Families Forever
No pictures to show today. I haven’t made any that would relate to this post. In a way, I’m thankful for that. If I had made one or more, they wouldn’t be shown here, anyway.
A few months ago, I volunteered for a program that is being sponsored by WPPA, the Wisconsin Professional Photographers Association, called FAMILIES FOREVER. It’s a simple program but it could have a great impact on some families: those with a member that is dying.
I’m not the only professional that has been told: “I wish we had that family portrait made before…” Actually, it has happened a few times in my career. Usually, because there was a sudden death of a family member. When death is imminent however, there is time to have that last portrait made before someone leaves this earth. The portrait will, no doubt, be the one of the most cherished by the remaining members of the family and will be the launchpad for all of the many good memories they made together.
That is why WPPA created FAMILIES FOREVER. A volunteer network of photographers and labs who will create a portrait for qualifying families free of charge. No fees will be charged by the photographer and the wall portrait, 24 inches on it’s longest side, will be delivered free of charge by the participating lab. No reprint sales will be sought or expected by either party. This is a unique opportunity for families that are struggling emotionally, and quite possibly financially, with the anticipated loss of a loved one.
If you know of a family in a situation like this, encourage them to visit: http://www.families-forever.com for a complete and sensitive explanation of the program and the inquiry form. There are, currently, 11 professional photographers around the state and in the Upper Peninsula that are willing to help. No, we’re anxious to help.
