After all we’ve been through with my sister’s leukemia, I couldn’t help but get involved.  The motto of The Fireflies is “For Those Who Suffer, We Ride” and this small group of crazy bike riders have done a tremendous amount in only a short period of time.  Long story short, I leave next week for a 6 day, 550 mile bomb down the coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles on my bike.

So… like everything we do for cancer survivors, there’s an opportunity for YOU to get involved.  Here’s how:

1.)  Beginning next FRIDAY (9/24), we leave San Francisco headed for LA (via Santa Cruz, Big Sur, Cayucos, Solvang, and Ventura).  Come out and look for us as we bang out 6 days of 90 miles (I can send you our exact route).  We want to see you along the way, and though I always ride for my big sister Lea and her ongoing battle with this awful disease and the aftermath of her bone marrow transplant, this time I’ll be dedicating a part of each ride to a cancer survivor that YOU tell me about.  Just email directly HERE or leave a comment & send me their name etc. It may be a really steep climb, it may be the day when my legs are exhausted from the hundreds of miles I did days before… but it will motivate me to keep going, and hopefully do the same for them.

2.)  If you would like to donate some much needed cash to the good people at City of Hope and their amazing cancer center… you can do so through our Fireflies West website at www.fireflieswest.com

3.)  The third way you could help, is to go find a friend who hasn’t yet registered for the bone marrow registry and get them committed to signing up.  It breaks my heart to see people literally dying, because the public doesn’t realize how EASY and FREE registration and donation is.  You can go HERE for the link to all the information, and the FREE registration process.

4.)  If you live in LA, or near the smog of LA… PLEASE get your butt over to our arrival celebration on Wednesday, September 29th.  550 miles in 6 days, all in honor of those who suffer from cancer is a big deal, and we would like to see as many people as possible.  All the information is below, and I hope to see some folks there!!

]]> http://www.brianwedge.com/blog/2010/10/10/fireflies-ride-2010-san-francisco-to-la-in-6-days-by-bike/feed/ 5 http://www.brianwedge.com/blog/2010/06/03/2-night-vacation-in-maine-raffle-ends-on-saturday/ http://www.brianwedge.com/blog/2010/06/03/2-night-vacation-in-maine-raffle-ends-on-saturday/#comments Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:44:22 +0000 brianwedge http://www.brianwedge.com/blog/?p=3102 Continue reading →]]>

A quick reminder for all those who “meant to” join the bone marrow registry, or wanted to donate a little cash to LIVESTRONG, that your opportunity to “do good” while winning fabulous prizes is running out!  All donations and registrations received before 11:59pm on Saturday, June 5th will qualify for entry.  Don’t miss this opportunity to help someone with cancer… or to sneak off to the coast of Maine for a wonderful getaway!

The details are all here: http://www.brianwedge.com/blog/2010/05/05/win-a-weekend-on-the-coast-of-maine-and-help-fight-cancer-with-lance-armstrong/

We’re feeling pretty fortunate these days as our business continues to grow through the support of some truly wonderful clients and organizations.  We recently won a photo contest that came with a pretty spectacular prize:  a two night stay at The Newagen Inn in Boothbay Harbor, Maine INCLUDING gourmet breakfast and dinner!!  When we won the contest for the 2008 year, we were pretty psyched… but we never thought we would win AGAIN for 2009 as well.  We’ve been pretty lucky… and we feel like we should give back a little.  We decided that we would donate our prize to help raise money for one of our favorite organizations: The Lance Armstrong Foundation and LIVESTRONG.

If you need any reminders of why we’re so passionate about the fight against cancer, just imagine someone you love… fighting for their lives.

Alternatively, you can just click HERE or HERE and you’ll learn a bit about my amazing sister Lea who was diagnosed with leukemia a little over 4 years ago, and later survived a bone marrow transplant.  Her progress is slow, but steady.  Her attitude and perspective on life in incredible.  She is now cancer free and the mother of a beautiful baby boy… but the impact that the disease has had on our family will never leave us, and LIVESTRONG has been part of our support team for years now, so it would be wonderful to give back to them for all that they have done on behalf of survivors like us.

SO WHAT’S THIS CONTEST YOU KEEP REFERRING TO?

Happy you asked!  We are raffling off a TWO night stay at the beautiful Newagen Seaside Inn with gourmet dinner and breakfast included.

Check out The Newagen Inn’s website HERE, or click on the photo below.

HOW DO I WIN THIS INCREDIBLE TWO NIGHT STAY ON THE COAST OF MAINE?

There are two ways to enter (Yes, you can… and should do both!!):

THE FIRST OPTION (CASH DONATION):

1.)  Go to: fundraising.livestrong.org/grassroots2010/brianwedge and make a tax deductable donation right now.  For every $10 you donate, you will get an entry into our raffle that will be chosen at random on June 5, 2010… the winner will be notified by way of the contact information you provided when you made your donation.  So if you donate $10, you get one raffle ticket.  Donate $50, you get five tickets, donate $500, and you get 50 raffle tickets etc…. as well as a darn good chance that you and your significant other will be spending a weekend relaxing on the coast of Maine!

THE SECOND OPTION (REGISTER TO BE A HERO):

2.)  My sister’s life was saved by a true hero named Tammy who registered to donate bone marrow YEARS before she ever got the call that she was needed.  Donating bone marrow is NOT like donating a kidney or lung… so get that out your mind right off the bat!  It’s EASY, and registering is EFFORTLESS.  Joining the registry is FREE and is literally as simple as swabbing the inside of your cheek with a Q-Tip, then mailing it back.  YOU can do this. YOU need to do this… because the people who need a bone marrow transplant are literally dying without your help.  The act of bone marrow donation can take on one of two different forms, but 70% of all donations are taken in a procedure very similar to the simple act of donating blood. The cold hard truth though is that every year 35,000 people need a donor and only 3800 will find one.

VIDEO: How to register / get tested

Here’s the link with all the detailed information and how to receive a free test kit (donations accepted but NOT required):

Plus, if you register or are already registered… you get ONE FREE RAFFLE ENTRY.

Just tell us that you’re registered via:

A posted comment to this blog below [your email address is never published... promise]

or via TWITTER (@brianwedge)

or via FACEBOOK

Just tell us and when you WIN, we will contact you with the info you provided.  Honor system here.  If you say you went to the website and ordered the registration kit… we believe you and you qualify.  If you say you are already on the registry: we believe you!  If you say you actually donated marrow to someone: we LOVE YOU!!!

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So, to review:  You can win an exquisite two night stay at The Newagen Seaside Inn including dinner/breakfast if you:

a.)  Donate $10 to LIVESTRONG here: http://fundraising.livestrong.org/grassroots2010/brianwedge

OR

b.)  Are registered currently or become registered to donate bone marrow (just contact us through our comments section here, Twitter or Facebook)

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Follow up questions:

Brian, I own/work for an AWESOME company… and I bet we would be psyched to donate something to add to the prize list and therefore raise more cash to fight cancer (while also harnessing the power of social media marketing and your amazing blog followers)… how on earth would I do that?

What a great idea!  Just shoot us an email, or hit us up on Twitter (@brianwedge) or our Facebook Page and we will add it to our prize list while promoting your company as best we can!

(Original Photo Credit: EPA)*

Is it true that the winner gets to go for a ride with Lance Armstrong during their stay in Maine?

Ever since Lance and I ran the Boston Marathon “together”, it is true that he is a huge fan of Brian Wedge Photography (always bugging me for a print of his favorite wedding shot or obsessing about the plight of sea turtles in Mexico).  Knowing Lance as well as I do* he did mention that he had some sort of a cycling tour planned for July that’s taking him overseas I think.  I think he said something about studying cobblestones in France and then training for some little social ride in Colorado, so I can’t promise you that he’ll be there… but you never know!  In the event that Lance doesn’t show up to meet you, we would be happy to show you one of our favorite cycling loops while you’re in town.

Last question now… are there any other rules?

Whatever mumbo-jumbo legal rules apply to your state/country etc. apply.  If you’re under 18, don’t steal your parents credit card and donate without their permission.  In fact, you probably shouldn’t steal anyone’s credit card and donate without their permission.  This is simply us trying to raise money for a good cause in a fun and simple way… if you have any questions, let us know and we’ll do our best to answer them…. but otherwise, be cool and let’s all have some fun with this.

****************************************************************************

*aaaaaaand for the record, I’m joking.  I don’t think Lance is coming to ride with you in Maine… but donate some money anyways!  It’s a good cause!!

That being said, while we were traveling and shooting far away from the blogosphere, much occurred, and we will try to recap some of it here:

First up… my sister Lea and her husband Billy adopted an adorable baby boy!  Henry is absolutely beautiful, and has a remarkably calm energy about him that is just amazing.  Though we did miss the cranky-baby 2am diaper changes and feedings, we are quite certain that Henry is either high on baby formula… or just happy to be alive and have parents who adore and appreciate him so much.

Though we only stopped in for a few days during our return from Hawaii, one thing led to another… and of course an impromptu photo shoot occurred that resulted in baby Henry winding up in a salad bowl.  Sorry Henry, but you just don’t know where creativity will lead you!  Anyway, we wanted the whole world to know how proud we are to have him in our family!

And speaking of growing, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that we won a few more awards for our photography and we wanted to thank the sponsors for their encouragement and recognition.  First up, we managed to sneak out a few awards from the prestigious Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA.com) once again.  There are some truly incredible photographers that compete in their contests… so we are honored that we had NINE winning images in the past year.

Here are the two latest winners:

This image is from Matt & Ashley’s Hurricane Wedding at The Newagen Inn in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.  The photo is a fun grab shot of the bridesmaid being “blown away” in the wind.  The great news is that the bridesmaid holding the umbrella (Christine) is engaged to be married & in June we will be in Massachusetts to document their wedding for them!  There is no greater honor than to get the opportunity to support the friends of great clients like Matt & Ashley.  Don’t worry… we PROMISE… the weather will be better!

Next, from Heidi & Ross’ wedding at The Sebasco Harbor Resort, we won 4th place for dancing… but the true story is that the dancing started about 8 hours earlier, and the award should really be for the consistency and longevity of the dancing.  If I remember correctly, this is Heidi’s brother… who started dancing before the ceremony and in my mind is probably dancing wherever he is right now.  Congrats!

Last up, our favorite social media guru / Innkeeper Jason Schlosser (from The Newagen Inn in Boothbay Harbor) held a photography contest and self selected our entry because we were out of the country at the time (thanks Jason!!).  By popular vote, we were lucky enough to win the contest in 2008, and we never expected that we would again in 2009, but as luck would have it, we did!  The prize for winning the contest was a 2 night stay at The Newagen Inn, along with dinner.

In honor of all our good fortune, our great clients, and most of all… our precious new nephew Henry, we’ve decided that we are going to donate our two night stay at The Newagen Inn to raise money for LIVESTRONG and their continued fight on behalf of survivors like my sister in their battle against cancer.  More details about the raffle will be coming tomorrow: we’ve got a donation page all setup with LIVESTRONG, and Jason at The Newagen Inn is psyched to host the prizewinner.

So for now, thanks for all the support, love and emails.  We love hearing from everyone… and rest assured, we are back!!  Spread the word about the contest… more details right here tomorrow!

These messages were painted on the roads of the Tour de France before the peleton pedaled through.

Just as Lance Armstrong was pedaling through France this past summer, I was spending two wonderful weeks with my big sister Lea.  Diagnosed with leukemia on January 10, 2005, Lea has survived a barrage of assaults on her body, mind and spirit.  Not surprisingly, for those that know and love her… she is a unyielding fighter… who can reach deep into her soul and produce courage and focus that is truly incredible.  Many would say that Lea has beaten cancer, and by all medically relevant standards she has… but there’s so much more to her story, more that is easily ignored, forgotten or avoided: It’s the aftermath.

There’s a lot of hardship in this world… and my guess is that folks who have endured severe tests of the spirit, know a thing or two about surviving.  But like the person who climbs out the wreckage after a tornado destroys their home, or the soldier who spends months in physical therapy learning to walk again… there are certain challenges that take years and even decades to rebuild from.  Leukemia has been that for our family.  Lea beat hell out of her cancer, but it’s impacts are still felt everyday.

You did it Lea… you really did!!

We first became involved with Doug Ulman and the LIVESTRONG movement in the moments after Lea’s diagnosis.  Through the tears and the nausea of the news, LIVESTRONG was the first organization that really tapped into our fighting spirit.  There was an unapologetic belief that there was strength in unity, and that hope was as powerful as any cancer drug would ever be.  We’re forever grateful and as a result we want to make sure that everyone out there understands how important it is that we unite together against the epidemic of cancer.

So today happens to be LIVESTRONG Day and there are ways YOU can help.  We are donating 10% of our annual profits to Livestrong and like minded charities… so our request isn’t for moola… it’s for involvement.

Here’s how:

1.)  Register your bone marrow:  Swab your cheek with a Q-tip at home for FREE as part of becoming a bone marrow donor.  If you’ve been meaning to do this, do it today.  It’s easy and you’re saving someone’s life!!!  PLEASE do this.  If you already have done it… THANK YOU!  Please write in and tell us what made you do it!

VIDEO: How to register / get tested

Here’s how to sign up for a free test kit (donations accepted but not required):

http://www.dkmsamericas.org/category/marrow-donors/become-donor

You might never be a match, but if you are… wow, you’re in the position to save someone’s life!!  You’re not donating a kidney or a lung now… so get that whole gory, life altering surgery concept out of your head right off the bat.  The act of bone marrow donation can take on one of two different forms, but 70% of all donations are taken in a procedure very similar to the simple act of donating blood.  The cold hard truth though is that every year 35,000 people need a donor and only 3800 will find one.  Bottom line: we need more people involved and you could be that one!

A great video that explains what the actual donation process is here:

2.)  Get healthy and get involved.  Go for a walk today, ride your bike, play with your kids, smoke one less cigarette, eat a salad… whatever.  Do something healthy for you and your family.

3.)  Livestrong: it’s not all about Lance… it’s about uniting against cancer.  Get involved through this link here. While you’re at LIVESTRONG, go buy some of their sweet gear, and wear it with pride knowing that you’re helping a great organization with your cash while raising awareness about cancer.  If you want to understand what LIVESTRONG is to survivors like us, here’s their manifesto:

THE MANIFESTO OF THE LANCE ARMSTRONG FOUNDATION

We believe in life.
Your life.
We believe in living every minute of it with every ounce of your being.
And that you must not let cancer take control of it.
We believe in energy: channeled and fierce.
We believe in focus: getting smart and living strong.
Unity is strength. Knowledge is power. Attitude is everything.
This is the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

We kick in the moment you’re diagnosed.
We help you accept the tears. Acknowledge the rage.
We believe in your right to live without pain.
We believe in information. Not pity.
And in straight, open talk about cancer.
With husbands, wives and partners. With kids, friends and neighbors. And the people you live with, work with, cry and laugh with.
This is no time to pull punches.
You’re in the fight of your life.

We’re about the hard stuff.
Like finding the nerve to ask for a second opinion.
And a third, or a fourth, if that’s what it takes.
We’re about getting smart about clinical trials.
And if it comes to it, being in control of how your life ends.
It’s your life. You will have it your way.

We’re about the practical stuff.
Planning for surviving. Banking your sperm. Preserving your fertility. Organizing your finances. Dealing with hospitals, specialists, insurance companies and employers.
It’s knowing your rights.
It’s your life.
Take no prisoners.

We’re about the fight.
We’re your champion on Capitol Hill. Your advocate with the healthcare system. Your sponsor in the research labs.
And we know the fight never ends.
Cancer may leave your body, but it never leaves your life.
This is the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
Founded and inspired by one of the toughest cancer survivors on the planet.

LIVESTRONG

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Ok… that’s it!  Thanks for hearing us, thanks for being involved, thanks to Tammy for donating her bone marrow to my sister… and most of all, thanks to Lea Morrison who inspires me everyday with her attitude, action and love.

To Lea: I couldn’t be more proud to be your little brother, and I want you to know that I understand how hard you work EVERY day to stay healthy and positive.  You have earned your title of Survivor the hard way.  I hope you will take a moment today, on LIVESTRONG Day to celebrate how far you have come!!

My sister’s improved health has been the result of tenacious determination, an indefatigable spirit, a talented team of caregivers… and most importantly, the selfless, incredible gift from her anonymous bone marrow donor.

Recently, I had the amazing opportunity to actually meet my sister’s bone marrow donor.  Her donor’s name is Tammy, she’s about my sister’s age, and we had dinner together along with her fabulous husband Chris just before I flew out for another photo shoot.  Meeting Tammy and Chris was one of the most surreal moments of my life.  I was giddy with excitement, bubbling over with emotion (READ: tears)… and challenged to fully express my sense of gratitude for her sacrifice, and for the lifetime of pain she had spared Lea and everyone in our family.  As much as I wanted to know all about her and Chris, she wanted to know all about Lea and the process from the patient’s side.  We talked for hours sharing our experiences.

With The Heroes: Chris and Tammy on the left (and me)

I spent most of the night thanking them both for their efforts, for their selfless gifts, and for THEIR determination to see this process through.  Tammy and Chris had a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to help someone that they didn’t even know… and they took it.

Some call it Providence, some call it karma… others call it dumb luck.  Whatever it was, we were very fortunate to find a donor at all… never mind someone like Tammy who was a perfect match, and who was so willing to give so much.

As we left the restaurant that night, I told (yelled at) every person we saw that “This woman saved my sister’s life.”  I know it embarrassed Tammy, but it is the absolute truth… and it’s something not only to celebrate, but also aspire to.  What if we ALL stepped up to the plate for someone we didn’t know?  What if we were all willing to give of ourselves so that someone else may live?  If you had the opportunity, would you?

VIDEO: How to register / get tested

Getting tested for bone marrow is easy… it literally just involves swabbing your cheek with a Q-Tip and it’s FREE (optional donation to cover costs accepted but not required).  Here’s how to sign up:

http://www.dkmsamericas.org/category/marrow-donors/become-donor

You might never be a match, but if you are… wow, you’re in the position to save someone’s life!!  You’re not donating a kidney or a lung now… so get that whole gory, life altering concept out of your head right off the bat.  The act of bone marrow donation can take on one of two different forms, but 70% of all donations are taken in a procedure very similar to the simple act of donating blood.  The cold hard truth though is that every year 35,000 people need a donor and only 3800 will find one.  Bottom line: we need more people involved and you could be that one!

A great video that explains what the actual donation process is here:

Our lives are forever changed by Tammy’s gift.  Her generosity has inspired so many… and I hope it inspires YOU and those around you.  Thank you Tammy!!!

If you would like to thank Tammy for her donation in the comments section below, have at it!

If she inspires you to register, or get friends/family registered let us know… and by all means pass this blog post on!

I’ve been a part of hundreds of races, but Boston has been my favorite… the best fans and best organization ever.  Last year at this time, I was running to raise money for LIVESTRONG and The Lance Armstrong Foundation in honor of my sister Lea… and if you haven’t read that post from last year (or need a good excuse to cry) the link is here.

(Me… doing my very best impression of a Kenyan winning it all!)

The Lance Armstrong Foundation has had an incredibly productive year since we raised $20,000+ dollars for them, and months after the Marathon, I received a great email from Lance Armstrong and Doug Ulman who shared this fabulous video with me.  The Boston Marathon is always a source of inspiration… and it’s a reminder that we need to stay focused on being part of something that contributes to the greater good.  For us, we hope that there will be a cure for cancer in our lifetime.

There’s only 364 days left before the next running of The Boston Marathon.  Maybe this is your year?  Click on the logo below for some motivation!

BOSTON MARATHON VIDEO

“Be the change you want to see in this world.”  -Gandhi

Gandhi said and did many wonderful things, but those words specifically have inspired with me for years and years since I first read them.  Though we’re far from perfect, my wife Malia and I have tried hard to build an environmentally and socially responsible company.  We often chat with clients who are surprised to hear the lengths that we’ve gone to stick to our core values… and to support those non profits who are promoting positive change in this world.

At the repeated request of more than a few of our clients and our colleagues, we thought we would share a bit about what we’ve been up to… why we’re actively supporting certain organizations… maybe even inspire a few folks to join us… and to remind everyone out there who is doing good in cyberland that you’re not alone, and you don’t have to be perfect to make a difference.  These “tough times” are hitting charitable organizations harder than any other sector of the economy, so they need our help!

Here’s our most recent attempts to be that change we wish to see… with our time, with our money, our expertise and with our actions.

Last year we donated over 10% of our profits to charities and non-profits.  Some call that tithing, others call it corporate responsibility, we just call it contributing to the common good.  We have committed in writing through a group called 1% For The Planet to make that same level of contribution every year.  They review our end of year tax documents, and they independently hold us accountable to our agreement.  The third party system of authentication is very important to us… we want folks to know that we’re committed to improving the world we live in, and not just exploiting a cause because it’s fashionable.

We operate our business out of a sustainably built (LEED Design) boathouse studio that’s a passive solar, super-insulated, reclaimed/recycled material based space, that is a joy to work out of and to meet clients at.  We’re very proud of the end result because of it’s low impact on the environment, it’s beauty and the fact that we built it ourselves with the help of our friend Bevan Harris.

We also donate over two weeks of professional photography services to non-profits who would otherwise be unable to afford such a  high level of creative investment.  It’s been an absolute joy to get to know these local, national and international non profits… and to “tell their story” in ways that help them further their mission.

Everyone always wants to know… where specifically did all that money go??  Who is benefitting and why?  Here’s the short answer for the past 12 months:

The Lance Armstrong Foundation:  Most folks know by now that our family has endured the hell that is cancer for the past three years as my sister, Lea, was diagnosed with leukemia.  Our support has ZERO to do with Lance Armstrong as an individual or as a celebrity (though I ran the Boston Marathon on his team, and he did seem like a nice guy)… it has EVERYTHING to do with the aggressive actions of the non profit to motivate/support research for survivors in their time of need.  We think cancer sucks, it infuriates us that it devastates so many people’s lives and we believe that there is power if we unite to destroy it.  We believe that cancer should be eradicated across the board… so we don’t fund individual types of cancer research nor age groups of cancer… though we have a special hatred reserved for breast cancer which took my aunt’s life, and leukemia which my sister battled with a bone marrow transplant and knocked back into whatever hole it emerged from.  My anger towards cancer is another reminder that I’m not Gandhi, but when channelled that frustration has been very helpful as we raised over $11,000 in 2008 alone.

The Surfrider Foundation:  I grew up near once-filthy Boston Harbor… so I’ll first say that many of our coastlines are cleaner now than they’ve been in a long time.  But we live on the edge of the ocean, our studio is on the ocean, we play and harvest food from the ocean… and the Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches for all people, through conservation, activism, research and education.

The View From Our Boathouse Studio…

Cancer Community Center of Maine:  This is a great organization that was available to us when we dealt with cancer.  The Cancer Community Center provides a warm and friendly place where adults living with cancer, their families and friends can come together in a comfortable, caring setting to build social and emotional support as a complement to their regular medical care. 

The Jane Goodall Institute:  I grew up in a household of strong women who broke through social barriers and did things that they “weren’t supposed to do.” For example, my sister and wife were ridiculed as the first girls that played boys baseball in their respective hometowns, my mom was a weirdo in the 1960′s who consistently did things that were typically reserved only for men.  They did things before their time, and so did Jane Goodall.  Besides inspiring girls to live their dreams, the Jane Goodall Institute “advances the power of individuals to take informed and compassionate action to improve the environment for all living things”… how can you argue with a mission statement like that?

The United Way:  The United Way funds so many different community based organizations it’s amazing.  My direct connection: I learned to sail at a Boy’s and Girl’s Club in Boston.  The experience changed my life forever.

The Leave No Trace Center For Outdoor Ethics:  We’ve been around the world to some incredibly special places, and can’t help but notice that we are sometimes loving our environment to death.  Low impact wilderness travel is an essential skill that is often forgotten or ignored as we tromp through the our favorite backcountry spot.  The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is an educational, nonprofit organization dedicated to the responsible enjoyment and active stewardship of the outdoors by all people, worldwide.

Red Rocks, Nevada

The Access Fund:  The Access Fund is the national advocacy organization that keeps U.S. climbing areas open and conserves the climbing environment.  They’ve done wonders for climbers over many years in spite of a relatively tiny budget and staff.  

Pro Peninsula: Pro Peninsula strengthens individual and community efforts to protect the natural environment throughout the Baja California, Mexico Peninsula.  One of the world’s last truly wild places, the Baja California peninsula is a unique yet threatened environment. Strong environmental organizations are needed to promote social awareness and participation in order to counter the relentless threats to the region’s environment, while at the same time promoting sustainable development alternatives.

The Kokua Hawai’i Foundation: Kokua in Hawaiian means “help,” and the Kokua Foundation supports environmental education in the schools and communities of Hawai’i.  My wife, Malia, was born and raised on Oahu… and it’s still our home away from home.  The Kokua foundation’s mission is to provide students with experiences that will enhance their appreciation for and understanding of their environment so they will be lifelong stewards of the earth.

“Our hometown beach”  Lanikai, Hawai’i.

Though we continue to assist other organizations like the Nature Conservancy, National Public Radio, The Portland Museum of Art and The American Lung Association in smaller ways, the organizations above have been the focus of our major efforts in the past year.  Thanks to everyone who has harassed us for so long to share the extent of our involvement… we hope it helps, and we appreciate the support of numerous clients who encourage our efforts.

We’re all in this together, we’ve been inspired by other 1% For The Planet Companies who have made certifiable commitments.  Our hope is that others out there might read this and be inspired to act in a way that contributes to the greater good.  The downturn in our economy means that our efforts are even more important, and we have a unique opportunity to step up and support the causes we believe in.

If you’re ever in Seattle with leukemia about to start a bone marrow transplant the next day… we highly recommend you go ahead and catch a fish at Pike’s Place.

It’s been three years today since I got the call from my sister.  Through the tears and the gasps there was something about “blood test” and “they don’t know” and then the word “cancer” followed by the word “leukemia.”  It was the most horrific moment in either of our lives.  Me getting that news… and her, having to share it with her baby brother.

It’s a moment that replays daily in my head like it happened yesterday.  The instant nausea, the concern and the start of one incredible journey.  But just like most journeys, it takes a bit of time and distance to fully appreciate how far you’ve come.  The good news is that we’ve been through hell and back… and Lea is recently and currently cancer free!  She’s survived not only leukemia, but the misery of numerous demoralizing failed treatments, thousands and thousands of invasive tests.. and that most amazing “if it doesn’t kill you” experience of a bone marrow transplant.

Cancer isn’t as glamourous as you might think…

Her hair is growing back slowly, she goes to the doctor only 3-4 days a week now and her journey continues.  Today marks a very special day for all of us, because it’s another milestone: the start of her first complete year without leukemia since diagnosis!

Lea, on the left looks beautiful sans hair.  I shaved my head in solidarity… though most people are quick to note that there wasn’t much to take off.

Congratulations to you, Billy and all of those who love you and have supported you along the way!!!  You’re doing GREAT!!  Go celebrate today!

  Very soon, you’ll be seeing another logo displayed near ours… one that indicates our recent membership in a fantastic organization called 1% For The Planet.  We’re one of the very first companies in Maine, and the very first photographer in this state to make this commitment.  By joining, we’re dedicating 1% of our entire sales before ANY deductions are taken (not just 1% of our profit), to be donated to organizations who are helping protect and improve our natural environment.

  I was so happy to hear that my Alma Mater, Bowdoin College, is awarding an honorary degree today to Yvon Chouinard… an icon of responsible businesses, the founder of Patagonia Clothing Company and one of the creators of 1% for the planet.  I’m very proud of Bowdoin and their commitment to The Common Good.

  Here’s a great short video on Chouinard and 1% for the planet: 

  We’re proud to be looking beyond the photos we create to support the people and causes we believe in.  And we’re just getting started.  We hope other companies will follow our lead, and learn as we have that making commitments to the common good are a necessary and responsible business decision!

  Contributing to our community is one of our most important core values… and though our clients love the beautiful images we create, we also know that it “matters” HOW we do business.  I’m just thrilled that our business is growing by leaps and bounds every month… and that we’re staying committed to the causes that mean so much to us.

  What goes around comes around.  Thanks for YOUR support!

  After a few weeks of sharing perspectives on everything from marathons to cancer through the medium of  photography, I’ve had an overwhelming response from folks who have been touched by this concept of “Survivor” and “Caregiver.”  

  Survivors overcome obstacles like disease, hardship and challenge… and Caregivers are synonymous with medical technicians, providers and those that clean up the “messiness” of disease and hardship.

  Since my sister was diagnosed with cancer I’ve shifted my definitions in very real and dramatic ways.  First and foremost, I’ve learned that survivors sometimes don’t actually survive.  I’ve met dozens of inspiring survivors who never fully overcome their diseases.  ”Survivor” is not a label just for those who are victorious.

  I’ve also learned that survivors include those family members and friends touched by the challenge of cancer… and those same Survivors are quite often the primary Caregivers.

  It’s an incredibly difficult dual role to play.  To have the discipline of an objective practitioner, while bearing the burden of anguish, sadness or just the “real life” stress of financial and logistical challenges is often overwhelming.  

  To add to our visual library of both Survivors and Caregivers, I’ve included an incredible collection from The Sacramento Bee’s photographer Renee Byer.  Her photography chronicles the journey of one single mother caring for her son and his cancerous stomach tumor.  The duality of the mother’s role is obvious… first Caregiver, Survivor and then back again.  It’s an impossible task, and one that we can barely comprehend.

  As trained medical professionals, documentary photojournalists and associate supporters of those on the front lines, it’s important to remember that who we focus on depends on the specific moment we engage them.  Understanding the plurality of each character adds depth and complexity to every scene.  

  It’s an important subtlety that we all struggle to balance: we all know the importance of “instinct” and “anticipation” as caregivers and journalists… but these images remind me of how important it is to stay in the moment, assume nothing and to take every event for the uniqueness that it is.

  With that said, Renee Byer does a fantastic job capturing one mother’s journey and challenges me to rethink some of the assumptions I make when encountering an “obvious” scene to be documented.  With depth and sensitivity, Renee illuminates the fact that the Caregiver is also the Survivor… and the roles held by one person can shift without notice.

  Here is the complete story including narrative… amazing stuff. (click NEXT to see each photo)

One element of that story that was missing is the fact that my sister Lea is doing really really well.  A few weeks ago she returned home from Seattle with the INCREDIBLE news that she was CANCER FREE!!!

Lea is getting stronger every day, though like all of us… some days are better then others.  Her husband, Billy has been a rock of support in many ways.  As caretaker, friend and provider he has worn many many hats.  Yesterday was Billy’s birthday… so from all of us out here on the wrong coast: Happy Birthday Billy!!!

Listen to the 30 second NPR Interview of one of our supporters (Jim Kahn) talking about Lea.

Nothing sums up the experience better then this.  It’s worth it!!!!

The race was wonderful… and difficult to say the least.  Despite having the flu all last week, I went into the race feeling positive and excited.  We met with Lance Armstrong and Joan Benoit Samulson on Saturday, and it added to the inspiration.

The crowds were fantastic and the weather couldn’t have been nicer.

The first half of the marathon went really well.  I had promised to go slow, to savor every aspect of the fans, the runners and to think of all of my wonderful supporters!

I started to have some of that chest congestion like I had last week around mile 14, and by mile 20 (Heartbreak Hill) the “wheels were coming off the bus.”  Breathing was a bit tough, but I saw my family and friends on the hill… and it made a HUGE difference (thank you for being there!).

Some cramped legs and a little “Kona Shuffle” brought me in the rest of the way.  I finished well over an hour beyond my projected time, but I’m really not disappointed at all.

This journey started in the depths of winter with my sister enduring rounds of Cytoxin, my mother watching her baby girl lose her hair, my brother-in-law having to leave his wife overnight in the hospital and Christine, my constant companion seeing the impact of this hell on me.

This entire marathon was a journey of hope, of family, of friendship and of faith.  The fact that I found myself suddenly a little under the weather reminded me of the millions out there touched by cancer who are fighting to LiveSTRONG.  I was running for THOSE people who couldn’t have this opportunity and I was running most of all for Lea… who in classic grace and athleticism ran this course in just over three hours a few years ago.

Sometimes the greatest joy comes from the challenges that are most difficult… and this race was no different.  Of all the races I’ve competed in, this is the most significant for me.

I know you’ve been with me every step of the way.  THANK YOU.  I know Lea’s struggle and the battle against cancer has touched you in a unique and very real way.  I’ve truly felt the support.

There’s very little that sums up our cumulative feelings better then this 30 second interview I heard this morning on NPR.  One of our friends who was out on the course was asked “why he was out there.”  Grab some tissues… because it’s the same reason you all have been with us:

CLICK TO LISTEN TO THE 30 second NPR INTERVIEW of one of our supporters (it’s worth it)

Her work is inspiring, and as many of you know whose lives have been touched by cancer… all too real and painful for many of us. It’s a real reminder that we’re all Survivors. Not just those diagnosed with the disease, but also the siblings, the parents, he friends and the children.

Too many long days and even longer nights that I can certainly relate to.

It’s tough to watch, but respectful, honest and REAL.  Everything we love (even with the heartache).

-B.

As many of you know, my amazing big sister Lea is undergoing a bone marrow transplant in her ongoing battle with Leukemia. There has been an outpouring of support for Lea, and for our family… thank you! Keep it coming! We LOVE it!!!! It has helped us through many long days.

Lea is doing REALLY well, and is on Day +7 of her bone marrow transplant. Her hair started falling out in a big way yesterday, so she got rid of the remainder on her own.

Lea’s doing great… and I’m inspired by her every day!