I hope it is not too late...I guess it is never is but please pay a visit to Amelia Lyon's blog. In particular her post called: "Something for Dad". Not only she is an awesome photographer but she is also an amazing person. Anyway we can help her cause would be appreciated.
As many of my blog followers may agree, I am definitely a picture-taker and not a writer. I do my best to write positively and according to my entries in order to describe the many adventures I experience as a photographer, mother, and wife. Well this time I am writing as a daughter and I ask my readers, in advance, for forgiveness as I stumble over this blog post in order to put into words the way that I feel about an unfortunate trial that has been placed in the lap of my family (in fact, as I am trying to type this my heart is pounding so loud I can hear it in my ears). This is for my dad.
Earlier this year he found himself randomly falling down and even found himself having trouble walking and lifting his right leg. He went in for some testing to see what was going on, only to find that there would be no solution and that he would never walk normal again. To make the long story short he was diagnosed with ALS (or many of you may know it as Lou Gehrig's disease, please click here to find a site that describes exactly what this disease is and how it can effect the victims that get diagnosed with it). In simple terms, this disease causes muscles to stop reacting to the brain's commands and eventually takes over the whole body. My dad was diagnosed with ALS officially in September and since then he has lost complete use of his right leg and his left leg is now fading faster than the right. The progression of this disease takes a different toll on each one of its victims, with my dad his ALS is progressing rapidly and he is already in an electrical wheelchair.
Now here is the reason for this post, I am reaching out to the world for help. I already know that my dad won't survive this, but with help, he can be comfortable in his last months (hopefully years). I am auctioning off a family portrait session to help raise funds that will be put to helping him with medical bills, rebuilding a handicap bathroom, or the purchase of a wheelchair accessible van. While I know that one family portrait session won't pay for all of this, every little bit will help, especially since my dad hasn't been able to work since August. I am starting the auction bidding at $250. I usually charge $500 for our portrait sittings. The sitting will include approxiamately two hours of coverage, online proofing, and a $100 print credit. Please email me at amelia@amelialyon.com to submit your bids, I will close the bidding at midnight on new years eve. There has already been a savings account set up for him and everything donated is tax deductible. I really appreciate any help in this effort, I plan to do a few more auctions in the near future, but this is my first attempt.
Here is a photo of my dad and me taken about three weeks ago at Zion's National Park:
These next four photos make me laugh to tears, I tried to get a portrait of my dad, but this what I got instead:), I love you dad!
I have had an overwhelming amount of response to last post about my dad and I feel so blessed to see the amount of love and concern for this situation! Many people have responded with either a bid or just wanting to know how to donate, so I decided to post some info for those who just would like to send a donation. Please send all donations in a check form made out to "Faye Brady" (the account is under my grandmother's name) and on the bottom left part of the check write "Ken Brady handicap van fund". Donations should be mailed to:
Faye Brady
1048 E. 13590 S.
Draper, UT 84020
Be sure to write your address clearly on the outside of your envelope so that my grandparents can mail you a deposit receipt for tax deduction reasons. Also, be sure to keep your check stub for an additional copy for your own records.
I really am so thankful by everyone's kind words and encouragement, I feel strengthened by people I have never even met and that feels amazing. Also, I know my dad has been reading all of the comments posted and he feels that love as well. Thank you all!
Bid update: Currently the bid for the photo sitting is at $500. Again, I will be closing the bidding at midnight on New Year's even so please be sure to email me or post a comment with your bid before then.
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