GLIMPSE OF GOLD

Sometimes the smallest thing can make the biggest difference. A silly tiktok post changed the entire trajectory of the last few years. Through a series of photography projects based on a teen with cancer, Glimpse of Gold was born. The purpose being to make a positive impact on the lives of patients battling childhood cancer, while supporting a local Rochester non-profit.

A stylized yellow sunrise with white and darker yellow rays, and the text 'Glimpse of Gold' at the bottom.
A young woman smiling in an art gallery with floral photographs and hanging flower decorations.

DEVELOPMENT

Pictured is the projects that inspired the creation of Glimpse of Gold. Kara, who was a dance major at The University at Buffalo was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma and underwent an above the knee amputation. In an effort to incorporate Grace’s Garden, which was Kara’s “happy place” during treatment into this project I built wooden structures that displayed the images and written stories of her treatment, as well as hanging flowers from the ceiling that viewers could interact with. The goal was to have the viewers walk into this bright and beautiful space and become engaged and moved with the story.

A flower arrangement with photos and notes about Golsano Children's Hospital and a tree commemorative plaque. The display includes hanging carnations, yellow flowers, and a pink flower, placed in a green rectangular planter on a white surface.
  • Yellow box with a sun illustration and the text 'Glimpse of Gold'.

    Packaging

    Pictured above is the box that was given to kid going through treatment at Golisnao Children’s Hospital. Designed entirely by myself, the goal was to create a packaging that was warm and welcoming, just like the contents inside.

  • A yellow gift box with a lid that has a sun drawing and the words 'Only Sunshine Ahead.' Inside the box is a yellow knit hat with the words 'Only Sunshine Ahead' embroidered on it. The box contains motivational notes and stickers with messages like 'Dream Big,' 'Please Don't Give Up,' and encouragements like 'You're Strong,' 'You're Brave,' 'You're Important,' and 'You're Enough.'

    Contents

    Inside the box were all products to help bring some light to the kids dark days. A beanie embroidered with the quote “Only sunshine ahead”, a wristband, and hand designed stickers with words of affirmation. Everything based around the color gold, for childhood cancer awareness.

A young woman wearing a yellow beanie with the words 'Only sunshine ahead' written on it, touching or adjusting her beanie, standing outdoors in front of tall, dried grass.

ACHIEVEMENT

Furthering the effort to make a difference, I collaborated with C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association. All donations went directly to C.U.R.E. and when donations were made the boxes went to the kids. The next step was advertising the project to the public with hopes to spark their interest in Glimpse of Gold and its purpose.

A woman sitting at a table with a pink tablecloth that has yellow sunburst patterns and the words "Glimpse of Gold" printed on it. The table displays donation materials, brochures, a QR code sign for donations, and a small box for collected donations. Behind her is a large screen explaining the mission of Glimpse of Gold, a charity focused on childhood cancer awareness and support. There's also a yellow sign on the wall with a QR code for donations.

Pictured on the left is Glimpse of Gold being presented as an exhibition at Rochester Institute of Technology's annual Imagine RIT festival on April 23, 2022.

Woman standing at a table with stacks of yellow boxes and orange circles inside a pavilion in a park, with trees and people in the background.

Pictured on the right is C.U.R.E.’s Survivors Day Picnic, held on June 5, 2022, where parts of Glimpse of Gold’s boxes were handed out to kids and their families.

News Coverage

A woman with dark hair and blue eyes, wearing earrings and a light-colored dress, standing in front of a gold glittery backdrop.
A graphic with a yellow background and white text boxes. The top box has the title 'What is Glimpse of Gold and its purpose?' in gold text. The bottom box explains that Glimpse of Gold is a charity aimed at raising awareness about childhood cancer an
A thank you message from Glimpse of Gold, with a yellow background and a logo at the top featuring a stylized yellow sun with rays. The message expresses gratitude for contributions helping children and encourages pride in wearing stickers and bracel
A yellow background with white and black text, repeating the phrase 'Thank You' multiple times, with 'For your donation' handwritten in black amidst the repetitions.
A yellow informational poster with white text explaining that all donations go directly to C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association and help families and children going through childhood cancer treatment at Golisano Children's Hospital.
A promotional graphic with yellow and white background elements. Text reads: 'Give the gift of sunshine. Glimpse of Gold's donation site is officially live! Swipe and read below for more information.'
Notification about the launch of a new Gold donation page, encouraging viewers to stay tuned and expressing excitement.
Text on a yellow background asks, 'What made you want to start Glimpse of Gold?' with a story about meeting Kara Skrubis, her osteosarcoma diagnosis, an above-the-knee amputation, and sharing her story to help others with childhood cancer.