A Camera for Kate
Donation protected
I woke up one morning, my vision went black and my heart was racing. My life changed forever that day. This led to a trip to the Mayo Clinic and many doctor appointments. My world came crashing down with the diagnosis of an Autonomic Nervous System Disorder called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (P.O.T.S.). During this time, I was having a lot of brain fog and memory trouble. I took photos to help me catalog my life and keep a timeline of memories in case my mind failed me.
Doctors compare my quality of life to a patient on dialysis and my fatigue level to those living with congestive heart failure. I face a daily battle with blood pressure, tachycardia, nausea, fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, blood pooling, poor circulation, temperature dysregulation, low blood volume, headache and fatigue.
At the age of 28, I stay home most days. A PowerPort in my chest is a lifeline that I use to do routine infusions. A wonderful caregiver comes to my home to assist me with meal prep, grocery shopping and personal needs. There is no cure for P.O.T.S. and I am unable to work. It has been a challenging adjustment to learn how to live with this illness and little means.
Alright, enough with the devastating life changing illness story. There are a lot of things I can’t do. But there is one thing that I can, and that I love. Let’s talk about photography.
Prior to my diagnosis, I went to my cousin’s wedding in Virginia. While I was there, I told her aunt how I loved photography but didn’t have a camera. Shortly after, a Canon Rebel XT arrived in the mail! I started taking photos. A few years later, I was in a dark place feeling that P.O.T.S. had taken my sense of purpose. Two caring medical professionals saw my photographs and encouraged me to consider taking up photography as a serious hobby. That’s when my journey capturing images really took off.
Taking photographs has given me a great reason to get out of the house, make connections in my community, and capture precious moments of my family and friends. After shooting with the Canon Rebel XT for several years I upgraded to the Canon Rebel T3i. I use photography to educate people about P.O.T.S. and spread awareness about people living with chronic illness.
Photography helps me live a full life. I have been taking photos for nine years now and am continually learning and refining my style. I strive to see the beauty in ordinary moments.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of family, friends, and my community. With your help, we will raise enough funds so I am able to purchase new equipment that will allow me to take the next step on my journey as a photographer. I can’t do it without you.
Lots of Love,
Kate
To view my Umber Heart Photography website click here.
To follow my blog Lonely Girl Standing click here.
My Wish List
Nikon Camera Body (Purchased!)
Nikon Lense 1 (Purchased!)
Nikon Lense 2
Battery Grip
Memory Card
Flash
Tripod
Camera Strap
Our goal includes Go Fund Me fee's.
Doctors compare my quality of life to a patient on dialysis and my fatigue level to those living with congestive heart failure. I face a daily battle with blood pressure, tachycardia, nausea, fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, blood pooling, poor circulation, temperature dysregulation, low blood volume, headache and fatigue.
At the age of 28, I stay home most days. A PowerPort in my chest is a lifeline that I use to do routine infusions. A wonderful caregiver comes to my home to assist me with meal prep, grocery shopping and personal needs. There is no cure for P.O.T.S. and I am unable to work. It has been a challenging adjustment to learn how to live with this illness and little means.
Alright, enough with the devastating life changing illness story. There are a lot of things I can’t do. But there is one thing that I can, and that I love. Let’s talk about photography.
Prior to my diagnosis, I went to my cousin’s wedding in Virginia. While I was there, I told her aunt how I loved photography but didn’t have a camera. Shortly after, a Canon Rebel XT arrived in the mail! I started taking photos. A few years later, I was in a dark place feeling that P.O.T.S. had taken my sense of purpose. Two caring medical professionals saw my photographs and encouraged me to consider taking up photography as a serious hobby. That’s when my journey capturing images really took off.
Taking photographs has given me a great reason to get out of the house, make connections in my community, and capture precious moments of my family and friends. After shooting with the Canon Rebel XT for several years I upgraded to the Canon Rebel T3i. I use photography to educate people about P.O.T.S. and spread awareness about people living with chronic illness.
Photography helps me live a full life. I have been taking photos for nine years now and am continually learning and refining my style. I strive to see the beauty in ordinary moments.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of family, friends, and my community. With your help, we will raise enough funds so I am able to purchase new equipment that will allow me to take the next step on my journey as a photographer. I can’t do it without you.
Lots of Love,
Kate
To view my Umber Heart Photography website click here.
To follow my blog Lonely Girl Standing click here.
My Wish List
Nikon Camera Body (Purchased!)
Nikon Lense 1 (Purchased!)
Nikon Lense 2
Battery Grip
Memory Card
Flash
Tripod
Camera Strap
Our goal includes Go Fund Me fee's.
Organizer
Jacquelyn Speare
Organizer
Bremerton, WA
