This is my mom and she is the epitome of strength.

Everyone of us has trials and struggles in life and she has definitely had her share over her lifetime. She is never one to dwell on them and has kept a positive outlook on life, even when it throws a curveball.

For the past 25+ years she has dealt with a big curveball, Parkinson's Disease (also known as PD). As an early onset PD patient, she has dealt with this disease for a long time. She has faced it with strength, positivity, and a drive to not let this define who she is, but to continue to live a full life even though life may not look the same as it did 25 years ago.

So all of this has brought me to create a new personal project and fundraiser to honor my mother. I have partnered with the APDA Missouri to raise money to support others who have been affected with this disease, as well as the caretakers of people with PD. My idea is to open my studio to anyone who wants to come by for a portrait. I may host a few events at the studio throughout the year for anyone to come by and have their portrait made. My request would be for a donation, if you can, to be made to the APDA Missouri in honor of my mother. This is the portal we will use for the fundraising. More than raising money, I want to help raise awareness to what PD is, how it affects not only the patient, but also the family and caretakers of those with PD. The APDA Missouri has been a great resource for my mom and family as we have navigated this curveball in life.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with PD, please reach out. I would love to take your portrait, and if you are unable to come to the studio, I will gladly come to you.

Thank you for your generosity and I hope your donation can support the great work that the APDA is doing to help all of those afflicted with this disease.