Run for a Cause: PSA5K Event Photography | Clifton Park, NY

The energy of this event was palpable. I arrived at Yankee Distillers, where it was hosted, a bit nervous as I didn’t know anyone (I was covering this event for my friend Andrew Elder over at Best Frame Forward). I left with tears in my eyes, hugging Kristy and her family, who partnered with Burn Bootcamp to create this event in honor of Nicholas Green.

I knew nothing about Poland Syndrome before this day, but I researched as much as I could and I know more now. (You can find more information at this site.)

The crowd was warm: parents with young children, family members, and groups of friends, all hugging and laughing. Kids played cornhole and dogs tried to eat the cornhole bags, as everyone stretched and prepared for the run.

The kiddos went first, then stole the hearts of everyone in attendance as they handed out medals at the end of the adult race. (And I was even handled an honorary medal, which I still have hanging in my office as a special reminder of this day.)

I stood on the sidelines near the finish line to capture people throwing their hands up in victory, and as each person finished, I teared up. It was deeply emotional watching this group of people come together in order to build awareness of Poland Syndrome.

Event photography in general is one of my favorite aspects of photography, but this one touched my heart. I arrived knowing not a soul, and left with tears streaming down my cheeks as I hugged new friends and left feeling lighter than I had when I arrived.

PS: we even made the Times Union!