We give HOPE…we share LAUGHTER…We are storytellers. The Gold Hope Project is a group of photographers aiming to gift families battling pediatric cancer free photo sessions for their little fighters. The Gold Hope Project’s goal is to make sure that these already over-burdened families have an everlasting documentation of the joy and whimsy of their children while simultaneously raising awareness of and funds for pediatric oncology research and treatment.

Inspiration for The Gold Hope Project came from Ava, a beautiful and eternal five-year-old little girl who loved to laugh and give kisses. Ava was diagnosed with a rare and terminal brain tumor, at only four years old. As too many families understand, this news was devastating to Ava’s family. While they were thrust into the world of chemo, radiation, scans and the imminent discomfort of their baby, they had to face a plain fact. Although they were fighting to save her, the odds were that they would lose her.

During her battle with cancer, photos of Ava took on a new meaning. Because of the lack of hope in her terminal diagnosis, the photos were no longer simply a way to document her growing up, but now carried the heavy burden of immortalizing her every trait. Her parents needed to hold on to the sparkle in her eyes and her every single smile. They needed a pause button for her life and photos became their remote control.

A photographer friend gifted a photo session to Ava shortly before she passed away. She wore a pretty pink dress and played with golden glitter…two of Ava’s favorite things. At this photo shoot, Ava wasn’t sick. She was a girl enjoying life-singing, smiling and laughing…and so began The Gold Hope Project. Because all families touched by childhood cancer deserve moments like that filled with happiness and HOPE.

More info: goldhopeproject.com