Main fundraiser photo

"1in700" Cleft Lip Photobook


 







  Every day children are born with what is called Cleft Lip or Cleft palate, this means the lip and palate are underdeveloped, leaving a gap. The only way to correct this unavoidable birth defect is through surgery, which isn't always possible for children around the world. I (the author) was born with a right side unilateral cleft lip. Little did I know that it would be years before I would meet someone that looked like me. My parents were completely consumed with the immediate needs (surgeries, special feedings, etc.) of their new baby and in total fear for their baby's future.
  Finding a cleft community where we can all stand together has been such a blessing. When I first saw someone that had the same scar as I did, I remember not knowing anything about her, not even her name, and yet I felt a kinship with her. We were both cleft babies. We were both 1 in 700. 
  With the support of the cleft community alone this book has the potential to reach every continent world wide. The medical community will undoubtably be another large target audience. In addition, I have a strong social media presence that is growing every day. The book will also be incredibly marketable to young adults and young teens that can relate to being discriminated against for things out of their control (i.e. scars, syndromes, sexuality, etc). “1in700” will be a way for parents to look positively into their child’s future. The story backing the book of the international tour with the photographer that has cleft lip will not just be a good story, it will be an amazing true story marketable to anyone who has ever felt different.
  For years I have followed social media dedicated to those with cleft lip, cleft charities, cleft blogs, and I am constantly inspired by how deeply this community breathes strength. As an aspiring creative in Los Angeles, I have let my imagination run wild when it comes to ways to give back and believe that I have found the perfect idea. By traveling to 18 international cities and holding mini photoshoots/interviews for my cleft brothers and sisters I will have all of the materials I need to create and publish a full photo book complete with testimonies and the answer to the question: What does 1 in 700 mean to you? My personal connection to this topic gives me the passion I need to make this happen. I will be able to relate to everyone that steps in front of my camera and capture the beauty and emotion that comes with a cleft lip/palate.
  By taking a 160-165 day tour around the world I will have time to photograph 12-17 people per city. I will be in contact with major children's hospitals and reaching out to cleft organizations/charities (Operation Smile, Smile Train, etc.) for assistance in finding more members of the cleft community.

THE PLAN 
-1 week stay per city
-Travel time 1-2 days per location
-Name and likeness releases for all participants 
-Freehand shooting  

I also plan on doing bi-weekly video blog updates on my YouTube channel to give everyone insight on my travels. This will be a series that allows any backer/sponsor/supporter to travel around the world with me and experience the beauty of this community.
  Overall the tour plus production is going to cost a lot, so I need your help! I am ready to begin the tour as soon as possible. I would like to begin the tour as soon as possible so that at the new year I will be wrapping up my photo editing and design stage and "1in700" will be ready to hit the shelves. A portion of the proceeds made from this book will go into funding free surgeries for kids around the world and to numerous cleft organizations.


Website for work reference: 

www.tayzrvision.weebly.com

Instagram: @zack_of_alltrades



**INCENTIVES**
$25 - Credit in book
$50 - Shirt
$75 - Long Sleeve
$100 - Copy of book AND Short sleeve
$150 - Signed copy AND choice of shirt
$500 - Bi-weekly video blog updates, shirt AND signed copy of book
$1,000 - Invite to publishing party
$5,000 - VIP invite to wrap party, shirt, signed book
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Donations 

  • Cassandra Rocha
    • $40 
    • 6 yrs
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Organizer

Zack Rodetis-Urenda
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA

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