Cedar Rapids Help-Portrait provides service, closure to some

CEDAR RAPIDS — When Laura Holeton saw herself in a portrait taken by a professional photographer on Saturday, she was surprised.

Then, she began to cry.

"I'm shocked," said Holeton, a 57-year-old cancer survivor from Cedar Rapids. "I didn't realize that was me. It's not Christian of me to brag, but — Lord!"

Holeton was among hundreds of area residents to have their pictures taken Saturday during the annual Greater Cedar Rapids Area Help-Portrait event. Hers was made by Mariellen Youngdahl, owner of TruYou Photography and Design of Marion, one of the many professionals who donated their time and services to help create a special memory for those who might not be able to afford professional photos otherwise.

Saturday marked a step in what Holeton calls her 'journey' of self-discovery after two bouts with cancer. In 2010, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer that resulted in doctors completely removing her thyroid glands. In the summer of 2015, she was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive breast cancer and underwent surgery in March. She's been in remission ever since.

She said she is glad she showed up Saturday.

'Even though I was overwhelmed, this was the best thing that could have happened to me,' Holeton said. '(Help-Portrait) is going to be my closure for the end of the year. It made me feel very special. It lets me know it's OK.'

Help-Portrait

Saturday's event took place in two locations: First Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids, 310 Fifth St. SE, and First Presbyterian Church in Mount Vernon, 301 First St. NW. Held each December, Help-Portrait is a worldwide not-for-profit volunteer effort that combines the work of local photographers, hairstylists and makeup artists who offer up their equipment and skills.

The local branch of the organization — Greater Cedar Rapids Area Help-Portrait — has been hosting free photo shoots since 2013. The effort was spurred by Amy Mueggenberg, GCRA Help-Portrait co-coordinator and activities officer for the Linn Area Photo Club.

At the Cedar Rapids church on Saturday, nearly 100 volunteers — including 11 photographers — worked in 10 studios to photograph nearly 200 visitors. For many, it was the first time they'd had a professional photo taken. Everyone took home printed photos thanks to Photo Pro, 153 Collins Road NE, as well as digital copies.

'There are people in need, so I thought this was something to do for the community,' said Chris Schuttloffel, 17, a senior at Washington High School and one of the volunteer photographers. 'It's a great way to work with other photographers and members of the community.'

'It's a Kleenex day, added Kris Hoeger, 52, of Marion, who worked as a volunteer photographer alongside her husband Doug Hoeger and said there were tears of gratitude and words of thanks throughout the day.

'A Precious Moment'

Among those photographed by the Hoegers were Joshua York, 39, and Ashley Mumm, 25, an engaged couple from Cedar Rapids who brought their 16-month-old daughter Alayna York for family portraits.

'I was really happy they gave us the opportunity to get them done,' York said. 'Around Christmastime, it's not always easy to pay for all that stuff and get it done.'

For Mumm, the experience was 'a precious moment' since her family has grown so much in the last year.

'Definitely nice to be able to remember this,' added York. 'Where we've come as a family, things weren't always that easy for us at the beginning, so it's nice to be able to put smiles on and mean it.'

Rick Young, Cedar Rapids site manager and president of the Linn Area Photo Club, said aside from family portraits, Saturday's event served as an opportunity for families to get newborn photos, or for high school seniors to have their graduation portraits done.

Individuals are referred to the program from area agencies such as Mission of Hope and the Young Parents Network, through direct collaboration with Young.

'Not every family can afford that, so we want to provide that opportunity,' he said.

l Comments: (319) 368-8536; michaela.ramm@thegazette.com