Free Photo Sessions in Toledo Ohio
Capture the love, strength, and resilience of your family with Cynthia Dawson. She is offering free photo sessions in Toledo Ohio. Cynthia is honored to partner with families through The Gold Hope Project, offering heartfelt photo sessions for fighters and their loved ones. Cynthia Dawson is passionate about using photography to preserve your memories, especially for families navigating challenging times. Through her work with The Gold Hope Project, she helps ensure that every smile, embrace, and moment of joy is beautifully documented and cherished forever.
Favorite Charity I Donate To – The Gold Hope Project
As a mom and photographer, my heart is deeply connected to the work I do with The Gold Hope Project. It’s not just about taking photos; it’s about offering families something they can hold on to. They need this so much, especially during times when life feels incredibly fragile. Recently, I had the honor of photographing a beautiful two-year-old fighter named Oakleigh. Her sweet smile and her joyful spirit made it an experience I’ll never forget.
For me, this work is personal. I know firsthand the profound impact of capturing these moments. When I hear about families battling a childhood cancer diagnosis, my heart aches for them. As a mom, I understand the whirlwind of emotions they’re feeling. And as a photographer, I understand how priceless photographs become during these times. My own journey through loss is why I’m so passionate about giving back through The Gold Hope Project.
Ava’s Story: Inspiration Behind The Gold Hope Project
When my firstborn, Ava, was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor at just four years old, my world shattered. In the chaos of her diagnosis, treatments, and the heartbreak of saying goodbye, I found myself clinging to the photographs I had of her. These images bring me back to her contagious grin, her sparkling eyes, and all the little details that made her uniquely Ava.
Looking at her photos is both beautiful and heartbreaking. They remind me of the joy she brought into my life and the sadness of losing her too soon. But above all, they bring comfort—tiny pieces of her that I can hold on to forever. They’re a gift, and I’m grateful for every single one.
It’s that gratitude that inspired me to create The Gold Hope Project, a nonprofit that gifts free photography sessions to families navigating the unthinkable. Through this organization, we bring together photographers across the country to provide families with images that capture their children’s strength, smiles, and spirit. For families facing overwhelming challenges, these photographs become a treasure—a way to preserve their child’s memory, joy, and love.
Finding Joy in the Fight
Oakleigh’s session was filled with joy, love, and connection. We spent time in the studio, where she played with her mom, dad, and baby sister. Oakleigh especially loved the balloons I had, and her laughter filled the space as she enjoyed every moment. Her dad proudly mentioned, “You can’t even tell she has cancer,” and he was absolutely right. Watching her family play together, their love and bond radiating in every interaction, was a beautiful reminder of why capturing these moments is so important.
The Gold Hope Project is Ava’s legacy. It’s a way for me to honor her memory by giving other families the gift of time—a chance to pause, to capture their little fighter’s smile, and to hold on to those moments forever.
If you know a family in the Northwest Ohio area who could benefit from a session like this, please share The Gold Hope Project with them. It’s an honor to give back to families through photography, and I’d love to capture their fighter’s strength, love, and light—just like I did for Oakleigh.
