Ever since my diagnosis I’ve been trying to figure out my place in a world that is very different from what I envisioned once we returned to the U.S. I was able to switch gears and threw myself into the animal welfare world at Good Shepherd Humane Society in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, where I found a secondary passion and had the great pleasure to see amazing changes and help implement programs helping the region’s stray animal population and pet owners alike. I was happy to stay at that organization for as long as possible when my voice gave out and I was no longer able to answer the phone and speak to our constituents. I have kept in touch with the team and am so proud of the impact they continue to have on rural animal welfare and the impact they have had on the region in support of our furry family members.
In the years that I have been away, I have come to know several people with a wide range of neurological diseases and conditions. There is Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, ataxias of all sorts, ALS, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, Multiple Sclerosis, PLS, cerebal palsy, and a whole host of other neurological afflictions too numerous to name. While some have treatments and mitigations, others, like HSP, do not. Some are a death sentence within a few years, while others, like HSP – thankfully, are not. Each of these conditions deserve research and it’s difficult for me to pick one to support. I found the American Brain Foundation that supports research for a wide variety of neurological issues. thereby supporting research for not only my own issues, but those of whom I also care about.
It’s with both of these causes in mind that I came up with a great fundraising idea. I love the work of both Good Shepherd Humane Society and that of the American Brain Foundation. Some will want to support one or the other, and I respect that greatly!
So I have a proposition for all of you: For every 8×10 or 8×12 print you buy directly from me for $40, I will donate half to either Good Shepherd Humane Society or The American Brain Foundation – your choice! Any of my photos from any of my platforms (this website, Facebook, Instagram, or FineartAmerica.com) is up for grabs as long as you send me your request directly at arklahomamuse@gmail.com stating the name of the photograph, the platform from which you found the photo, and your choice of the two charities to donate to. Payment is through Paypal or Venmo and a request will be sent for payment after the order has been sent.
I do hope you all join me in supporting these two great charities! In this way, I can use my passion for photography to further the cause of animal welfare in rural communities and support those who are searching for cures and treatments that affect more of us than the “rare diseases” label would seem to indicate.
Thank you!