With a chorus of “cheese” and a click of the camera, a moment is frozen in time. Today marks the 10th annual Family Photo Night at The Nebraska Medical Center. The milestone will feature the most beautiful of smiles as pediatric patients and their families create a memory to be treasured forever.
“These photographs are often the first professional pictures a parent has of their baby as many of our little ones have grown up in the hospital,” said Janet Lohmeier, early childhood education consultant at The Nebraska Medical Center. “Unfortunately for some it might be the only photograph they will have of their child.”
Sadly, a few of the pictures taken over the years have been displayed at memorial services. In one instance, a photo of a teenage patient who missed class pictures was shared with the school yearbook. The vast majority of the photographs capture the joy of a successful treatment or transplant and a family’s optimism for the future.
For one day, hospital staff members transform an activity room into a portrait studio and caregivers become fashion consultants, helping to dress up their young patients.
“It’s really a lot of fun,” Lohmeier said. “Everyone gets involved and has such a wonderful time.”
Omaha photographer Ophir Palmon again will donate his time and talent as he has for the past nine years. The University Hospital Auxiliary also provides funding to ensure every family receives an 8×10 portrait free of charge.