A few months ago a friend connected me with her friend and former colleague who now works for SickKids Foundation. She then put me in touch with the Patient Ambassador team so that I could learn more about the program. I had a very informative call about the program where it was explained to me that the team starts by creating a profile for each child that wishes to participate. As fundraising opportunities arise the caregivers of the children whose profiles best align are called on to ask if they'd like to participate. It is always the caregiver's choice and there is never any obligation.
I really liked what I heard and the woman I spoke to made me feel very comfortable. She encouraged me to talk it over with David before making a decision. Together, he and I decided that we'd really like to help give back however we could but that there was one more person we needed to speak to before agreeing to join the program: Benjamin. I explained to him over dinner one evening that we had an opportunity to join something called the Patient Ambassador program and that by joining we would be helping to raise money for Sick Kids. He asked me what the money would be used for. My explanation went something like this: "You know how when you go up to the eighth floor for chemo and you get to sit on the comfy chairs and play the LEGO Marvel game? Well, not all areas of the hospital are that nice and have those kinds of things. By participating we'd be helping to raise money to change the older areas of the hospital so that kids who come to every area of Sick Kids could have a nice experience like the one you have on days where you get treatment." I'll never forget his response. Without hesitation he said, "OF COURSE I want to do that!" With the boys on board I reached back out to the Associate Director to tell her would like to join the program.
It wasn't long before the first opportunity came our way. It was for the Great Cycle Challenge Canada where participants set a target in terms of the kilometres they pledge to ride throughout the month of August in exchange for donations. Our role would be to create scripted signs with words of encouragement that Benjamin would hold up for a photo that I'd take and send to the SickKids Foundation's Community Stakeholder Relations Coordinator.
Shortly thereafter we were presented with a second opportunity to be one of thirty Patient Ambassadors that would be photographed for the SickKids VS campaign. Along with some wardrobe guidelines we were asked to come to the shoot with a couple of items that would show Benjamin's personality. Benjamin was very involved in selecting the items that we chose to bring and he landed on the following:
His 'Benjamin the Brave' cape - the cape my aunt made him that he wears to every chemo appointment
Sidekick Bunny - a superhero bunny stuffy that comes to every treatment
A fireman's hat - one of his many career aspirations
The night before the shoot I felt like a full fledged stage mum as I packed not one but two duffel bags full of outfit options and personality props. In the morning I had Benjamin dress in an outfit I was sure wouldn't be chosen just in case he managed to get dirty on the way to to the studio. As soon as we walked in we were greeted warmly by the Associate Director and the Coordinator we'd been in close contact with leading up to that day. Benjamin was shy for about thirty seconds as he took in the studio set up. The backdrop, the lights. Safe to say his mind was blown.
Once he'd given the set a good look, he was ready to explore the studio. The snack table which featured donuts, Cheetos, chips, granola bars, chocolate treats and just about any other snack you can imagine, got his attention right away. Then it was over to the window to check out the view of the alleyway. Someone had left a vacuum outside and he commented how funny he thought that was. Next, it was behind the backdrop to see a huge ladder that had likely been used for set up and was now cast off to the side. By the time he came full circle a little boy was being photographed. Benjamin watched intently for a few moments before making his way past the snack table for a second time and on to sit on David's lap for a snuggle.
Before long we were told that they loved the outfit Benjamin had arrived wearing and that they didn't want him to change. He was called over to the set and when the photographer saw his cape she asked her colleague to turn on the enormous fan they had waiting on the sidelines. Benjamin's hair and his cape started to fly. He took the photographer's gentle and encouraging direction well but it wasn't long before he asked me to come stand with him. I looked at David. Deer in the headlights. Anyone knows my journey to becoming a photographer knows it all started with a fear of being in front of the camera; I'm much more comfortable on the other side of the lens. Not only that but I hadn't expected to be in any photos. Immediately the makeup artist on set was asking me if she could powder my face. "Please do", I told her. Next, David was called up to join us in the frame. He looked as shocked as I'm sure I had just moments earlier. I was happy he didn't get off scot free. Though I was initially uncomfortable, the whole crew was so encouraging that it didn't take long to relax a little and shift focus to making sure Benjamin was having fun. Before I knew it, we were done!
We headed over to where we'd been waiting earlier and were asked if Benjamin would be willing to shoot a short video where he'd be filmed thanking donors for their support. He enthusiastically agreed and we followed the Associate Director and the videographer outside and across the street. They asked if I could attach a mic to Benjamin's shirt but he was weary so they pivoted, asking me to attach it to mine and crouching down beside Benjamin so that it would pick up his voice. While I don't love being in front of a still camera, video is much, much worse. But I figured it was important to show Benjamin that there was nothing to fear and I wanted to participate in thanking donors for their role in gifting us with the exceptional care we've received at Sick Kids. A few takes and that was that! Back to the studio to collect our things and be on our way, or so we thought. It seemed that a morning spent on-set inspired Benjamin's inner shutterbug and he asked if he could take a few photos using my "big camera". We walked around the studio and he chose his subjects and his composition carefully: one of Dad in the chair where I'd taken a few snaps of them earlier, one of a leafy plan and finally he asked me if I would ask his photographer if she'd pose for him in the same place where she'd taken his photo. She sweetly obliged and one of the crew members even booted up the fan for his shot of her.
I have to say the whole experience was so special. The entire staff on set was a true extension of the type of people we've come to know and love at Sick Kids - warm, friendly, patient, encouraging and supportive. They really allowed us to relax and have fun and while we were treated as though we were the ones helping them they gifted us with a wonderful memory.
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