karen

Behind the lens, I noticed how much her son looked like mine. I couldn't help but wonder what it felt like to hug your child while you have cancer. I thought about my own son's eyes, his neck, how it gracefully slopes up to his little ears. I didn't want her to know I felt like crying. Because I didn't want her to feel like I thought cancer defined her. More accurately, she would be defined as strong and warm, with a certain kindness that develops only when you realize how much it matters. At the end of the shoot she hugged me. And I felt grateful, like my work had a purpose. I also felt like I would give anything for her to get better.  

If you'd like to help, Karen Hansel is fighting Stage 4 breast cancer, which has spread throughout her body and bones, most recently discovered in her liver and one lung. She's a single mother to Dominick, age 12. And we're reaching out to help offset the cost of her cancer treatments. Please consider purchasing a raffle ticket for $20 and/or sending a donation of unwanted, broken or mismatched gold. If you email me at admin@relishportraitstudio.com, I will get you in touch with the correct people. 

Raffle prizes: 

Grand Prize: 5 Day Caribbean Cruise for 2, Carnival Fun Ship, Windowed Cabin, Departs Galveston TX, Aug 17-22, 2009, Ports of Call Progresso & Cozumel, Mexico

First Prize: Jonas Brothers Concert - 2 tickets courtesy of Cardell Cabinetry - August 13, 2009, At& T Center, San Antonio

Second Prize: $200 Gift Card to Hyatt Hotels, 2 Sea World passes, $50 Gift Card from Rudy's BBQ

Third Prize: $200 Gift Card to Neiman Marcus

Thank you, thank you, thank you! xo

Update on Thursday, July 16, 2009 by Maile Wilson

I can't believe the response we've gotten already, you guys are amazing! I just wanted to post a follow up with more detailed info for anyone else who wants to help.

PURCHASE A RAFFLE TICKET by sending a check to 59 Inwood Heights Dr. N, San Antonio, TX 78248. Please make checks payable to "Karen Hansel Benefit Fund". Be sure to include your name, address, phone #, so they can contact you if you won. 

MAKE A DIRECT DONATION at any Frost Bank by asking for the "Karen Hansel Benefit Fund". Please include your name, so we know who to thank!

You can also find info on Facebook at "A Chance for Chance", or contact Tracy Kubinski at tracykubinski@sbcglobal.net. 

A million thank yous to everyone! xxoo

Comments

[Trish]

Hi Mailie,

I was very touched by your incandescent photos of Karen and I want to help.

Please email me at patriciadolan@comcast.net with the raffle information.

Thank you,

Trish
patriciadolan@comcast.net

[Toni | Daily Vignette]

I think of my own two sons, now adults, as I write this. Without a doubt, I want to help as well. Do we just email the address in the post for raffle tickets?

[Tracey Clark]

Wow maile. First of all, these photos are beautiful! Second, Karen is gorgeous and shines with love. And third, your work does matter. Thank you for this.

[Lu]

Looking at them images before reading your words, I could not help but notice how she radiates. Her eyes speak volumes without a word. I will be emailing to find out how I can participate in the raffle.

You did a wonderful job capturing her spirit and essence.

[maile]

Thank you guys all so much! To everyone who has already emailed about donating. It's completely overwhelming to me, how generous people are...even when they don't personally know someone. This is an amazing community, full of so many good hearted souls. THANK YOU! xo

[maile]

p.s. yes, you guys can just email me at the address above, and I'll get you in touch with the people who are coordinating everything. Thanks again!

[kristin]

wow yes your work DOES matter what a true gift. peace and health to this momma.

[georgia]

i am so encouraged to see shutter sisters use this blog for this kind of post—reaching out and asking for help. bringing these things closer to us and making them seem more real and not just something we hear about through a friend of a friend of a friend. my heart breaks to read this for Karen and her son and what they are going through. but these photos are beautiful and speak so much hope. i want to help in any way i can. i will reread the other comments to find out how to help.

[LilSis]

Hi,
I was so glad to have discovered your blog on Toni Johnsons' Photography site. I'm very touched by the story about Karen and her son. I'll be sharing this story with the readers on our blog in hopes of helping to raise money. I'll email Maile for more details about the raffle. Thanks for sharing this story.

[emily]

Unfortunately, Karen lost her fight with cancer on January 20, 2010. May she rest in the eternal peace she believed in and for which she longed. Pax tecum.