Melvin Pierson, DDS of Pierson Dental Associates (PDA) runs his practice in Sicklerville, NJ.  Dr. Pierson was listed as Top Dentists 2008 in South Jersey Magazine. He is an active participant in his community in providing information and dental screenings to local schools, health fairs, and churches. He has even spread the word of dental health on radio and television talk shows with networks such as NBC10 and CN8. It is no wonder he has such a great smile himself!

I was given the opportunity to photograph for a non-profit organization called Flashes of Hope. Flashes of Hope is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing uplifting and powerful portraits of children fighting cancer and other life threatening diseases.  The mission of the organization is to help children feel better about their changing appearance and, for the families of terminally ill children, it provides a portrait that forever preserves the beauty, grace, and dignity of their child.

The photographs were taken at the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania. Photographs were taken in the family center and in the patient rooms throughout the hospital. I took photographs of children from 8 months to 19 years old. It was inspiring to hear their journeys and the witness the spirit of these children and their families.

The pictures speak for themselves.

Check out her princess shoes!

On Saturday I had the pleasure of photographing true miracle babies—Norah and Noelle.  Weighing in at 1 lb. 3 oz and 15 oz. when they were born on September 5, 2008 (at 24 weeks!), these girls have mystified and fascinated all of us who watched their amazing journey.  Now, at 9 months of age, Norah is over 15 lbs and Noelle is over 12 lbs.  These magnificent babies are thriving due to the love and devotion of their parents, Sharon and Stafford.  They are the true testament to the power of exceptional medical care, love, courage, strength, encouragement, hope, hard work, and lots of prayer.  Their journey has a beautiful and happy ending…They now eat oatmeal, peas, and squash, have their ears pierced, sleep through the night, attend daycare, and share a wardrobe of matching outfits.  No doubt Norah and Noelle will continue to fascinate all of us as we watch them grow, share a bond, and nurture a sisterhood like no other.  I look forward to documenting their childhood as they become beautiful young ladies.

A beautiful family!