Background: Calvin Park is my college roommate and my best friend. He would have been my best man at my wedding, but he couldn't come to my wedding, just as he wasn't able to go to some others; he hasn't been able to attend engagement parties, go on road trip with his friends, and catch late night movies with us. All because he made the difficult decision at the end of 2010 to obey the law and return back to South Korea because his green card expired. He could have cut some corners or just plainly broke the law and stayed, but he didn't, because that's the kind of guy he is - honest, hard working, sincere, earnest, kind, and generous. He was always there for his friends and loved them with incredible fervor.
As soon as Calvin arrived in Korea, he enlisted into the Korean army shortly after, as it is mandatory there. Whenever I spoke with him, he never complained - not once. He was always full of joy and always so thankful, because that's the kind of guy he is. After completing his mandatory service, Calvin has since been looking for a job in the new broadcasting field. To put it lightly, it has been very difficult for him - both culturally and financially. Culturally, he grew up in America, attended American schools, had American friends, graduated from UCSD, and understandably identifies with the American culture more. Financially, it has been very, very difficult for Calvin to find a job, a huge part being the cultural issue. Currently he has an internship that hardly pays anything.
That's why, when Calvin's mother started having mysterious bouts of blackouts early this year, it felt like a crushing blow to his entire family, who had also been struggling financially. Eventually, she suffered a stroke that blocked her left brain artery circulation and rendered her paralyzed & unable to speak. She did not recognize anyone up until recently and still has limited mobility.
The need: As Calvin's friends, we ask for any act of kindness you can show the Parks - in the form of prayer, encouragement or financial support. Obviously Calvin's mother and their family desperately need the money to assist in the many expenses (already incurred and continually incurred) that will come with treatment, but more than that they need much love and encouragement in a difficult and painful time.
Most importantly, we ask for prayers for strength, encouragement, peace and healing.
Giveaway:
We don't have much, but as photographers (www.thegreatromancephoto.com), we would love to use our gift to encourage and thank you for your donations to the Park family.
Donations $50+ will be entered into a giveaway for a free travel print of your choice (will update with gallery options). We will select 10 winners by the end of the campaign.
Donations $250+ (first 15 people) will receive an option to get a free 15 minute portrait session (in the Pasadena area - additional travel excluded). This would be perfect for headshots, senior portraits, mini-engagement sessions, shots for your Christmas card, etc. Get some photos taken of you and your loved ones, while supporting a great cause!
