Photographer launches "Superhero Project" to highlight teens battling cancer
Photographer Christina Hartnell has spent the last ten years capturing life's precious moments. When a cancer diagnosis turned her world upside down this year, she realized just how precious life can be. She is now launching a photography project to highlight local teen cancer survivors as they check off their bucket list items.
In June, Hartnell discovered a bump right above her collarbone. She soon received her heartbreaking diagnosis: follicular Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
As a mom to a toddler, Hartnell's world came crashing down.
"I was mad, frustrated, hating life, hating the world," Hartnell said. "I did everything I was supposed to do in life. No drugs, hardly drinking, no smoking, exercising… so why me?"
When Hartnell began treatment, that anger turned to purpose.
Channeling her lessons from photography, she was determined to view things through a "different lens." She decided to launch the "Superhero Project" to give back to teenage cancer patients and survivors.
"Normally you look at the older people and the really young children," Hartnell said." The teenagers kind of get overlooked with cancer."
With her camera in hand, Hartnell plans to capture photos of these teens as they complete their bucket list items. Whether it's driving a sports car or riding horseback, she wants to give these "superheroes" a chance to fly.
"I want to give back as much as I possibly can," Hartnell said. "This project is going to be for high school students between the ages of 16-18, who have fought cancer or are currently going through it."
Hartnell says she plans to collaborate with local vendors and complete 30 photo sessions over the next two years.
"They can have a photo shoot to make them feel amazing and special for a couple of hours at least," Hartnell said.
As she completes her own cancer treatment, this is a project she hopes brings healing to those in front of the camera — and the woman behind it.
Hartnell is still looking for teens to be a part of the "Superhero Project. Those interested or know someone who may be interested are asked to submit a form on her website.
