Photo event for special needs kids makes us all smile

Local photographer Laura Schumpert has a special place in her heart for special-needs children. That place led her to create an event called Lyndon's Shining Light, designed to honor the memory of her son and help families of special-needs children. On Nov. 1, almost 50 of those families took their children to Kiwanis Park for free portraits and other activities especially for them.

Schumpert knows how important it is to create and preserve memories. She lost her son, Lyndon, in December. Speaking to the Southeast Missourian, she stated, "My son Lyndon had autism, and local photographers, we preach to our clients how important photos are. ... When everything is done, that's all you have, is pictures," she said. "I think it's important to help do this for other parents."

The photographer could have simply treasured the photographs she has of Lyndon. Instead, she chose to reach out and help others create memories through photos of their own, using her own special gift.

Schumpert received help from local photographers. Katie Blattel Photography, Sherry Rust Photography, Arevalo Photography, Tara Stallings Photography and Photogenic Photography by Danielle Rayoum all volunteered their services. Parents of special needs children have acknowledged that it is challenging getting their children to take pictures, so the volunteer work is commendable and heartwarming.

Parents praised the Lyndon's Shining Light event, remarking on the bubbles, balloons, Play-Doh and other items that were used to make their children smile for the sessions.

To understand how valuable this event was, take Laura Bishop as an example. Her daughter, Molly, has Down syndrome and is hearing-impaired. Bishop traveled all the way from Carbondale, Illinois, to attend. This, she said, was the best opportunity to get her 6-year-old to take a photograph.

We repeatedly hear that in today's fast-paced society, people are only interested in "me and mine" and making another dollar. Real-life stories like this belie that assertion. No one would criticize Schumpert if she chose to focus inwardly on her own loss; no doubt, there were many tears as she grappled with the passing of her son. Instead, she and the photographers with whom she partnered modeled what it is to give, expecting nothing in return, all for the sake of making others smile.