Zak is a 10-year-old with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Says Megan, his mother:
“I’m there acting as his arms and legs.” Her petite stature doesn't stop her from lifting her son from his wheelchair to the couch, the bed, the car...it really is an amazing sight.
On my assignment sheet it said that Zak was very shy and the reporter did not know what kind of photos I would be able to take. It is my job to help people feel comfortable, something I really enjoy. Mainly because I like to relate to people, I like to learn about them, their past, their future and in general, their lives. If I have learned anything from being a journalist it is that I have to be a human first. If you display a sincere interest and compassion towards people, the photos tend to start making themselves.
She wasn't lying by the way, Zak was shy. But, the more time I spent with him, watching the Simpson's (a cartoon I enjoy and don't tell my boss I sat there watching cartoons for an hour) the more Zak and I talked. I wish everyone could have the opportunity to meet and talk with people like Zak and Megan. They may learn to chill out and not take the small things for granted.
Zak is having surgery in Mid-June and the two of them have been planning a fundraiser to help offset some of the costs. I encourage anyone reading this to visit their website http://www.ivegotzaksback.com/ and help if you can. Or if you have time you can always go to the Lefthand Brewery in Longmont on Saturday, May 19 for the event!
Good luck, Zak! And Megan, Happy Mother's Day!
1 comments:
Your pictures rock, Buck. They convey a good sense of the guy behind the camera. More importantly, how much money are you willing to fork over so I don't tell your boss you watched "The Simpsons" while on the clock?
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