"It's important to let other people know you have a gift to give."
Professional photographers Dayle and Bruce Schnack feel lucky. "We've seen our children grow up. We've been able to hug them every morning." So they were looking for a way to give back. Then one of their customers asked them if they would be willing to donate their time taking portraits of families with terminally ill children for the Children's Hospital Hospice program. It was a perfect fit.
The Schnacks bring light into what can be some very dark days for these families. By gathering parents and children together for a portrait, they create wonderful memories.
The mother of one hospice child cherishes her portrait saying, "I will always have a piece of my angel near me."
Most of the 50 families they've photographed have never had a family portrait, and there's absolutely no cost. The Schnacks have even rescheduled regular business to get to a family in time.
While it seems like a heart-breaking assignment, Dayle says it's not. Because, the way they see it, "We're photographing living children."
They say the service they provide is just a small part of a much bigger picture.
"If God calls us to be there, we're there."
Designated charity:
Children's Hospital