Week 9 - Maple Leaf Mission

"Landon was delivered at 24 weeks and was 1 lb, 2 oz when he was born in April of this year. Since then, he has had multiple surgeries and is doing well - he is now 7 lbs and almost 6-months-old! A miracle baby indeed!" - Session donated by Brenda De Los Santos Photography

I discovered the Maple Leaf Mission when scrolling through my Facebook news feed and seeing an incredibly touching picture of a newborn infant with an oxygen tube. The photo grabbed my attention and prompted me to read the story behind it. It turns out that a photographer that I had worked with in the past volunteers her talents with the Maple Leaf Mission whose mission is to capture lasting memories through photography of terminally ill or struggling loved ones.

All those who know me know that I love photography and pictures. I am drawn to the story told through images whatever they may be. I treasure my family photographs and I could lose every object in my life with little heartache, but I would be devastated to lose my pictures. They are my window into the past and a way to relive a moment that my mind didn't fully retain.

So the slogan "The Gift of Life In Pictures" really struck me. For families about to lose a loved one, the gift of beautiful memories through photos is priceless. And through the Maple Leaf Mission, these are offered at no cost to these deserving families.

Photographers around the world are encouraged to volunteer their services to nominated families in their area. The Mission does three types of photo sessions: Families in which a member has a terminal illness, families in which a member has a debilitating or life-limiting illness and military reunions.

This organization is based in Edmonton, Alberta so unfortunately will not quality for my company match. However, they provide services to families all over the world. More information about the Maple Leaf Mission can be found here or on Facebook.

Also please check out Brenda De Los Santos Photography