Kids will be kids....   |   Friday, January 6, 2012






As a parent, we fret and worry from the time our kids are born about ear aches, sore throats and runny noses...that they'll fall learning to ride that bike or break their arm playing football, but rarely does the thought of cancer cross your mind. Rebecca P. relates the awful day she learned her son, Cayden had cancer. Having been assured by the physician's that this was "nothing" and "no big deal", "probably just a benign tumor", and cancer being the furthest thing from her mind, she arrived at the appointment, alone, with Cayden. Being taken from the treatment room, she was informed that this indeed was not only cancer, but Stage 3 Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, that in the past month, had now invaded his entire sinus cavity and had moved into his ear canals. In shock, trying to reach her husband, Cayden was left alone in the room, now knowing that something was desperately wrong. Every parents worst nightmare began. Diagnosed in June of 2011, Cayden has now undergone two extensive surgeries to remove as much of the tumor as possible, 15 weeks of chemotherapy and 8 weeks of radiation... and is a testament to faith. Coming from a strong Christian family, faith is their cornerstone, prayer is their language and peace fills their hearts. Rebecca says, "from the beginning, I've been given a peace and know that he's going to be fine." And even though she tears up and cries, she exudes a peace that can only come from a bigger source than herself...."so many of the horrible things they told us would happen to Cayden, didn't happen. He didn't loose his hair, he didn't get burned from the radiation and his hearing is still there! We believe it's because of prayer."
Surrounded by a huge support system in a small town, they have so much love, prayer and encouragement from family, friends and the community! Cayden appears to be a 'normal' 8th grade kid, attending school when he can, thinking about a future with the NBA and enjoying his friends. He would love to become a graffiti artist...He dreams of playing in the NBA and I'm sure as everyone else, thinks of growing old. With that attitude and the power of God, I believe he will!

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"Don't be afraid, JUST BELIEVE!"   |   Monday, November 21, 2011





Our newest Kourageous Kid is Paige D. and she ROCKS! MSU Football fan and Fashionista all rolled into a pint sized, bundle of happy! Celebrating her 12th birthday just yesterday, the MSU team "Played for Paige" on Saturday as she cheered from the sidelines, with the team! Read about her journey and association with the MSU guys HERE.
Paige's journey with cancer started a few years ago, found accidentally after a fall in a skiing accident in 2008. A brain tumor was discovered and headache's ensued. It was eventually diagnosed as a Meduloblastoma, occurring in the area of the brain that controls balance and other motor functions. Paige has now undergone, a 6 hour operation to remove the tumor, 30 radiation treatments, 2 blood transfusions, 14 weeks of chemotherapy, numerous boosts to her immune system and 34 more weeks of chemo YET TO COME....but her mantra is, "Don't be afraid, JUST BELIEVE."
She's an athletic kid, a soccer team in Okemos..... but more recently, side-lined at her own games, but not at the MSU Spartan Stadium!
Initially, reluctant to participate in the Kourageous Kids program, she changed her mind and wanted to do it to "help other kids" with cancer... and help she will! She ROCKED her 'modeling session' with several outfit changes, all with coordinating accessories and scarves. Someday, Paige hopes to be a teacher. I think that she's already doing that.... teaching everyone about what it's like to not be afraid, how to be Kourageous and to BELIEVE! Including some giant men dressed in Green and White.

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"Hoping for a chance to exhale...."   |   Saturday, October 29, 2011




Jacalyn AND her parents are such warriors... she's again battling a recurrent kidney cancer, called Wilm's Tumor and as I write this, is again in the hospital, requiring a blood transfusion. Diagnosed a couple years ago, after Mom thought the Doctor was just going to tell them she had a urinary tract infection, they found a large tumor on her left kidney. 9 months of treatment, chemo and radiation, the tumor was gone....but a short lived victory. Another tumor formed in another 9 months, this time trying to dig deeper into this tiny child's body by attaching itself to her aorta and spleen.
They fight as a family... two smaller siblings giving of their time and attention, so that Jacalyn can spend weeks at a time in the hospital for another round of chemo and radiation. Parents doing 'tag-team' duty at the hospital, so she's never alone.
Jacalyn rarely exhibits fear and always has a giant smile on her face, despite only being able to attend school about a week and a half a month, missing her friends and all the 'girly girl' activities with them...and despite having her "Make-A-Wish" trip cancelled due to this new cancer recurrence. "We'll get to go again", she says with a smile and a side-ways glance at Mom.
Mom says, "She gives me strength... she goes through everything with a smile. We're just waiting for this to be over, hoping for a chance to exhale."

"In Heaven, I am going to have a giant house, painted hot pink. I am going to have wings and fly around, and grant all the wishes I want. I am going to get there when I am the oldest person in the world.... I am going to be 118 years old." - Jacalyn

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And it just keeps getting better!   |   Tuesday, October 4, 2011



With the recent CNN.com article featuring The Oldham Project and our mission, things have literally exploded around the Oldham offices! Emails from all over the world, offering congratulations and the nicest words of encouragment. Offers of help from other photographers and requests for photography from the US, to London to Swaziland and Argentina. We couldn't be happier with the response, BUT, our staff, our finances and our abilities haven't changed, despite all this publicity and need. We can use all the help we can get from the community and the world.
Our biggest need is a full time studio space. As a very small non-profit, with a very limited budget, we have had to move three times in the past two years. This is not only stressful, but disruptive to our mission and continuity of care to our clients, but hard on our equipment. We would love to have a lead on a location (800-1200 sq. ft), wide open space, that is handicap accessible, has a bathroom and plenty of electricity, and affordable.
Which brings us to our second biggest need...financial support. We operate totally on the generous donations of individuals and the community. We've just received a couple of grants towards our Kourageous Kids program, but our Be Bold, Feel Beautiful program is sorely lacking in funding. We are able to offer each child a goodie bag full of toys, games, t-shirt, etc. and would love to offer our women participants something similar. A nice bag with some lovely smelling things, maybe nailpolish, perfume, etc. Just lovely things to make them feel special.
If you, or someone you know might be able to help us locate a new studio space, we'd love to talk with them. Our 'dream' is to build "The Oldham House", with two fully functional studio setups, one for children and the other for adults. Our partners at Douglas J Spa have offered to set us up with a salon on-site, so that our women can have their makeup done prior to their sessions, and finally a comfortable room for some on-site counselling and resourses, to keep our clients plugged into the resources available in the area for whatever their need might be.
Can you help us find or build The Oldham House?

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Oldham makes the CNN news!   |   Sunday, October 2, 2011



It's been a whirlwind 24 hours for The Oldham Project! We've received national attention from CNN.com and have been inundated with email, offering help, money and requesting our services in cities all over the United States. I'm humbled and overwhelmed. I don't have words, but thanks to our Board of Directors, who give of their time and talents, for nothing in return. I couldn't do what I do behind the camera, without their help on all the other issues and duties involved in running an organization like this.
I'm so thankful to: John Madden (Chairman of the Board), Alan Hooper (Vice-Chair), Rebecca Eldridge (Secretary), Heather Chunko (Treasurer) as well as our other members, Rochelle Rizzi, Jessica Cosens, Janet Martinich, Anne Subrizi, Amy Kraus, Mary Roszel, Eric Sturdy, Traci Reihl and Betsy Svanda.
If we aren't friends on Facebook, please friend us HERE
The link to the CNN article is located HERE. Please take a moment and read more. We have many needs, most of which include financial support for our programming and a permanent studio location. If you are willing to donate any amount, 100% goes back to support this organization. AND if you or you know of someone who might be able to help us secure a more permanent studio location, we'd love to talk more!
Thank you again to our dedicated Board and for the support from our community here in Lansing, MI!

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Prayers for Adie....   |   Friday, September 30, 2011





It is with a profound sadness that I bring the story of this precious little girl. Only God knows what His plan is for her....but we at The Oldham Project ask selfishly for your prayers for peace for this family and comfort for this beautiful, Kourageous Kid.
Here is her story, as told by her mother, Tammy.

"The photo shoot opportunity came that the perfect time! This experience made her feel so beautiful, fashionable and in control of her day. It also reminded her that even in tough times, her beautiful spirit and SMILE shines so brightly.

She has the word "DREAM" above her bed. On the letter "M" their is a small list that asks to list three of your dreams. Here are her top three: 1.) Become a black belt in Karate, 2.) Become a fashion designer and 3.) Be famous. Thank YOU and ALL the wonderful people at Oldham Project for literally making her dreams come true! Please mention in the bio how she had all of her outfits organized as well as accessories and make-up:)

Adie's journey:

In March of 2008, at the age of 5 and a half, Adalin discovered a bump about the size of a golf ball in her right groin. We went to Sparrow and discovered that she did indeed have cancer in her pelvis. The biopsy done at U of M stated it was either a triton tumor (nerve sheath tumor) or high level rhabdomysosarcoma (soft tissue tumor). Very aggressive and rare in children and difficult to treat due to a lack of information on how and what medicines can be helpful. The location and size of the tumor did not all the doctors to resect at that time.

We began a six month chemo protocol at the start of April in Lansing with the amazing MSU Oncology team. God Bless, she handled the chemo with very little side effects. In May she started six weeks of external radiation. Adalin embraced her faith, spunky spirit and take charge attitude every single day. It became very clear to all that cared for Adalin, that they would have to explain in full detail what they intended to do for her and then get her approval. Whether it was drawing blood, positioning her for scans, what size gown fit her best and where and when they could check her vitals. (Terri, now that you got a chance to get to know Adie, I hope that last part made you chuckle).

When it came time for surgery we discovered the tumors had not shrunk as much as all would hope. The doctors at MSU and U of M thought a hemi pelvictomy (removal of the right pelvis and leg). Though the news was devastating to James and I we didn't share that part with Adalin at the time. We kept praying that someway, somehow, we would have other options before having to put her through such a difficult and life changing surgery.

Our beloved doctors at MSU helped us with referrals to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and St. Judes in Tennessee. Mayo agreed with U of M that it the surgery was the best chance to get all the tumor out. We hadn't heard from St. Judes at that time so decided to finish out her chemo schedule and get ready for surgery in September. About three weeks before the scheduled surgery at Mayo, scans looked very promising and we got the call from St. Judes. They believed they could resect the tumor and save the leg and pelvis. Many prayers were answered that day and so many times after!

Adalin had a resection surgery and also interal radiation to the tumor sight at St. Judes in late August. At the time is was very successful. She finished her chemo protocal in in October and got the chance to be "in remission" for about 14 months. We would do follow up scan here in. Lansing and at St. Judes about every 3 months.

In November of 2009, scans showed reoccurance in the upper right high. We immediately stared the same chemo/radiation/surgery protocol. They were encouraged that because of how well Adalin had handled this experience the first time, medically they could repeat the entire process. In May of 2010 she completed another chemo cycle and another resection surgery. The tumors were then considered stable and she was off treatment for 8 months.

In January of 2011 the tumors began to grow again and we decided to two experimental drugs from St. Judes. The first drug worked for about 3 months and we discovered the 2nd and final drug was not effective in July.

Since July of 2011, Adalin has progessed in need for our MSU palitative care team to manage her pain from tumor growth.

This final update brings us to our current situation.

From day one she has had God "giving her a piggy back ride" Since her final return, with God's love and grace she has enjoyed many high quality days and that is what we will focus on!"

Adie is currently hospitalized on high powered pain medication, but does have periods of lucidity and is still in full control of her treatment, as she was of her photo shoot. She painstakingly chose just the right outfits, with all the matching jewelry and accessories, AND makeup to coordiate with each... must be the budding fashion designer! She chose the poses and declined one if she didn't like my suggestion. She is a child who wants to be in control, and the end of her life is no different. Just yesterday, after my visit with her, she woke long enough to choose the images she wanted on a billboard that will be going up in Lansing in the next couple weeks, to show the community what a Kourageous Kid looks like! Adie is my HERO!

Keep this family in your continuous thoughts and prayers as Adie spends her final moments here with us.

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Moving faster than the speed of light!   |   Thursday, July 7, 2011




Jonathon S. is a 9 year old whirling dervish! Suffering from Duchene's Muscular Dystrophy, he makes the most of every movement, taking in with every sense, touching, seeing and moving to the beat of his own drummer. Diagnosed with the MD at about 11 months old, his Mom knew something wasnt' right. Crawling was delayed and he didn't walk till he was 3 years old. Little does he know, that this disease, without a cure, will have him crawling again in a few short years. Researching Duchene's a bit, I learned that this mostly affects little boys, their physical developement is quite delayed, sometimes there are mental deficits and usually they will be wheelchair bound by their late childhood and will die in their teens. Not a pretty picture of a future for this delightful, active 9 year old.
He's in 3rd grade and his favorite class is, "recess." No kiddiing....this kid is making up for the time lost as an infant and toddler and the time he'll loose in the near future! Already preparing for the inevitable, Jonathon has been matched with a Service Dog, named "Figaro." He and the dog are in the bonding phases and Figaro already preforms simple tasks for Jonathon, but as he physical ability declines, Figaro will become more and more, Jonathon's hands and feet. His Mom says, he's expected to be in a wheelchair by age 11-12.
No wonder he's still trying with all he has to do it all, see it all, feel it all. He's an inspiration. My picture of determination and persistence. How much do we take for granted every day? Think about Jonathon. He's truly a Kourageous Kid!

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The Oldham Project has an IMMEDIATE need!   |   Tuesday, June 28, 2011



The Oldham Project has an important and IMMEDIATE need for a new studio space. We need an empty retail/commercial/home space, with some minimum requirements: 20-25ft x 15-20ft camera room, handicap access, 24/7 access and a bathroom and cost minimum or free. If you see or hear of anything please contact us immediately! Lets' think outside the box. We would like a rental commitment of at least the end of this year. We would like to be in an area centrally located in the Greater Lansing/EL Area.
We will have to postpone our programming if we can't find something fairly quickly and we don't want to have to turn families away! Please think outside the box and keep your eyes and ears open for a space. Don't discount anything. We're wiling to consider anything.

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These kids need your help!   |   Wednesday, May 25, 2011




The Oldham Project is launching our specialty program for children undergoing treatment for cancer or other life threatening illnesses, called Kourageous Kids! We are putting together goodie bags to give each child that comes into the studio to be photographed. We've had marvelous, re-usable shopping bags donated and printed by our friends at Slick Shirts. We're having Kourageous Kids t-shirts made for each child and want to fill these bags with all sorts of "kid" related items.
We would like you to consider organizing a 'drive' at your workplace. This wouldn't take a lot of work, but would bring great benefit to these sick children. We have already received tons of coloring books and crayons to insert in each bag, but we'd like lots of the following items. Perhaps you might organize departments at your workplace to compete to see who could bring the most items! Make it fun and creative, while helping us to give more to these children and make their day a bit brighter!
UNO card games
Skip-Bo card games
Plain decks of cards
Bottles of bubbles
Hand held games
Smaller board/card games
Gift certificates for free ice cream cones/candy/ etc.
Books

We would need at least 75 of each item. Please consider how you might partner with us to make this happen in the next couple weeks. We'll be happy to come and pick them up and provide brochures and posters for you to use to advertise your 'drive.' Please call me if you have questions, to "claim" your drive item or to let me know of an alternate item(s) you've thought of! We'd like to collect all items by June 15th. We know it's difficult in these tough economic times for businesses to donate a lot of money, but this is a way to mobilize all the people in your business to 'donate' just a little, that can make such a big impact!
Your generosity will make a child's day. Most of these kids are part of a family who is struggling with daunting medical bills and is unable to provide even the simplest entertainment for these children. Help us brighten their day!
I look forward to hearing from you soon!!
517-256-0490

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Countdown to Kourageous Kids!   |   Wednesday, March 23, 2011


We are just days away from launching Kourageous Kids on April 1, 2011. We will be photographing children of all ages with various cancers and other diseases that are threatening to take them from their parents. We hope to create a fantasy photo session for each child and allow them to escape the treatments and hospitals that consume so much of their time.

We are looking for a variety of things to help launch Kourageous Kids...if you or anyone you know might have any of the following to donate: new or newer fairy and princess costumes, medium to large stuffed animals. We are also trying to stuff goodie bags for these kids with fun things. If you can contribute a item in a quantity of 75, we'd like coupons for things like free cookies, ice cream and candy. Or actual items like balloons, toys, books, crayons/coloring books, games, cards or anything else you can come up with 75 items of. We're looking for sponsors to print t-shirts with the KK logo to give each child along with their portrait for their parents. Please spread the word and help us make this program a huge success!

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Starting a new year!   |   Monday, January 31, 2011


I have to thank so many people for the wild success of our recent fundraising Gala! We had almost 100% attendance for those that paid and RSVP'd for the event!! AMAZING!
Our sponsors were very generous... Rizzi Designs, Eagle Eye, Adams Outdoor, Petal and Forrest, Junior League of Lansing, Sparrow Hospital, IRMC, CATA, Douglas J Spa, Piece O Cake, Art Craft Display and Minimall Invasive Surgical Associates.
We were able to raise over $5000 which will be used to promote and fund our upcoming programs for 2011. We made a big announcement at the Gala, that we will be launching our Kourageous Kids program, starting on April 1, 2011. It is such an important offering and news has traveled fast! We've already photographed THREE children and we haven't even begun to market it yet!

Look here in the coming days for more announcements about 2011 and blog entries for these amazing children and their families!

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