Family Portraits for a Good Cause
Working as a photographer for the past 10 years has allowed me to connect with some incredible people along the way. The Hwang family definitely falls into this category, but our backstory requires a little more explanation than that. What really brought us all together was a good cause and a young hero named Michael Mosier.
I was fortunate enough to meet Michael and his family several years ago, before their lives were changed by DIPG. For those of you unfamiliar with Michael’s story, and the rare brainstem tumors known as diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG), his mother explains it best here. Shortly before he passed, we had an intimate family portrait session at their home in Montgomery County, Maryland. But I wasn’t the only one whose life Michael touched.
Dr. Hwang was his pediatric neuro-oncologist. Not only did he work tirelessly to help Michael battle DIPG from 2014 to 2015. But also, he continues to devote much of his time to finding a cure for these and other brain tumors. So, when Mrs. Mosier started the Michael Mosier Defeat DIPG Foundation, the entire Hwang family showed up to support this worthy cause.
For the past 3 years, we’ve all participated in events sponsored by this inspiring organization. From their fundraising 5Ks to their annual Defeat DIPG Dream Big Gala. On behalf of Jessica Neumann Photography, I donate a family portrait session to their silent auction each year. In 2019, the Hwang family’s bid led to our fun photoshoot.
They came up to New Market, MD last summer on a warm but beautiful day. While the weather was being so cooperative, we took full advantage. As we walked around downtown, we stopped plenty of times to play with this natural backdrop or that colorful backyard. His two daughters, Liana and Evie, were so sweet! They were playful and kind to one another throughout our photoshoot. I’m not sure what parenting hacks the Hwangs use, but I hope one day they’ll share them with me.
To the Hwang family, all I can say is thank you. Thank you for allowing me to capture your beautiful family portraits. Thank you for helping to support the Michael Mosier DIPG Foundation and thank you for all you’ve done to help families like the Mosiers! If you’re interested in supporting the foundation and continuing research for a cure, you can visit their website to get involved or donate.