Paying it forward with The Luka Light Project

It’s something no parent wants to go through, but for photographer Sandra Henderson being told her daughter, Luka, had a brain tumour saw the nightmare become a reality. Thankfully, Luka’s tumour was not cancerous and was completely removed with the little girl now in the recovery stages; but it’s triggered something within Sandra that has seen her want to help out families who are going through a similar experience.

“The whirlwind and nightmare of having a sick child, especially out of the blue … was a real wake-up call into the world of children suffering illnesses. Starship was amazing and I felt that I just wanted to give something back out there — sort of pay it forward, ” Sandra says.

The Luka Light Project is Sandra’s plan to help families going through tough times with their children, whether they’re going through injuries or illness. It involves taking a family portrait and providing them with something that will keep the memory of happy times alive. The family will receive a free family portrait and a free large, framed enlargement.

“I am hoping to do one a year — but there are so many stories out there,” says Sandra.

The project is not about getting publicity for her work; Sandra says many families are quite private and if they want to keep their portraits that way, she’s happy to do that.

To nominate yourself or someone you know to receive a free portrait to treasure, visit this post on Sandra’s Facebook page. Just leave a comment or private message her. Sandra says a little background about the nominee is appreciated as well, which can be sent to [email protected].