cancer Archives - Joni Kabana PhotographyJoni Kabana Photography

Halloween + One Old Soul Boy

I watch preparations for Halloween on the streets. My nine-year-old friend who passed away this year seemed to be able to parse out his mind from logic and the overlay of structure…and help us all believe, really believe, in dragons and spirits and totems and the mish-mash of spirits that help us along. Perhaps he did know something we can’t understand. Perhaps he did tap into something “out there” beyond our mind’s capabilities or willingness to grasp.

I think he knew that he would live far beyond what anyone could imagine. Gage is right here: magical, deliberate, thoughtful, balanced and oh-so wry.

Children’s Cancer Association Video

The Children’s Cancer Association just posted their 15th Anniversary video. They used many of the still images I have taken of CCA families over the years.

See the video here.

2010 Children’s Cancer Association Hero Wall Unveiled

Please join me this Sunday from 12-4pm at downtown Portland’s World Trade Center 121 SW Salmon Street as we unveil the 2010 Children’s Cancer Association Hero Wall. The Hero Wall is comprised of 25 portraits of children and teens who have made an impact within our community despite facing severe medical conditions.

The Hero distinction is given to children and teens in Oregon and Washington who have exuded grace, strength and extraordinary character during their life-threatening illness. They stand unified to represent thousands of others who face similar circumstances.

While photographing these Heros over the past three years, I consistently am reminded of what is truly important in life: a tender exchange, an outreached hand, an appreciation for making each day the very best, an ability to take a few risks, and humor.

It has been an honor to learn from these Heros and their families.

Special thanks to Pro Photo Supply for file prep and printing of all of the images.

Children’s Cancer Association: Unveiling of the Hero Wall

Please join me in celebrating the lives of 25 very special young individuals who are heroes in the most profound way.

This Sunday, September 13, we will unveil 25 portraits of children and teens who were selected by hospitals, community specialists, and the staff at CCA for their extraordinary spirits despite facing fragile medical conditions. The wall will be unveiled at 12:00 Noon in front of the World Trade Center at 121 SW Salmon in Portland, Oregon. All afternoon long there will be rockin’ music, games, face painting, tempting foods and an array of treasures to be found.

You, your whole family, friends and neighbors are welcome to join us at any point, and the energy is light and welcoming. Our purpose is to celebrate these lives!

At 4pm, the Portland streets around the World Trade Center will be closed, and music will be played as each child releases a homing dove into the sky. It is a poignant moment for everyone, and a reminder of how important it is to stop and reflect upon what is most important to us.

A heartfelt thank you to Pro Photo Supply for donating the printing of these images, and to DigiCraft for mounting all of them.

See some of last year’s Hero Wall photos here.

We hope to see you there!

Children’s Cancer Association: New Website Launch

The Children’s Cancer Association just launched their national website, using many of my images. It has been an honor to be able to photograph these families and provide precious imagery to their extended families and friends. Here is a sample page from their website.

Children’s Cancer Association Hero Wall At Emanuel Hospital

The Hero Wall has been moved to Emanuel Hospital in North Portland in their Atrium area. New images from 2009 will be inveiled on September 13 at Noon at the World Trade Center in Portland, OR. (Photo courtesy of David Gallacher)

Children’s Cancer Association Images

I am continuing to create images for families who are involved with the Children’s Cancer Association. Next up: shooting the 2009 Hero Wall, which is comprised of 25 portraits of medically fragile children. The Hero Wall travels all around the area to various corporations (yes, you can sponsor the Hero Wall!) and then permanently resides at the CCA office.

This year’s Hero Wall will be unveiled on September 13 at Noon in front of Portland’s World Trade Center. Many thanks to Pro Photo Supply for generously donating post processing and large format printing of the images, and to many people who assist with the shoots.