L'Shana Tova - Happy New Year! Dear Friends, I'm writing this while sitting in the Seattle-Tacoma Airport on Erev Rosh Hashanah, trying to get the l

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L'Shana Tova - Happy New Year!

RoshHashanah-2012

Dear Friends,

I'm writing this while sitting in the Seattle-Tacoma Airport on Erev Rosh Hashanah, trying to get the last flight home after what has been a truly amazing experience. It was the kind of experience that makes you appreciate all the blessings in your life. More about that in a minute...

As I reflect on this past year, I want you to know how profoundly touched I am that you have trusted me to create beautiful keepsakes for your family to hold onto for generations to come. I've gotten to know so many of you personally, and treasure the friendships we've made. Whether we've done family portraits, high school senior portraits, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, or weddings, I'm very grateful to all of you for allowing me into your lives. Thank you and Happy New Year!

***
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Chelsea's Hope Mom's Camp 2012

Courage and Hope

This past weekend, I spent time with three of the bravest women I know - Linda, Kim, and Gabi. Linda is the co-founder of a non-profit organization called Chelsea's Hope, in honor of her daughter Chelsea who suffers from a rare, terminal disease called Lafora. Her goal was not only to raise awareness and funds for Lafora research, but also to create a place where families affected by this tragic disease could connect and find support. Several families whose children have been diagnosed with Lafora are no longer alone in their struggle thanks to Chelsea's Hope. Last year, the first annual "Chelsea's Hope Mom's Camp" was born.

Kim graciously hosts Mom's Camp at her gorgeous vacation home in one of the most serene settings on earth - the San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest. And this year, I got to be one of the campers!

Laughter, tears, joy, sorrow, friendship, respite, love, and most importantly - "hope" are the words that come to mind as I think about the last 4 days. As you can imagine, the trip was filled with every emotion of the rainbow. Linda, Kim, and Gabi each have a daughter suffering from Lafora. The bond that these women share is something only they can truly understand. Of course, I had my camera at the ready to document our time together and probably drove them all crazy trying to get THE shot!

Here's our view from Kim's deck at sunset.

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And here's the special guests who came to visit us on our first day - Orcas!

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There were many magical moments in this beautiful place, captured in photographs which I'll share in a future blog post. Suffice it to say that although I missed Rosh Hashanah services, I am filled with a renewed spirit and look forward to seeing what exciting things the future holds.

I wish you all good health, happiness and prosperity in the New Year, and hope that all your dreams come true!

L'shana tova,
Cheryl

To learn more about the children of Chelsea's Hope, or to make a tax-deductible donation to help find a cure, please visit: www.chelseashope.org.

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