Jennifer Bladel is hosting a WinterBloom event at European Petals in Wyckoff on Dec. 11 and 12 to help Paul “Paulie” Reisinger, 5, and his family.
Photos will include a lighted tree, a poinsettia, some vintage photo themes, a baby grand piano, along with a few surprises. Bladel will donate $50 from every session back to the family.
Paulie's cancer left him confined to a wheelchair and a breathing tube. Meanwhile his family is incurring dozens of expenses from medical bills that from a Philadelphia, Penn. hospital.
His cancer resurfaced as recently as November, devastating Paulie's family and many people who know him.
"He’s camera shy,” said Bladel, of Montclair, “but I am honored to work with him."
Bladel started her photography career seven years ago and opened her own business within the past three years.
While building her business, Bladel found she wanted to include a charitable component to her work.
"Jennifer is building her business but also wanted to give back,” said Marta Reisinger, Paulie's mother.
"We discussed different charities, but she felt that helping a real family was most impactful. I love that she thought of us. It not only helps us financially, but also creates awareness for childhood cancer."
Pediatric cancer research receives only 4% of funding from National Cancer Institute budget, Reisinger said.
“[The Reiseingers] have the resiliency despite all of the garbage they had to go through," Bladel said. "They are a beautiful example of love. I’m so honored to have taken their picture.
"I’m able to give the beauty of the art back to them.”
Bladel is accepting registration for the event through Dec. 9.
Email Jennifer Bladel for more information.
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