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After watching a recent episode of Oprah, I was inspired to post about (Product) RED.

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(Product)RED was formed to support the GLOBAL FUND and to help provide treatment for AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis in Africa. (RED)™ was created by Bono, from the band U2, and Bobby Shriver to empower consumers to shop and do good at the same time. A portion of profits from the sale of (RED)™ branded products goes to The Global Fund to help women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa, providing access to education, nutrition, counseling, medical services, and the two pills a day they need to help them stay alive.

AIDS and HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) are devastating the world. Since 1981, 25 million people have died of AIDS. It is estimated that 40 million people are living with HIV today.

It costs as little as US$ 140 to provide drugs to extend the life of an HIV patient for one year. It’s estimated that US$ 15 billion a year is needed to sufficiently address the AIDS epidemic in low and middle-income countries.

–40 million people worldwide are infected with HIV
–3 million+ people die every year from AIDS
–15 million+ children have been orphaned by AIDS

Big name companies have also joined in the fight and will donate a portion of all sales derived from sales of their (RED) products to the fund.

THE GAP
Gap is introducing Gap (PRODUCT) RED™—a new, limited collection of clothing and accessories for men and women. As part of Gap’s global partnership with (PRODUCT) RED™, half of the profits from sales of the Gap (PRODUCT) RED™Collection will go to The Global Fund to finance programs that help women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa.

ARMANI
Emporio Armani is a proud partner of (PRODUCT) RED™.This pioneering initiative will raise money and awareness for The Global Fund through the sales of a RED-branded capsule collection designed by Giorgio Armani. Over the next five years, 40 percent of the gross profits from (Emporio Armani) RED will go directly to eradicate AIDS in Africa.

CONVERSE
It’s just a little, red eyelet, but it’s the mark of a big idea. That single red eyelet at the top of each pair of Converse (PRODUCT) RED™ sneakers signifies participation in (RED)™.

MOTOROLA
Introducing the new red MOTORAZR V3m. The red MOTORAZR V3m was designed to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

APPLE
The iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED™Special Edition holds up to 1,000 songs, 25,000 photos, and a little hope because $10 from every iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED™sold goes directly to the Global Fund.

Go buy something RED today!!!!

Important Links
JOIN (RED)
The Global Fund
(RED) on Flickr
(RED) Blog

I recently had the awesome opportunity to photograph Miss Jaclyn and her family through my dedication to the American Child Photographer Charity Guild (ACPCG). You can read about the services provided by the ACPCG through the link to the left! This little doll baby has definitely come a long way, and has probably been through more in her short life than any of us will ever endure in our lifetime. Thanks Stahnke family for inviting me to photograph your little one, she’s absolutely perfect! *but you know that*

Here are my favorites: (read the rest of Jaclyn’s story below)

Because I truly believe in the importance in the services the ACPCG provides. I asked the Stahnke family if they would be so gracious to allow me share Jaclyn’s slideshow with all of you, and to also share their story if they were interested. They were more than honored! If you’d like to view their entire slideshow CLICK HERE The password is stahnke123.

Jaclyn’s Story:

Jaclyn Ann was born 16 weeks too soon, at just 24 weeks Gestation, weighing in at 1 pound 9.2 ounces, 12.5 inches long. She was given a 40% chance of living. She was born breathing, but rushed to the St. Elizabeth NICU to be intabated on a ventilator for what became 6 weeks.

Her Diagnosis:

In her short life she has suffered multiple Kidney failures, infections, Jaundice, Anemia, 30+ Blood transfusions. As well as being diagnosed with 2 (IVH) Intraventricular Hemorrhage- brain bleeds (ARDS) Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome -more severe form of infant RDS , (PH) Pulmonary Hypertension-blood in lungs (CLD) Chronic Lung Disease. (BPD) Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia- worst lung disease you can get .

Her Surgeries:

She suffered a collapse lung her first week of life, requiring a chest tube, then at one month old she underwent her first surgery for her (PDA) Patent Ductus Arteriosus (close valve in heart.) At 3 months old another surgery to fix . (ROP) Stage 3- Retinopathy of Prematurely (detachment of the Retinas).

Her Survival:

Jaclyn’s parents were told 4 times their tiny baby would not make it through the night. They were on death watch, but Jaclyn Ann is a fighter who with a will to live and a little help from a great team, managed to beat all the odds. She was discharged on her due date with oxygen and a apnea monitor. She weighed 5 pounds, 14 ounces, and was 18 inches long.

About our experience with Uniquely You Photography:

During our NICU stay we had a chance to look over a brochure about Sarah’s ACPCG sessions. Knowing we would other wise miss those first months baby pictures due to financial strains and not submitting her to germs in the malls, our family asked Sarah come celebrate with us upon Jaclyn’s arrival home. Sarah’s services were a huge blessing to us to not miss out on those first professional photos. We were so pleased with her time and patience’s, she took with our little one. She was very professional and organized. With very little props she was able to capture in her lens, what only we could see before. A natural beauty behind all the tubes and wires. What a wonderful way to mark the end of one journey and the beginning of a new one.

I will be sure to tell everyone I know about this wonderful woman, with a kind heart. Her photos represent that of out of the gallery. It’s amazing to me to know that those tiny baby feet in the photo are our daughters. It is a very magical experience and something our family will treasure forever. Thank you Uniquely You Photography !

Sincerely, Jennifer (Mom of 24 week Preemie)

Jennifer-

Sarah