Hey guys!

I wanted to share some information about the wonderful nonprofit organization that I interned/volunteered for this summer that I am very passionate about!

(Aside from the excerpt taken from their website, these are all my own words and insight on the program.  This is not coming from the organization itself! However I am writing this in the hopes of making more people aware of what Pablove and Pablove Shutterbugs do to help those affected by childhood cancer.)

A brief description of The Pablove Foundation is below (taken from their website).  More information can be seen at Pablove.org.

“The mission of The Pablove Foundation is to fund pediatric cancer research and advances in treatment, educate and empower cancer families, and improve the quality of life for children living with cancer through hospital play, music and arts programs.

The Pablove Foundation is named after Pablo Thrailkill Castelaz, the son of Jo Ann Thrailkill and Jeff Castelaz and the little brother of Grady Gallagher. Pablo was six years old when he lost his valiant yearlong battle with bilateral Wilms Tumor, a rare form of childhood cancer. Imbued with his spirit and inspired by his strength, Pablove is dedicated to the daily, global fight against childhood cancer and the suffering that comes in its wake.

We fight on in order to amplify one simple message: kids get cancer too.” (Pablove.org)

From holding Wilms Tumor Symposiums to their signature charity bike ride, Pablove Across America, The Pablove Foundation continues to not only raise awareness about childhood cancer, but to provide support for families affected by it.

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The Pablove Shutterbugs program was cofounded by Catherine Berclaz and Jo Ann Thrailkill in 2010.  Catherine had developed a unique program designed for children with cancer to learn photography in a hospital setting, and after reconnecting with Jo Ann, they decided to join forces.  The sole mission of the Shutterbugs Program is to provide a creative outlet for the children in which they may express themselves in a truly unique program that works around their treatment.

The first Pablove Shutterbugs class in New York!
(Photo by David Ryan, Pablove.org)

My time working with Pablove Shutterbugs was nothing short of unbelievably rewarding, incredibly touching, and truly life-changing. Working with Cath and the children, and all of the incredible volunteers made me realize just how passionate I am about helping these children and their families in any way possible, even if just putting a smile on their faces, and making a difference.  I have been inspired to start my own non-profit organization in the future, and hope to volunteer as a mentor in the Shutterbugs program this year.

Michael using his camera with his mentor, Kevin!
(Photo by David Ryan, Pablove.org) 

Kahron flashing his famous smile!
(Photo taken by David Ryan, Pablove.org) 

Elena and her mentor Jane looking at the photos on her camera!
(Photo taken by David Ryan, Pablove.org) 

A photo of myself and another volunteer taken by Brandon!

Cath and I with Santa at NYU Hassenfeld for the holiday party!

A photo of me, taken by Elena!

Please check out the Pablove Shutterbugs Gallery page to see the children’s wonderful work, and read a bit more about the program.  If after learning more about the program you feel just as passionate about it as I do, donating is a great way to help support the cause. Or, you can volunteer, and help out directly!

Shutterbug Briana (LA Class) sharing her experience!

Shutterbug Grayson (LA Class) sharing his experience! 

Thanks so much for taking the time to read about something that means a lot to me!