Hope and Healing Through the Camera Lens: Pablove Shutterbugs
At Livestrong, we believe that if you’re living with cancer, you deserve more than hope for a better tomorrow — you deserve a better today. We created the Livestrong Solution Grants program to recognize and fund organizations who are developing cutting edge, inventive, and sustainable solutions to overlooked cancer problems and improving the lives of those affected by this disease. One of these organizations is The Pablove Foundation, whose Pablove Shutterbugs program empowers children with cancer to express themselves through photography.
Photography from a Patient’s Perspective
The Pablove Foundation is a national pediatric cancer nonprofit named after Pablo, a little boy who lost his battle with cancer at age six. In 2009, his parents founded the dynamic organization with a vision to nurture the emotional wellbeing of kids with cancer through art while accelerating their cures through cutting-edge science.
Pablove Shutterbugs, their signature healing arts program, teaches children and teens living with cancer to develop their creative voice through photography. With the help of Livestrong’s Solution Grants, Pablove launched a new virtual Shutterbugs program, along with their in-person classes, to safely serve more kids during the pandemic. The success of their virtual model allows kids with cancer everywhere to become Shutterbugs, including right from their hospital beds.
“Livestrong has allowed us to bring joy to more kids with cancer than ever through our virtual photography class,” said Raul Lorenzana, Pablove Shutterbugs Program Director. “We can now reach patients that live in rural communities where access to arts programs like Pablove Shutterbugs isn’t always feasible. Pablove does what parents can’t do alone–we create a community for kids with cancer.”
In a Shutterbug’s Eyes
Pediatric cancer patient Anaaya, seven, dreams of being an artist. Pablove Shutterbugs helped make this dream a reality. Read Anaaya’s feelings about herself in her “I Am Poem:”
“I Am Poem”
By Anaaya, age seven
I am sweet little girl
I wonder how the universe works
I hear sweet birds chirp
I see beautiful mother nature
I want peace in the world
I pretend play with my sister
I feel always happy
I touch flowers
I understand the game rules
I say Love you Mom
I dream to be an artist making beautiful art
I try different things to keep me busy
I hope my friends also stay happy
I am sweet little girl
Get Involved
Do you want to see more from Pablove Shutterbugs or meet some of these amazing young artists in person? You can!
Immerse yourself in a vibrant, colorful evening at the Pablove Shutterbugs Houston Gallery Show, part of ARTcetera Houston! Join The Pablove Foundation on September 16 for ARTcetera Houston, a one-night-only live arts fundraiser event that helps paint a brighter future for kids with cancer.
ARTcetera takes guests behind the scenes to see the creative process in action, as Houston’s most iconic artists create works right before your eyes. Enjoy delicious cuisine and cocktails, a huge auction with exciting items to bid on, plus a Pablove Shutterbugs Gallery Show featuring images by local kids with cancer. 100% of proceeds benefit The Pablove Foundation.
Hope and Healing Through the Camera Lens: Pablove Shutterbugs was originally published in Livestrong Voices on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.