This is the seventh in a series of assignments that I had for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. This was a very meaningful project for me, as I too was adopted, but I had found a forever family when I was only months old.  Many of the children I documented in this series were not so fortunate, spending years in a system that passed them from one home to another until DTFA stepped in and helped them find a stable home life and loving forever family.


Greg and Pam Caldwell were considering adoption. They’d talked to a friend of theirs, a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Recruiter, and she’d told them about a little boy named Douglas. Pam had stuck a picture of Douglas to their fridge with a magnet. They saw it each day as they deliberated. One day during this process, Pam took another one of her children to the pediatrician for a routine visit.

“I walked into the waiting room and there was Douglas,” Pam says. “I knew it was more than a coincidence. I decided right then we had to adopt him.”
Even so, the Caldwells were a bit apprehensive. Douglas required a high amount of care. Although he was seven, he wasn’t eating solid food, walking or speaking. Since being adopted, however, Douglas has made a lot of progress. He’s 10 now, and eats table food, walks and even has a few words. He also loves helium balloons.
Soon after adding Douglas to their family, they decided to add a daughter, Neveah. Even though they’d learned to care for Douglas, the Caldwells wondered if they could handle two. “Neveah is wheelchair bound, so we were afraid that we wouldn’t know how to care for her,” Pam recalls. “Now it’s just second nature.” It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s always been fulfilling. “It’s worth the struggles. It’s worth everything you go through. They just have so much love.”

“You don’t have to be smart. You don’t have to be rich. You just have to give them your time. And they give you back the best unconditional love you can get.” – Pam Caldwell

 

The Caldwell family photographed Sunday April 30, 2017 in Watertown, South Dakota. (© James D. DeCamp | www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) The Caldwell family photographed Sunday April 30, 2017 in Watertown, South Dakota. (© James D. DeCamp | www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) The Caldwell family photographed Sunday April 30, 2017 in Watertown, South Dakota. (© James D. DeCamp | www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) The Caldwell family photographed Sunday April 30, 2017 in Watertown, South Dakota. (© James D. DeCamp | www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) The Caldwell family photographed Sunday April 30, 2017 in Watertown, South Dakota. (© James D. DeCamp | www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) The Caldwell family photographed Sunday April 30, 2017 in Watertown, South Dakota. (© James D. DeCamp | www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) The Caldwell family photographed Sunday April 30, 2017 in Watertown, South Dakota. (© James D. DeCamp | www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) The Caldwell family photographed Sunday April 30, 2017 in Watertown, South Dakota. (© James D. DeCamp | www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) The Caldwell family photographed Sunday April 30, 2017 in Watertown, South Dakota. (© James D. DeCamp | www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) The Caldwell family photographed Sunday April 30, 2017 in Watertown, South Dakota. (© James D. DeCamp | www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) The Caldwell family photographed Sunday April 30, 2017 in Watertown, South Dakota. (© James D. DeCamp | www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) The Caldwell family photographed Sunday April 30, 2017 in Watertown, South Dakota. (© James D. DeCamp | www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) The Caldwell family photographed Sunday April 30, 2017 in Watertown, South Dakota. (© James D. DeCamp | www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) The Caldwell family photographed Sunday April 30, 2017 in Watertown, South Dakota. (© James D. DeCamp | www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) The Caldwell family photographed Sunday April 30, 2017 in Watertown, South Dakota. (© James D. DeCamp | www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Below is an except from a Readers Digest article written by Jen Babakhan about the Caldwell family:

Pam and Greg Caldwell had raised three children already when Pam felt like she had room in her heart and life to raise more. With her husband working late nights, and her 17-year-old son busy with his own friends, Pam found herself with plenty of free time that she wasn’t accustomed to. She explains, “I’ve only raised kids during my adult life—it’s all I was used to. I told Greg that we should consider fostering children.” Although they originally had no intentions of adopting, they received a five-week old baby in 2014 that became their adopted son after three years. “That’s our Dominic,” Pam tells Reader’s Digest. “Life hasn’t been boring since,” she adds.

After fostering for two years, Pam became friends with a social worker for Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, and jokingly asked her what children she had available. That’s when the social worker handed Pam an information sheet highlighting Douglas’ information, and Pam knew she needed to tell Greg about the little boy. Douglas had been in foster care since he was three, and when he was placed in the foster system was the victim of severe neglect. Pam explains, “Doug came to us not walking, talking, and eating baby food. He was scared of the dark and sleeping in a crib.” Doug’s improvement since being with the Caldwells has been drastic and rapid. She continues, “He now eats regular food, he will try to say what he wants, and he is walking, which was our biggest challenge. He sleeps in a twin bed and we slowly transitioned him to only needing a small night-light to sleep with. He has done so much in a short time. We can’t wait to see where he goes with his life. He just needed a good start.”

The Caldwells had two adopted sons, in addition to their three grown children, and yet Pam knew that she wanted to add another child to their family, a girl. After contacting the social worker, Pam says she was frightened by the child she was presented with: Nevaeh, a five-year old in the foster system since she was two, who had been so brutally abused as a baby she was now confined to a wheelchair with severe disabilities. Pam recalls, “She scared us—she had a lot of problems. I talked Greg in to going to visit her and that’s all it took for her to become a daddy’s girl. After our meeting and learning everything we needed to know to care for her, we brought her home in March of 2015.”

Pam and Greg don’t think their stories of adoption are anything remarkable, they simply met a need that was placed in their path. Pam explains, “We knew they needed us, and we looked past their disabilities. Really, we found out that we needed them so much more than they needed us. They have shown us what we really are capable of handling.”

Nevaeh has blossomed in the Caldwell family, and she is now making leaps and gains once thought impossible. “Nevaeh would repeat what you said to her when we first got her, and never noticed people coming and going. Today, you can have a conversation with her. She can do just about anything on her iPad, and she makes some decisions on her own. She is smart, and learning to read. She amazes me every day with something new. She knows all of our family members and talks all the time.”

Pam cautions others who fear adopting a child with special needs from focusing on the wrong thing. She advises, “Look past the words ‘special needs.’ Those are just words. See the child.”


Considering adoption?  Please check out this guide

Also, please prayerfully consider your financial support of this great organization.

This is the sixth in a series of assignments that I had for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. This was a very meaningful project for me, as I too was adopted, but I had found a forever family when I was only months old.  Many of the children I documented in this series were not so fortunate, spending years in a system that passed them from one home to another until DTFA stepped in and helped them find a stable home life and loving forever family.


Thomas and Virginia Marris had always longed for a child, but hadn’t been able to have one of their own. After several years with no luck, they saw a Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption booth at a local event.

We have a strong faith, and we trusted that God would give us a child. When we saw the Foundation there, we thought maybe this is where He wants us to be,” Thomas recalls. “We signed up that day.” Not long after that, the Marrises met the girl who would become their daughter: 10-year-old Kassandra. They felt an immediate connection. Then they learned Kassandra had two younger brothers. “We were looking for one child,” Thomas says. “We got three. It all happened so fast. It was tough at first, going from zero to three. But we figured it out.”

Even though the children are grown now, the family is still close. Thomas and Virginia feel lucky to have seen them grow up, graduate high school and attend college. And Kassandra has blessed them with a grandbaby.
“Looking back, we did spoil them a bit. We always just wanted them to be happy.”

“When you adopt a child, you find a love that was never there before. It’s unconditional.” – Thomas Marris

 

The Marris family photographed Saturday, April 22, 2017 in Pasadena, California for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Marris family photographed Saturday, April 22, 2017 in Pasadena, California for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Marris family photographed Saturday, April 22, 2017 in Pasadena, California for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Marris family photographed Saturday, April 22, 2017 in Pasadena, California for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Marris family photographed Saturday, April 22, 2017 in Pasadena, California for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Marris family photographed Saturday, April 22, 2017 in Pasadena, California for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Marris family photographed Saturday, April 22, 2017 in Pasadena, California for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Marris family photographed Saturday, April 22, 2017 in Pasadena, California for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Marris family photographed Saturday, April 22, 2017 in Pasadena, California for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Marris family photographed Saturday, April 22, 2017 in Pasadena, California for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Marris family photographed Saturday, April 22, 2017 in Pasadena, California for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Marris family photographed Saturday, April 22, 2017 in Pasadena, California for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Marris family photographed Saturday, April 22, 2017 in Pasadena, California for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Marris family photographed Saturday, April 22, 2017 in Pasadena, California for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Marris family photographed Saturday, April 22, 2017 in Pasadena, California for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Marris family photographed Saturday, April 22, 2017 in Pasadena, California for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Marris family photographed Saturday, April 22, 2017 in Pasadena, California for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 


Considering adoption?  Please check out this guide

Also, please prayerfully consider your financial support of this great organization.

I first met John Glenn when I was 9 years old and had the honor of meeting (and photographing him) dozens of times over the years. He was a truly unique person, being whole heartedly genuine and pure spirited. Each and every time I saw him the one constant was his childhood sweetheart Annie by his side – I never saw them separated. I can’t imagine her sorrow.

We’ve lost a true American hero and just a nice guy. He was Captain America, Steve Canyon and Mr. Rogers all rolled into one and always accompanied by his Wonder Woman Annie.

My sympathy goes out to Annie, Lynn and David.

The United States Marines carry the casket of Astronaut, United States Senator, and US Marine Colonel John Glenn photographed Saturday, December 17, 2016 at the Ohio State House. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The United States Marines carry the casket of Astronaut, United States Senator, and US Marine Colonel John Glenn photographed Saturday, December 17, 2016 at the Ohio State House. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

 

The United States Marines carry the casket of Astronaut, United States Senator, and US Marine Colonel John Glenn photographed Saturday, December 17, 2016 at the Ohio State House. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The United States Marines carry the casket of Astronaut, United States Senator, and US Marine Colonel John Glenn photographed Saturday, December 17, 2016 at the Ohio State House. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

 

The United States Marines carry the casket of Astronaut, United States Senator, and US Marine Colonel John Glenn photographed Saturday, December 17, 2016 at the Ohio State House. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The United States Marines carry the casket of Astronaut, United States Senator, and US Marine Colonel John Glenn photographed Saturday, December 17, 2016 at the Ohio State House. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

 

Annie Glenn watches from her funeral limo as the United States Marines carry the casket of Astronaut, United States Senator, and US Marine Colonel John Glenn and load him into the hearse before the funeral processional photographed Saturday, December 17, 2016 at the Ohio State House. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Annie Glenn watches from her funeral limo as the United States Marines carry the casket of Astronaut, United States Senator, and US Marine Colonel John Glenn and load him into the hearse before the funeral processional photographed Saturday, December 17, 2016 at the Ohio State House. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

John Herschel Glenn Jr. was a United States Marine Corps aviator, engineer, astronaut, and United States Senator from Ohio. In 1962, he became the first American to orbit the Earth, circling it three times.

Before joining NASA, Glenn was a distinguished fighter pilot in World War II, China and Korea. He shot down three MiG-15 aircraft, and was awarded six Distinguished Flying Crosses and eighteen Air Medals. In 1957, he made the first supersonic transcontinental flight across the United States. His on-board camera took the first continuous, panoramic photograph of the United States.

He was one of the Mercury Seven, military test pilots selected in 1959 by NASA as the United States’ first astronauts. On February 20, 1962, Glenn flew the Friendship 7 mission, becoming the first American to orbit the Earth, and the fifth person and third American in space. He received the NASA Distinguished Service Medal in 1962 and the Congressional Space Medal of Honor in 1978, was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 1990, and was the last surviving member of the Mercury Seven.

Glenn resigned from NASA in January 1964. He planned to run for a U.S. Senate seat from Ohio, but an injury in February 1964 forced his withdrawal. He retired from the Marine Corps the following year. He lost a close primary election in 1970. A member of the Democratic Party, Glenn first won election to the Senate in 1974 and served for 24 years until January 1999.

In 1998, while still a sitting senator, Glenn became the oldest person to fly in space as a crew member of the Discovery space shuttle and the only person to fly in both the Mercury and Space Shuttle programs. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012.

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio.

 

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Paper Drive & Sale photographed Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus.

 

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction photographed Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Bluestone in downtown Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The ribbon cutting of The Forgotten War, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor photographed Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Ohio History Center. The Ohio History Center has the honor of presenting, for the first time ever in the United States, THE FORGOTTEN WAR, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor. The extraordinary exhibit of Korean War photographs taken by Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press photographer Max Desfor who spent three turbulent years in Korea from 1950–1953. He captured the people’s plight and the American soldiers’ defense. The exhibit features 36 photographs printed from original material culled from Desfor’s personal collection and his 1950 winning submission to the Pulitzer Prize Committee.
Curated and produced by Cyma Rubin. Sponsored and presented by Business of Entertainment Inc., New York. Local funding provided by the Gordon Chandler Memorial Fund of The Columbus Foundation and Conestoga, a volunteer fundraising support group.

The ribbon cutting of The Forgotten War, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor photographed Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Ohio History Center. The Ohio History Center has the honor of presenting, for the first time ever in the United States, THE FORGOTTEN WAR, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor. The extraordinary exhibit of Korean War photographs taken by Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press photographer Max Desfor who spent three turbulent years in Korea from 1950–1953. He captured the people’s plight and the American soldiers’ defense. The exhibit features 36 photographs printed from original material culled from Desfor’s personal collection and his 1950 winning submission to the Pulitzer Prize Committee. Curated and produced by Cyma Rubin. Sponsored and presented by Business of Entertainment Inc., New York. Local funding provided by the Gordon Chandler Memorial Fund of The Columbus Foundation and Conestoga, a volunteer fundraising support group. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The ribbon cutting of The Forgotten War, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor photographed Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Ohio History Center. The Ohio History Center has the honor of presenting, for the first time ever in the United States, THE FORGOTTEN WAR, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor. The extraordinary exhibit of Korean War photographs taken by Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press photographer Max Desfor who spent three turbulent years in Korea from 1950–1953. He captured the people’s plight and the American soldiers’ defense. The exhibit features 36 photographs printed from original material culled from Desfor’s personal collection and his 1950 winning submission to the Pulitzer Prize Committee. Curated and produced by Cyma Rubin. Sponsored and presented by Business of Entertainment Inc., New York. Local funding provided by the Gordon Chandler Memorial Fund of The Columbus Foundation and Conestoga, a volunteer fundraising support group. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The ribbon cutting of The Forgotten War, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor photographed Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Ohio History Center. The Ohio History Center has the honor of presenting, for the first time ever in the United States, THE FORGOTTEN WAR, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor. The extraordinary exhibit of Korean War photographs taken by Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press photographer Max Desfor who spent three turbulent years in Korea from 1950–1953. He captured the people’s plight and the American soldiers’ defense. The exhibit features 36 photographs printed from original material culled from Desfor’s personal collection and his 1950 winning submission to the Pulitzer Prize Committee. Curated and produced by Cyma Rubin. Sponsored and presented by Business of Entertainment Inc., New York. Local funding provided by the Gordon Chandler Memorial Fund of The Columbus Foundation and Conestoga, a volunteer fundraising support group. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The ribbon cutting of The Forgotten War, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor photographed Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Ohio History Center. The Ohio History Center has the honor of presenting, for the first time ever in the United States, THE FORGOTTEN WAR, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor. The extraordinary exhibit of Korean War photographs taken by Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press photographer Max Desfor who spent three turbulent years in Korea from 1950–1953. He captured the people’s plight and the American soldiers’ defense. The exhibit features 36 photographs printed from original material culled from Desfor’s personal collection and his 1950 winning submission to the Pulitzer Prize Committee. Curated and produced by Cyma Rubin. Sponsored and presented by Business of Entertainment Inc., New York. Local funding provided by the Gordon Chandler Memorial Fund of The Columbus Foundation and Conestoga, a volunteer fundraising support group. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The ribbon cutting of The Forgotten War, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor photographed Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Ohio History Center. The Ohio History Center has the honor of presenting, for the first time ever in the United States, THE FORGOTTEN WAR, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor. The extraordinary exhibit of Korean War photographs taken by Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press photographer Max Desfor who spent three turbulent years in Korea from 1950–1953. He captured the people’s plight and the American soldiers’ defense. The exhibit features 36 photographs printed from original material culled from Desfor’s personal collection and his 1950 winning submission to the Pulitzer Prize Committee. Curated and produced by Cyma Rubin. Sponsored and presented by Business of Entertainment Inc., New York. Local funding provided by the Gordon Chandler Memorial Fund of The Columbus Foundation and Conestoga, a volunteer fundraising support group. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The ribbon cutting of The Forgotten War, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor photographed Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Ohio History Center. The Ohio History Center has the honor of presenting, for the first time ever in the United States, THE FORGOTTEN WAR, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor. The extraordinary exhibit of Korean War photographs taken by Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press photographer Max Desfor who spent three turbulent years in Korea from 1950–1953. He captured the people’s plight and the American soldiers’ defense. The exhibit features 36 photographs printed from original material culled from Desfor’s personal collection and his 1950 winning submission to the Pulitzer Prize Committee. Curated and produced by Cyma Rubin. Sponsored and presented by Business of Entertainment Inc., New York. Local funding provided by the Gordon Chandler Memorial Fund of The Columbus Foundation and Conestoga, a volunteer fundraising support group. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The ribbon cutting of The Forgotten War, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor photographed Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Ohio History Center. The Ohio History Center has the honor of presenting, for the first time ever in the United States, THE FORGOTTEN WAR, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor. The extraordinary exhibit of Korean War photographs taken by Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press photographer Max Desfor who spent three turbulent years in Korea from 1950–1953. He captured the people’s plight and the American soldiers’ defense. The exhibit features 36 photographs printed from original material culled from Desfor’s personal collection and his 1950 winning submission to the Pulitzer Prize Committee. Curated and produced by Cyma Rubin. Sponsored and presented by Business of Entertainment Inc., New York. Local funding provided by the Gordon Chandler Memorial Fund of The Columbus Foundation and Conestoga, a volunteer fundraising support group. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The ribbon cutting of The Forgotten War, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor photographed Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Ohio History Center. The Ohio History Center has the honor of presenting, for the first time ever in the United States, THE FORGOTTEN WAR, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor. The extraordinary exhibit of Korean War photographs taken by Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press photographer Max Desfor who spent three turbulent years in Korea from 1950–1953. He captured the people’s plight and the American soldiers’ defense. The exhibit features 36 photographs printed from original material culled from Desfor’s personal collection and his 1950 winning submission to the Pulitzer Prize Committee. Curated and produced by Cyma Rubin. Sponsored and presented by Business of Entertainment Inc., New York. Local funding provided by the Gordon Chandler Memorial Fund of The Columbus Foundation and Conestoga, a volunteer fundraising support group. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The ribbon cutting of The Forgotten War, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor photographed Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Ohio History Center. The Ohio History Center has the honor of presenting, for the first time ever in the United States, THE FORGOTTEN WAR, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor. The extraordinary exhibit of Korean War photographs taken by Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press photographer Max Desfor who spent three turbulent years in Korea from 1950–1953. He captured the people’s plight and the American soldiers’ defense. The exhibit features 36 photographs printed from original material culled from Desfor’s personal collection and his 1950 winning submission to the Pulitzer Prize Committee. Curated and produced by Cyma Rubin. Sponsored and presented by Business of Entertainment Inc., New York. Local funding provided by the Gordon Chandler Memorial Fund of The Columbus Foundation and Conestoga, a volunteer fundraising support group. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The ribbon cutting of The Forgotten War, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor photographed Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Ohio History Center. The Ohio History Center has the honor of presenting, for the first time ever in the United States, THE FORGOTTEN WAR, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor. The extraordinary exhibit of Korean War photographs taken by Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press photographer Max Desfor who spent three turbulent years in Korea from 1950–1953. He captured the people’s plight and the American soldiers’ defense. The exhibit features 36 photographs printed from original material culled from Desfor’s personal collection and his 1950 winning submission to the Pulitzer Prize Committee. Curated and produced by Cyma Rubin. Sponsored and presented by Business of Entertainment Inc., New York. Local funding provided by the Gordon Chandler Memorial Fund of The Columbus Foundation and Conestoga, a volunteer fundraising support group. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The ribbon cutting of The Forgotten War, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor photographed Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Ohio History Center. The Ohio History Center has the honor of presenting, for the first time ever in the United States, THE FORGOTTEN WAR, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor. The extraordinary exhibit of Korean War photographs taken by Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press photographer Max Desfor who spent three turbulent years in Korea from 1950–1953. He captured the people’s plight and the American soldiers’ defense. The exhibit features 36 photographs printed from original material culled from Desfor’s personal collection and his 1950 winning submission to the Pulitzer Prize Committee. Curated and produced by Cyma Rubin. Sponsored and presented by Business of Entertainment Inc., New York. Local funding provided by the Gordon Chandler Memorial Fund of The Columbus Foundation and Conestoga, a volunteer fundraising support group. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The ribbon cutting of The Forgotten War, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor photographed Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Ohio History Center. The Ohio History Center has the honor of presenting, for the first time ever in the United States, THE FORGOTTEN WAR, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor. The extraordinary exhibit of Korean War photographs taken by Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press photographer Max Desfor who spent three turbulent years in Korea from 1950–1953. He captured the people’s plight and the American soldiers’ defense. The exhibit features 36 photographs printed from original material culled from Desfor’s personal collection and his 1950 winning submission to the Pulitzer Prize Committee. Curated and produced by Cyma Rubin. Sponsored and presented by Business of Entertainment Inc., New York. Local funding provided by the Gordon Chandler Memorial Fund of The Columbus Foundation and Conestoga, a volunteer fundraising support group. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The ribbon cutting of The Forgotten War, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor photographed Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Ohio History Center. The Ohio History Center has the honor of presenting, for the first time ever in the United States, THE FORGOTTEN WAR, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor. The extraordinary exhibit of Korean War photographs taken by Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press photographer Max Desfor who spent three turbulent years in Korea from 1950–1953. He captured the people’s plight and the American soldiers’ defense. The exhibit features 36 photographs printed from original material culled from Desfor’s personal collection and his 1950 winning submission to the Pulitzer Prize Committee. Curated and produced by Cyma Rubin. Sponsored and presented by Business of Entertainment Inc., New York. Local funding provided by the Gordon Chandler Memorial Fund of The Columbus Foundation and Conestoga, a volunteer fundraising support group. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The ribbon cutting of The Forgotten War, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor photographed Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Ohio History Center. The Ohio History Center has the honor of presenting, for the first time ever in the United States, THE FORGOTTEN WAR, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor. The extraordinary exhibit of Korean War photographs taken by Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press photographer Max Desfor who spent three turbulent years in Korea from 1950–1953. He captured the people’s plight and the American soldiers’ defense. The exhibit features 36 photographs printed from original material culled from Desfor’s personal collection and his 1950 winning submission to the Pulitzer Prize Committee. Curated and produced by Cyma Rubin. Sponsored and presented by Business of Entertainment Inc., New York. Local funding provided by the Gordon Chandler Memorial Fund of The Columbus Foundation and Conestoga, a volunteer fundraising support group. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The ribbon cutting of The Forgotten War, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor photographed Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Ohio History Center. The Ohio History Center has the honor of presenting, for the first time ever in the United States, THE FORGOTTEN WAR, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor. The extraordinary exhibit of Korean War photographs taken by Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press photographer Max Desfor who spent three turbulent years in Korea from 1950–1953. He captured the people’s plight and the American soldiers’ defense. The exhibit features 36 photographs printed from original material culled from Desfor’s personal collection and his 1950 winning submission to the Pulitzer Prize Committee. Curated and produced by Cyma Rubin. Sponsored and presented by Business of Entertainment Inc., New York. Local funding provided by the Gordon Chandler Memorial Fund of The Columbus Foundation and Conestoga, a volunteer fundraising support group. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The ribbon cutting of The Forgotten War, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor photographed Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Ohio History Center. The Ohio History Center has the honor of presenting, for the first time ever in the United States, THE FORGOTTEN WAR, Korea 1950, Photographs by Max Desfor. The extraordinary exhibit of Korean War photographs taken by Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press photographer Max Desfor who spent three turbulent years in Korea from 1950–1953. He captured the people’s plight and the American soldiers’ defense. The exhibit features 36 photographs printed from original material culled from Desfor’s personal collection and his 1950 winning submission to the Pulitzer Prize Committee. Curated and produced by Cyma Rubin. Sponsored and presented by Business of Entertainment Inc., New York. Local funding provided by the Gordon Chandler Memorial Fund of The Columbus Foundation and Conestoga, a volunteer fundraising support group. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

A little different take on the traditional Columbus skyline image.

Featured in 614 Magazine as their ‘Big Picture’ for November 2016

Kayaking along the Scioto Mile photographed Saturday, November 5, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Kayaking along the Scioto Mile photographed Saturday, November 5, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Kayaking along the Scioto Mile photographed Saturday, November 5, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Kayaking along the Scioto Mile photographed Saturday, November 5, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Kayaking along the Scioto Mile photographed Saturday, November 5, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Kayaking along the Scioto Mile photographed Saturday, November 5, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Ohio Wesleyan University students are welcomed by facility during the “Finish Strong OWU”! event photographed Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at the Ohio Wesleyan University gate.

 

Ohio Wesleyan University students cross Sandusky Street to be welcomed by facility during the "Finish Strong OWU"! event photographed Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at the Ohio Wesleyan University gate. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Ohio Wesleyan University students cross Sandusky Street to be welcomed by facility during the “Finish Strong OWU”! event photographed Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at the Ohio Wesleyan University gate. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Ohio Wesleyan University students are welcomed by facility Dwayne Todd, Vice President for Student Engagement and Success, left with a high five, and Brad Puccini, Assistant Dean for Student Engagement / Director of First -Year Experience, red coat, during the "Finish Strong OWU"! event photographed Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at the Ohio Wesleyan University gate. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Ohio Wesleyan University students are welcomed by facility Dwayne Todd, Vice President for Student Engagement and Success, left with a high five, and Brad Puccini, Assistant Dean for Student Engagement / Director of First -Year Experience, red coat, during the “Finish Strong OWU”! event photographed Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at the Ohio Wesleyan University gate. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Ohio Wesleyan University's Residential Life Coordinator Dominique L. Aaron waves a pompom and blows a kazoo to welcome students to a "Finish Strong OWU"! event photographed Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at the Ohio Wesleyan University gate. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Ohio Wesleyan University‘s Residential Life Coordinator Dominique L. Aaron waves a pompom and blows a kazoo to welcome students to a “Finish Strong OWU”! event photographed Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at the Ohio Wesleyan University gate. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

 

The 2nd Annual Komen Athens Race for the Cure® photographed Sunday, October 23, 2016 on the Ohio University Campus in Athens, Ohio.

Honorary co-chairs of the event are both breast cancer survivors. Mary Dupler, a single mother from Somerset, Ohio who has been cancer free for one-year and Cindy Oremus who battled the disease four times but has been cancer free for the past 16 years.

Both women tshared their experiences with breast cancer and their dedication to the Race for the Cure to raise awareness, research dollars and support for other cancer victims.

Julie McMahon who is Director of Mission at Komen Columbus talked about the organization’s cancer fighting efforts in 30 Ohio Counties.

This year $1.46 million was donated to 21 programs in the service area and 11 of those program served southeast Ohio, according to McMahon.

Southeast Ohio has one-third of the diagnoses and deaths for breast cancer in the 30 county area serviced by Komen and a higher death rate than the rest of the country, McMahon says.

Last year, Athens was the only spot in the country for a new Komen race.

Komen has delivered almost $1.1 million in services through the Ohio University Healthy Adult Project, Holzer, O’Bleness Hospital, Marietta Memorial, Genesis, Adena, Southern Ohio Medical Center, Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center and local health departments in Vinton, Perry and Hocking counties.

 

The 2nd Annual Komen Athens Race for the Cure® photographed Sunday, October 23, 2016 on the Ohio University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2nd Annual Komen Athens Race for the Cure® photographed Sunday, October 23, 2016 on the Ohio University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2nd Annual Komen Athens Race for the Cure® photographed Sunday, October 23, 2016 on the Ohio University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2nd Annual Komen Athens Race for the Cure® photographed Sunday, October 23, 2016 on the Ohio University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2nd Annual Komen Athens Race for the Cure® photographed Sunday, October 23, 2016 on the Ohio University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2nd Annual Komen Athens Race for the Cure® photographed Sunday, October 23, 2016 on the Ohio University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2nd Annual Komen Athens Race for the Cure® photographed Sunday, October 23, 2016 on the Ohio University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2nd Annual Komen Athens Race for the Cure® photographed Sunday, October 23, 2016 on the Ohio University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2nd Annual Komen Athens Race for the Cure® photographed Sunday, October 23, 2016 on the Ohio University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2nd Annual Komen Athens Race for the Cure® photographed Sunday, October 23, 2016 on the Ohio University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2nd Annual Komen Athens Race for the Cure® photographed Sunday, October 23, 2016 on the Ohio University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2nd Annual Komen Athens Race for the Cure® photographed Sunday, October 23, 2016 on the Ohio University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2nd Annual Komen Athens Race for the Cure® photographed Sunday, October 23, 2016 on the Ohio University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2nd Annual Komen Athens Race for the Cure® photographed Sunday, October 23, 2016 on the Ohio University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2nd Annual Komen Athens Race for the Cure® photographed Sunday, October 23, 2016 on the Ohio University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2nd Annual Komen Athens Race for the Cure® photographed Sunday, October 23, 2016 on the Ohio University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2nd Annual Komen Athens Race for the Cure® photographed Sunday, October 23, 2016 on the Ohio University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2nd Annual Komen Athens Race for the Cure® photographed Sunday, October 23, 2016 on the Ohio University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2nd Annual Komen Athens Race for the Cure® photographed Sunday, October 23, 2016 on the Ohio University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2nd Annual Komen Athens Race for the Cure® photographed Sunday, October 23, 2016 on the Ohio University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2nd Annual Komen Athens Race for the Cure® photographed Sunday, October 23, 2016 on the Ohio University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2nd Annual Komen Athens Race for the Cure® photographed Sunday, October 23, 2016 on the Ohio University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2nd Annual Komen Athens Race for the Cure® photographed Sunday, October 23, 2016 on the Ohio University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

This is the fifth of a series of assignments that I had for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. This was a very meaningful project for me, as I too was adopted, but I had found a forever family when I was only months old.  Many of the children I documented in this series were not so fortunate, spending years in a system that passed them from one home to another until DTFA stepped in and helped them find a stable home life and loving forever family.


Soon after Robb and Marc met Tyler, then nine, he cut right to the chase. “When are you going to adopt me?” he asked as they drove to a coffee shop.

The question caught Marc off guard. “I’m not usually at a loss for words,” says Marc, “but it took me a minute to figure out what to say. I ended up telling him that we’d need to see how it went and make sure it was a good fit.” “I think it’s a good fit,” Tyler answered immediately. After two weeks, Marc and Robb knew Tyler was right. He moved in with them soon after. “It was very meant to be,” Robb says.

“Tyler is so polite, so kind. He takes our next door neighbor’s trash cans in for her. He walks the elderly across the street. Seriously.” Together, the family travels, cooks, entertains and takes walks. “We’re loving, fun and outgoing,” Tyler says.

“That’s what makes this a really great family. “When strangers tell you things about your son, like ‘what a great kid,’ it just makes you so proud.”

 

The Koeningsburg family photographed Saturday August 20, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Koeningsburg family photographed Saturday August 20, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Koeningsburg family photographed Saturday August 20, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Koeningsburg family photographed Saturday August 20, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Koeningsburg family photographed Saturday August 20, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Koeningsburg family photographed Saturday August 20, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Koeningsburg family photographed Saturday August 20, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Koeningsburg family photographed Saturday August 20, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Koeningsburg family photographed Saturday August 20, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Koeningsburg family photographed Saturday August 20, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Koeningsburg family photographed Saturday August 20, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Koeningsburg family photographed Saturday August 20, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Below is an except from a Readers Digest article written by Jen Babakhan about Tyler’s family:

In 2009, Marc and Robb were living a life that many dream of, filled with successful professional careers and frequent travel, but they both agreed that something was still missing. Having a child had always been important to the couple, and it felt as though the time to pursue an addition to their family had arrived. Robb tells Reader’s Digest, “We’ve always known someone was missing at the table, and we’ve always wanted a family. We’ve always wanted someone to teach to tie their shoes, someone to visit colleges with.”

Once the decision had been made to begin the adoption process, Marc and Rob completed a “Family Available” sheet, a document that uses photographs and personal information to introduce a child to prospective parents. “It’s an opportunity to give a child the chance to feel like they get to choose you, instead of you choosing them,” Robb explains. Originally looking for a child from infant age to seven, the couple scanned several thick binders full of profiles of waiting children. Robb recalls, “There were these huge binders—just full of children, all waiting for families.” When a social worker showed them the profile of a nine-year-old boy named Tyler, they decided to schedule a meeting with him even though he was older than their original preference. “We had previously talked to friends about it, and we just came to the conclusion that it would be crazy to say we would take him if he were six or seven, but not nine,” Robb says.

Marc and Robb met Tyler on a cold January day at an aquarium. “I had this excited and nervous feeling,” Robb says. “We wanted to love this child, and we wanted him to love us, too,” he adds. The initial meeting proved to be exactly what Tyler and the couple had hoped for—they all felt as though they were meant to be a family. On the way back to his foster mother’s home, Tyler softly asked from the backseat as Robb drove, “So when are you going to adopt me?” This was a question Robb hadn’t been prepared for, but a perfect way to confirm what they had all been feeling. “I pulled over and told him that we needed to make sure that it was a good fit for him, and for us—and he responded with ‘I think it’s a good fit.’ That’s when I just knew.”

Tyler was placed in foster care due to parental neglect at the age of six, and had experienced three separate foster homes in the three years prior to meeting Marc and Robb. “We think of each situation he’s been through as a tool to help him navigate his adult life. His past does not define him,” explains Marc. On December 10, 2009, Marc and Robb officially became the parents of Tyler, an event that felt a lifetime in the making.” He’s been a part of our family his entire life, it just took him a little while to get to us,” Robb says.

Today, Tyler is a 17-year-old senior in high school who works summers at the local zoo and plays the piano. He’s touring colleges with his parents and excited for the future—a future that now looks brighter than ever. “Everyone that knows Tyler loves him. He’s such a wonderful human being. We would do what we did a million times over to get Tyler,” Robb says. Marc and Robb are motivated to share their story of adopting Tyler to help others understand that adopting an older child can be wonderful, and full of some of the same things you would expect to experience with a younger child. “These kids are not in foster care because they had great parents,” Robb says. “You’ll have the firsts with older kids that you would have had with younger ones—we taught Tyler to ride his bike, brush his teeth—all of those things,” he adds. Robb and Marc were once told by a family friend to not forget about older children as an option for their family. “He said, remember that they come back home during college—they’ll come back to you for the rest of their lives,” Robb recalls. “You don’t parent a child only until they’re 18. You adopt a child for a lifetime,” Marc says. Adopting from foster care is free in many states, but the cost of adoption in other scenarios is often higher than you might expect.

Marc and Robb are both passionate about the joy that adoption, and specifically adoption of an older child, has brought to their lives. “I feel as bonded to Tyler just as much as if he were my biological child,” Marc says. “I would sacrifice myself for him in an instant, without a second thought,” he adds. The couple want others to know that parenting an adopted child is no different than parenting a biological one. “Every child has issues—biological or not—but that’s just part of being a parent,” Marc explains. “Every child is entitled to a childhood. I just want people to know that they shouldn’t make assumptions. Children in the foster system deserve a chance to be considered,” Robb adds.


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