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Young cancer survivors are superheroes in this fundraising calendar

Inaugural fundraiser for Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer supported by the efforts of photographer Helga Himer

Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer (NOFCC) launched its 2020 Superhero Calendar at Social House Kitchen and Bar on Sunday, under the watchful eye of Helga Himer, photographer, self-taught photoshop wizard and brainchild behind this inaugural fundraiser.

The calendar features childhood cancer survivors dressed as superheroes, featured in front of iconic Sudbury landscapes. Proceeds from calendar sales directly support NOFCC in their efforts to provide financial support programs, bursaries, educational supports and more to families across Northern Ontario who have a child diagnosed with cancer.

The launch was timed as part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, to bring awareness to local survivors and the efforts of non-profit organizations such as NOFCC.

"Kids are often associated with superheroes when they go through these journeys because they are superhuman little kids," said Dayna Caruso, executive director of NOFCC.

To find their heroes, Caruso said that families in their program who had children within a particular age range were contacted with the opportunity and encouraged to come forward. This allowed those truly interested to submit their names for consideration, although with more than 400 families in their care across Northern Ontario, Caruso said this list had to be narrowed down by factors such as availability. 

The majority of these brave boys and girls were from the Greater Sudbury region said Caruso, aside from those who "flew in" from Kapuskasing, Iron Bridge and North Bay to take part in the project.

Among these super kids was Olivia Moreira, depicted as Avengers hero Black Widow (portrayed by Scarlet Johannson in the Marvel Cinematic Universe) for the month of April. One week after her first birthday, Olivia was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, which is a form of malignant intraocular (inner-eye) cancer found almost exclusively in young children that develops from the immature cells of the retina. 

Olivia underwent three years of chemotherapy and cryotherapy for this condition. Cryotherapy required her to be put under anesthesia more than 40 times, said her mother Melanie Moreira.

Following treatment, she was diagnosed with a second syndrome that put her at risk of developing tumours on all of her organs.

For the next nine years, Olivia underwent scanning and blood work every three months, until finally receiving a clean bill of health just two years ago. Now in full remission, her mother said it has warmed her heart to see her daughter develop a newfound confidence.

"Throughout her treatment and after, she never would talk about what she's been through ... it's something that's very emotional for her," said Melanie. "The last few years she's really opened up and I think (today) is the happiest I've ever seen her in regards to being a childhood cancer survivor.

"Not a day will go by that you don't ever think about it or pray that nothing happens again, but that's just a part of the journey."

Since finding a social media post where a photographer had placed children in superhero-like circumstances, Himer said she had been inspired to do something similiar and it all came together when she met Caruso, the executive director of NOFCC. Himer said the decision to partner with the non-profit was made easier by the fact she had worked with the organization on previous projects. 

"I have two kids and they are thank God, healthy," said Himer. "One of my biggest fears is having them to go through any sort of medical issue, especially cancer ...  so I really feel passion and sadness for the families are going through with kids."

The children were assigned their characters in no particular order said Himer, but rather according to the size of the costume they could acquire. To her disbelief, she said not one participant complained about the decision, even when their costumes had to be pinned, cut and posed for appearance. 

While Himer said that with composite photos, the landscape is generally photographed first and the individual second to match the natural lighting, this was not possible due to the timing of the project. Limited by her upcoming wrist surgery, Himer said she was forced to start the project in April, meaning a lot more time in the studio and a considerable pull from her creative side. 

Not counting the hours associated with one day of studio photography, Himer said it took up to 12 hours of time photoshopping each picture and an additional day to capture the Sudbury landscapes featured in the scenes. This was complemented by a photo of the Sudbury water tower by Drone Malone and three landscape photographs by Frank Crispo.

As a self-taught photoshop expert, Himer admits the project was a challenge, but one that has inspired her to take on further projects and push her artistic boundaries. Especially after being told by a well-respected photoshop instructor and friend of hers from Edmonton, Alberta she said, who told her the work was "f-ing good."

Caruso said she would happily produce another calendar or project similar to this year's superhero-themed fundraiser should she get Himer on board. 

"There's lots of kids who are still going through treatment that really want to participate, so that will hopefully be in the future for them," said Caruso. 

The first run of calendars has already sold out. Himer says more will be ordered.


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Keira Ferguson, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

About the Author: Keira Ferguson, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

A graduate of both Laurentian University and Cambrian College, Keira Ferguson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter, funded by the Government of Canada, at Sudbury.com.
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