where the fleeting details are lost in obscurity. After asking at least a handful of people about attendance, the reality was there were between 250 to 300 attendees throughout the night. The highlight was witnessing the faces that were so deeply moved. Not that my goal was to make people cry, but it was heart-warming to see such an emotional response, surprisingly quite a few men were struck hard. Common comments were made, "I can't imagine being a single dad in that position". Even if it had been a single mother should it be perceived any different or any less of a struggle, but with the traditional role left to a man in such a position was a trigger for some of the men in the room. What this meant all in all, was that I succeeded in what I was trying to do; to have one step into the shoes of another.  It was all of the elements that came together that night that helped make it so impactful. The recognition of all our sponsors who made this show possible, the children's artwork that was donated that filled one wall that surrounded an image of Alyssa, the media support, the community support, and the overall message of reaching out and helping someone else.  I believe it all resonated.

I would like to take a moment to thank some very special people. Joe Vance and the Southeast Center for Photographic Studies in Daytona Beach, FL, I thank Joe for his immense help, knowledge and friendship.  Thank you to Kevin Miller the curator of The Southeast Museum of Photography in Daytona, FL  for connecting me to Reg Garner owner of Triangle Reprographics in Orlando, FL.  Love for Alyssa's beautiful prints, that stellar quality, made from a LightJet photographic digital printer on Fuji Crystal Archive photo paper. They are silver halide emulsion prints (not inkjet). Thank you to Victoria Jones and Markus Heilman, owners of Frame of Mind in Ormond Beach, FL for all their help and generosity.  Thank you to Piedmont Plastics for sponsoring our plexiglass. Thank you to Hammock Beach Resorts for their amazing 3 bedroom oceanview suite  and round of golf we raffled off at the exhibit. Thank you so much to Quenby Shereefor helping with the hard and tedious work of framing the images. Thank you to my brother-in-law, Rodd Kaczmarek for building a beautiful crate to store these images in. Thank you to Diana Nguyen and Tyler Gynizio for all of their help the night of the exhibition. Thank you to Hollingsworth Gallery. Thank you to Debbie Blazer for saving me the night before the exhibition with her talents. Thank you to Delynn and Kenneth Maples for all of their support, friendship, and hard work.

Also, I would like to thank Jennifer Kuiper for all the hard work she has volunteered to do since the start of this non-profit. She is an amazing person. Thank you to Kerri Huckabee and her school, Flagler Beach Montessori for their ongoing support, and to all the children of her school who donated artwork for our children's exhibition. Thank you to the children of Trinity Troopers Youth Group of Trinity Presbyterian Church, brownie troop 872 , the Hollingsworth Gallery's art classes, Flagler Highschool, and Pathways Elementary - where Alyssa attends. Thank you to the children of Hollingsworth art classes and the children of various other schools.  All these children's artwork filled one wall that surrounded an image of Alyssa. Their inspirational work added magic to the evening.

In addition I would also like to thank the following people for their knowledge and gifts. Thank you to our wonderful musical act Beartoe. Thank you for all of the food that was sponsored for by Blue at the Topaz, Thai Korner, Woody's BBQ, Dominics Deli and Publix. Thank you to Sean McNeil, Christina Katsolis, Alexis Rogers, Victor Rollins, Eva Bishop, and Betty Jo, and Kacie Boniberger of UCF who interned with us. We are so grateful for all of the great supportive press we had.  It was definitely a nice surprise to wake up the morning of the show to find that Alyssa was on the front page of the Daytona Beach News Journal.

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Alyssa- Orlando Sentinel

Here are links to the following articles leading up to the show starting with the last.

Daytona News Journal

Orlando Sentinel

Flagler Live

The Observer

A very special thank you to some special people in my life who traveled to share this special evening with me, my family; Debbie and Emilio Martinez, Christian, Natalie, Sammy, Alex, and baby Chrisitan who came from South Florida, Toma and Sharon Kaczmarek who came from Chicago, and our VP Delynn Maples and her husband Kenny Maples who came from Washington State.

Also, our team who is so invaluable; Jerry Englehart, Robert Larson, Rebecca Bower, Claire Santuae, and Delynn Maples. And, huge thanks to our lawyer Dennis Bayer and our paralegel Susan Kates.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support Alyssa and Joseph.  Our first purchase was made a couple weeks ago, we assisted in getting Alyssa a wheelchair she needed to have while in school.

I've also been grateful for the acknowledgement of being one of the 11 finalist for the Michael P. Smith fund through the New Orleans Photo Alliance for my work in Love for Alyssa.

All I can say is that it is an exhilarating feeling to do something good!

* I do have a more serious note here to pass.  To refresh, Joseph Parthemore is 2 years old and also born with arthrogryposis. Joseph's condition has affected him differently than Alyssa because he has the potential to walk one day. Currently he is fed through a tube and until recently he was not able to breathe on his own.  He has made major strides since we first met last summer.  Joseph's daily life can be life threatening if unattended. He requires 24 hour care because he is incapable of swallowing.  Fluids in his mouth must be consistently suctioned. To Joseph's family he is known as the three million dollar baby because as of date his medical expenses have surpassed that amount.  Recently Blue Cross Blue Shield has dropped coverage for his 24 hour care, leaving Medicaid demanding a $2,800 a month co-pay for a nurse.  This is an amount that they simply can not reach, and they are losing their battle against the insurance companies.

What is wonderful is that I have a platform to get this message out because his family is not being heard.  If you can help or know someone that can please pass this along.

Our video of Joseph is almost complete, I just saw the first cut a couple days ago.  Jason Greene  is so gifted.  Please stay tuned it will be posted soon.

Please continue donating and supporting these children.

Warm regards,

Jennifer Kaczmrek

Exhibition Promo

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Exciting, our exhibition promo mailers arrived today!

Big Giveaways!

ENTER A CHANCE TO WIN!

We would like to thank the Club at Hammock Beach for helping us in our fundraising efforts, they have graciously given us 2 great giveaways we know you will love!  We are going to raffle off these items starting today.  You may purchase tickets now until the night of the exhibition, May 12th, when the drawing will take place.  We will have two separate drawings for these items that evening. Tickets will be just  $5 dollars or 5 for $20 dollars. There is no limit to the amount of tickets you may purchase, and you do not need to be at the event to participate, though we would love it if you could be there!

Proceeds from your donations will go towards assisting in the care of both Alyssa Hagstrom and 2-year-old Joseph Parthemore, also born with Arthrogryposis.

 Out- of- towners may want to participate, Hammock Beach Resorts is a wonderful getaway!

* 2 NIGHT / 3 DAY STAY IN A 3 BEDROOM OCEAN VIEW SUITE AT HAMMOCK BEACH RESORT

 OR

 * ONE ROUND OF GOLF FOR 4 PLAYERS AT THE CONSERVATORY GOLF COURSE

How to play

  After purchasing your tickets, you will need to inform us which drawing you are participating in by contacting us at  loveforalyssa@gmail.com

1.  click on the donation link at the top of the page.

2. use the pay pal button to make your donation for your ticket/s.  (if you are purchasing more than $20, use the non specified paypal button further below.)

3.  email loveforalyssa@gmail.com  to give us your name, address, phone number, and email address.

4.  we will email you back your raffle ticket number/s.

Please feel free to email us with any questions you may have.

Contact us if you wish to pay cash.  You may also pay cash or check for your raffle ticket/s the night of the event.

Checks may be sent to:  Love For Alyssa, Inc., P.O. Box 351025, Palm Coast, FL  32135   (please remember to add all contact information).

BEST OF LUCK!

Wedding Day

Alexxis, Duane & Alyssa

Alexxis, Duane, & Alyssa just moments before the ceremony

On  Sunday, February, 12, 2012, Alyssa and Alexxis's dad got married.  Duane and Amy invited their closest friends and family to share their special day.  A beautiful backyard wedding that took place at a friend's home.  I thought I would share a couple of my favorite images.

group photo

Alyssa with her new siblings, Preston and Jackson. Along with Amy and Duane just moments after the ceremony 

If you missed our last post please have a look, "Introducing our new vision." 

Introducing Our New Vision And Additions To The Team

To all who follow and support Love for Alyssa, we are truly evolving.  In just a few months we will expand greatly.  This expansion will bring new photographers, a new name to our company, a new website, and more inspiring work. Shortly after launching this project publicly, the idea of creating something on a larger scale felt like the right move. The vision of sharing this experience with other like minded photographers whose personal work moves them to the point of taking their actions a step further, by giving a platform to those without voice. Last summer we refilled our articles of amendment so that our mission statement would better fit this larger vision. Our mission statement remains:

The specific charitable, scientific, literary, and educational objectives of this non-profit corporation, which was initially created by the inspiration of a little girl named Alyssa Jadyn Hagstrom who was born with a rare condition called Arthrogryposis which left her with no use of her legs and arms and limited use of her fingers, is to use the art of photography, video and online media to raise funds for the medical care and basic needs to Alyssa and others.  Photography allows people to connect in a way they otherwise could not.  A single image can speak magnitudes about what life is like for others.  It is our hope that these images will inspire people to help make an impact on someone else’s life. Within a collaborative nature, we hope to give a voice to those who cannot due to their limited capacity.

Jerry Englehart, Jr.

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As you know, photographer Jerry Englehart joined our organization in the summer of 2011.  Jerry and I have been friends since photo school.  We both attended The Southeast Center for Photographic Studies, in Daytona Beach, FL.  Upon graduating he attended Western Kentucky University, in Bowling Green Kentucky, for photojournalism.  Jerry still is a student, but is on hiatus for 6 months in San Clemente, California where he accepted an internship with Zuma Press. In Kentucky Jerry started documenting the community of refugees from Burma, and  is continuing to do so with the community of refugees in San Diego, CA. Since 2008 the largest portion of refugees relocated each year in America, have been from Burma. With recent progressions in the political arena back in Burma, again known by its original name, Myanmar, their politics are moving back towards a more democratic system. Yet, for those refugees that definitely want to stay in America the language barrier still presents a difficulty in access to even basic medical care. Within Myanmar there are roughly six distinct ethnic languages other than Burmese and there are few individuals in the relocated communities that can translate for them. In his larger pursuit to document the communities of Burma refugees, Jerry wants to focus a good portion of his attention on these health related stories. http://www.jerryenglehart.com/

Robert Larson

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Getting this organization to reach a larger audience has been greatly attributed to the workings of social networking, and through the greatness of social media we met photographer and writer, Robert Larson.  Our paths crossed thanks to Andy Adams' Flak Photo Network, a great space that Andy created for photographers to interact.  Robert lives in  Los Angeles, California. He is currently raising funds for his long term photography project,Waiting for Haiti. Waiting for Haiti is about Haiti’s past, present and future. It is a story told through the eyes of a young Haitian man named Jeanmary Michel, and the friendship that formed between he and Robert. Waiting for Haiti seeks to shed a light back onto the troubled country, and to answer many burning questions regarding the 15 billion plus dollars donated to Haiti for earthquake relief.  Please go to http://www.waitingforhaiti.com/ for more information about his project.  Through our organization, Robert’s desire is to help fund Sean Penn’s Haitian relief organization, J/P  H.R.O.

http://www.robertlarsonphotography.com/

As a collective of photographers who’s interest span international to domestic health issues, we as a group hope to shed honest light upon the emotions, the people, and the realities of each story we are pursuing to raise funds for through our organization.  We are now awaiting approval to become a 501c3 organization.

We also welcome Rebecca Bower, as Treasurer, and Clair Santuae, as Secretary.

Love for Alyssa’s exhibit will be May 12, 2012.

Myanmar Community Church Part One

I connected with the Myanmar, formally known as Burma, refugee community in San Diego last week. There is still the same gratitude and appreciation, but the most noticeable difference is the religious faith in the San Diego community is Christianity. It has been explained to me that the refugee community in San Diego is Christian because minority group’s population percentage is 70% Karen, 20% Chin, and 10% other ethnic minorities from Myanmar.

I can not wait to dig deeper into the community. Find their stories. And bring them to the surface because of the recent, positive political movements in Myanmar.

Happy 2012!

Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year! We are very excited about all of the new things that will unfold this year! PEACE & LOVE

Starting off the Holidays Just Right!

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Alyssa toy shopping

Alyssa with eyes wide open in the toy aisle 

Can't believe that Christmas time is already upon us.  We have so much to be thankful for this year, thankful to all of you who have been supporting us in our efforts!  We are well on our way to reaching a couple of really big goals for us in the new coming year.  One being, that much-needed lift for Alyssa.

Sneak Peek

our new member

our newest member - image shot 9/29/11 

We have expanded! 2012 is going to be a very exciting year for us. As mentioned on Facebook, we began working on something special over the weekend with the help of photojournalist  Jason Greene, who has come on board to contribute his talent, to create a special introductory piece about our newest little member.  I assure you, your heart will melt.

Other great news to share is that The Art & Soul Studio in Palm Coast, FL is supporting our cause the whole month of December.  Get creative this holiday season, and head over there!  Proceeds from each holiday item will go to Love for Alyssa.

Finally, we would like to say thank you to everyone who turned out for our Poker Run, it was a fun event, and we met so many nice people. Here is a pic of our Jennifer Kuiper who did such a great job with everything, and our Poker winner, Pat.  Pat is a member of the Red Knights Motorcycle Club in Flagler County.

Jennifer Kuiper & Pat, our Poker Run Winner

So, as a request this holiday season, if you're looking for a good cause to give to this year, here is a good place.  Please pass the word along, every little bit would help us get one step closer to getting our first piece of equipment for Alyssa.  You will be able to see first hand where your support will go.

Thank you!

Nature Walk Wrap-up

Alyssa- Nature Walk

(T-shirt that was made for Alyssa by the children at Flagler Beach Montessori school that hung off the back of her wheelchair during the walk )

As I stated on our Facebook fan page last Saturday after the morning of our event, "We may live in a small town, but it is a great town!"  100 or so came out to join us in support of Alyssa.  As we started the walk, chills ran down my arms; the realization had hit-  this was really starting to happen. Seeing all these people come out to help make a difference in this little girls life, left me with such a great feeling.

There was a special table set up at the walk with creative little art works made by the children at Flagler Beach Montessori school that were being sold in behalf of Alyssa, and they wore hand painted T-shirts that read, " ♥ you Alyssa."

Overall, the event was laid back, organized, and smooth, thanks to Kerri Huckabee, Amy Sammelman, Lisa Malphurs, Sue Sisk, and all the children.  We are extremely grateful for them wanting to be a part of our organization, and hosting this event.

We were so happy that Duane was able to make it to the event.  He was humbled by the many fellow teachers, coaches, and students from Flagler Palm Coast high school who came out to support Alyssa. It was heart-warming to see them all there.   FPC alone raised $1,000 dollars, and we are so thankful for their support.

And, someone who needs to be greatly acknowledged, and wasn't able to be there with us that day, is Ms. Jennifer Kuiper.  Jennifer is a teacher at FPC, and heads up our fundraising,  We don't know what we would do without her.  She has gone above and beyond to make things happen. We are so glad she is on board with us!

Thanks so much Jenn!

We are very pleased with the outcome of our 1st event,the Nature Walk raised a total of $3,314.29. 

Unfortunately I do not have too many photos to share with you all, my mind was a bit elsewhere.

Thank you again to everyone who came out, and everyone who couldn't be with us, but so graciously donated.  We are truly grateful!

~j. kaczmarek

Duane and family with teachers, coaches, & students of FPC

Dale Brooke (her granddaughter), pushing her on the walk, with Karina Bell, and Flagler Beach Montessori school owner & director, Kerri Huckabee

Alyssa- Nature Walk 2011

On the walk

Alyssa- Nature Walk 2011

Alyssa posing with a few young supporters

Alyssa- Nature Walk 2011

Alyssa, Lisa Malphurs, and some of the children from Flagler Beach Montessori

Alyssa- Nature Walk 2011

Alyssa & I with some of our little friends

Images From A Hospital Visit

Duane Hagstrom after surgery

Alyssa visiting Daddy in the hospital

Visiting Daddy in the hospital

Visiting Daddy in the hospital

Strolling the hospital floors

Alyssa

October 6th, 2011, Duane Hagstrom underwent hip replacement surgery at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, FL.  These are some images from my visit.  He's a strong guy, doing really well.

Duane would love to make it to the walk for Alyssa scheduled this morning. If he makes it that will be wonderful, but if he can't - we totally understand.  We wish him a speedy recovery!

This is an exciting day, since this is our first fundraiser!  If you can join us, registration is at 9:45am / walk beginning at 10am.  This event is $20, up to any amount, per family.

Flagler Beach Montessori School/Wickline Park, 800 South Daytona Ave., Flagler Beach, FL 32136

Again, we would like to thank Flagler Beach Montessori School for hosting this event to support Alyssa.  Thank you for helping us make a difference!

The Makings Of A Portrait

i'm bored

i'm goofy

i've got an itch

are we done?

yes, we are done

Taken on 2/11/10.  I brought Alyssa into the kitchen to pose for a nice portrait that I wanted to use for something specific, but I love my contact sheet with these unfiltered moments.

A Photo Message For The Day

4/29/09

Remember, when you see someone who may be a little bit different, to show them a little bit of compassion.

Exciting Family News for Alyssa

Amy giving Alyssa a big smooch!

Introducing Amy Frederick Combs, Alyssa's new mommy to be.  Over the summer, Alyssa had a bit of new, exciting announcements.  Her daddy got engaged, and she moved into her new (to be) siblings home.

These are some photos I took just hanging out after Alyssa got home from school.  She is in 2nd grade this year.

I love her self-determination to do things on her own.  Here she is opening her closet to show me something

Alyssa playing with her soon to be step brother, Jackson

Alyssa had just announced that she wanted to say grace. I snapped this photo, and she told me to put my camera down, and hold her hand

I don't think I need to say much, this speaks for itself. Too funny!

Riding to her base.  Alyssa playing a little ball with her sister Alexxis, and Amy's two children, Preston and Jackson

Everyone's got their wheels.  Alyssa hanging with the boys in the neighborhood

Alyssa heading in for the night

Sisters

Alyssa gets special treatment & 1st fundraiser information

8/12/11

Alyssa was invited by fellow LFA sponsor, Sharon Capece, to come and have some special treatment for the day.  Alyssa had her first facial, and loved every minute of it.  Sharon was also nice to give Alyssa some free goodies to take home to pamper herself with.   Alyssa also learned an important message that day- never leave home without first applying sun block to your face!  Words to live by.

Alyssa thanked Sharon by coloring her a special picture and autographing it.  Sharon gave Alyssa her number, and Alyssa called her on the phone to say hi just soon after.

Thank you so much Sharon for a great time!

Sharon is part of the Dermatology Associates of Northeast FL. here in Palm Coast, and is a certified CCE, CME, Esthetician.  If you are looking for some special treatment too; facials, laser, or peels- contact  here office at  386-446-4466.

(Alyssa coloring and signing her picture of Sharon)

We have now scheduled our first fundraiser for Alyssa. This event is being hosted by Flagler Beach Montessori School. We posted an events page about the walk on Facebook the other day, but we realize not everyone is a user.  We were thinking to do a 5k, but we have changed that to a "Nature Walk".  We really want little people to participate, and they may not be up for a 5k.  If you would like to run though, you are more than welcome to!

The event will take place October 15th, at 10am, at Flagler Beach Montessori School/ Wickline Park, 800South Daytona Ave., Flagler Beach, FL,32136. Pre-registration is at 9:45am.  It is $20 per family, and up to any possible amount.  You may pay by credit card through paypal, just go to our Donations link at the top of the page.  You will see "Nature Walk Fundraiser Donations".  Please email us at loveforalyssa@gmail.com, to let us know that your donation is specifically for the walk.  You may pay by cash or check, the day of the event. We hope to see you there!  If you can not make it, or live to far away, please consider making a donation!

I am also happy to report that it looks like we may only have one photograph left to be sponsored for!  If you are interested, please let us know.

Or, if you are interested in being a sponsor for the project/Love for Alyssa, Inc. , your support would be much appreciated.

Please continue to spread the word & don't forget to tell others about our "Nature Walk"!