June 20th, 2010
Inspiration Through Art (formerly The Littlest Heroes Project)
is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young people to give back, and make a difference through the beauty of art. We are artists with a passion for giving and inspiring others. Through our own artistic talents we are able to come together as one, to let children around the world know that they are loved,despite the challenges they face everyday.
Inspiration Through Art was founded in January 2008 by Felicia Reinhard, made up of professional photographers, artists, children, and other volunteers nationwide that provide free programs and services to our nations heroes. Through the power of photography and the gift of art we are giving back and taking a stand for these children who sometimes feel forgotten because of their illnesses. We are here to let them know that they are heroes to many, and to share their inspirational stories and photos with the world.
If you have a child, or know a child, who suffers from any type of serious illness or life altering disability we are here to help. Inspiration Through Art provides our special heroes with complimentary photo shoots, special cards and mail, gift packages, and various other programs, events, and fundraisers.
Our mission at Inspiration Through Art is to help provide and capture memories for families who are dealing with hectic schedules due to having a child who is suffering from a serious illness or life altering disability. We are here to offer emotional support through the beauty and expression art has to offer, as a way of healing and coping. We understand that in the midst of being thrown a diagnosis and having to switch from a “normal” life to a life that is totally different, and often scary, things like getting photos taken is sometimes a huge challenge and is one of the last things families are thinking about. But when everything is done, and either the child has reached the end of their battle, or has proven the odds against it many wish they had more time to stop, and capture the journey that they lived through for so long. Through Inspiration Through Art- our photographers and volunteers understand each and every case, and cater it to fit and honor each child and family. Our photographers are on hand to travel to homes, hospitals, clinics, fundraisers, and benefits to help capture your child’s journey in a “Day in the life” sort of style and work personally one on one with your child and entire family to get those special family photos and moments that you can cherish for years to come. Our special art volunteers are also on hand to travel to your child’s home or hospital for a fun and personal art session catered just for your hero! Our special Hoping Hearts package program is setup for children who are currently in treatment or in the recovery stage of their journey. Every month a package will arrive with a special goodie or toy donated and/or handmade just for your hero! All of our services are free of charge and are made possible by volunteers around the world!
Watch The Video:
Inspiration Through Art welcomes our newest Heroes to our team:
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On April 27, just after her third birthday, our daughter, Avery, was diagnosed with type 1 (juvenile) diabetes. She will be insulin dependent for the rest of her life. She is required to constantly check her blood sugar by pricking her tiny fingers 10 or more times a day – even twice in the middle of the night. Everything she consumes must be measured and weighed and she must stick to a tightly controlled eating schedule. She continually battles both high and low blood sugar which can prove deadly. While on injection therapy, she got 5 or more shots of insulin per day. She now wears an insulin pump that is attached to her body 24 hours a day. We must insert a small catheter under her skin every 2-3 days. This is where insulin is continually infused into her body. But this insulin that she takes is not a cure; it is merely life support. Avery is a trooper and endures it all bravely. The injections and insertions continue to be heart wrenching, as she cries and fights with each one. However, Avery is still full of smiles, laughs, and 4 year old spunk, amidst her daily diabetes routine. Avery continually amazes us and is a blessing to have in our lives as a daily reminder of spirit, humility, and a positive attitude.
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On Friday January 18th, 2008, Benjamin Benaud Watters, “Benny”, was diagnosed with a brain stem tumor (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma – DIPG). It all began back in early November 2007 when his left eye started to cross. It was thought he had Strabismus, glasses and patching were prescribed. The eye failed to improve, and so he had an MRI on January 18th, 2008. We were completely shocked when the tumor was discovered. Benny participated in a Phase II Clinical Trial sponsored by the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) and carried out at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, USA. Benny completed 6 weeks of radiation combined with an anti-cancer medicine called Motexafin-Gadolinium (used as a radiosensitizer) on March 11th, 2008. His first MRI post treatment on April 24th 2008 showed a 44% reduction in the tumor. The following 4 MRI’s up until January 22nd, 2009 showed the tumor as stable. Benny’s most recent MRI on March 23rd, 2009 showed a slight increase in the tumor. Since then Benny’s tumor has progressed and he is now at home spending time with his family! Benny is a happy, active, sports loving 5 year old, adored by his big sisters Lily and Isabella and parents Lisa and Brendan. He loves The Wiggles, Dora and Bunnytown, fancies himself as a rock star on his pink guitar, is a superstar on the computer and a master of Nintendo Wii.
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My Name is Jacob Jason Moore. I am 11yrs old. Born May 25th 1999. My mother gave birth to me 2 months premature. I was born with a club foot, cleft palate, and a rare chromosome syndrome which occurs only 1 in 85,000 births. It is called 49xxxxy syndrome. A variants of Klienfelters Syndrome. My Favorite things to do are: Play my guitar as often as possible! I love to take walks with anyone who will walk with me! I Love being outside and love to swim! I am a hero because I live life in a very different way than most could comprehend! Normal things that people take for granted causes me to suffer from severe anxiety. Like leaving or coming to and from a place. Certain clothes bother me. I suffer from arthitis pain, I can not talk like my sisters do, but I understand what they are saying and I get frustrated that I can’t tell people what I want sometimes! People judge me because I am different, but underneath it all I am a very happy boy and just love meeting knew people. Things take me longer to learn, but I will get there in my own time and own pace! I am strong and a fighter for this I am a Hero! One thing I would tell you about this syndrome is that you may have it harder than most, but believe in yourself and take your own time, and you will be able to do what you want! It is all about what you set your mind too, and you honestly believe that you can do it! Remember you are who you are for a reason! Be proud of who you are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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