The Western Kentucky Botanical Garden will again serve as a picturesque backdrop for Owensboro Health’s “Capturing the Moment” event on Thursday, offering cancer survivors and their families the opportunity to have professional photographs taken free of charge.
Owensboro Health Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center and Owensboro Health Foundation collaborated to make the event possible.
In its third year, Owensboro Health officials are hoping the Capturing The Moment broadens its reach and triples the participant numbers from last year.
“We had approximately 51 survivors, along with their families and friends — totaling 220 individuals — partake in the last event. This year, with our current lineup of 11 committed photographers and hopes of securing a 12th, we will have 156 slots available for participants,” said Heather Gray, an Owensboro Health Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center Counselor and organizer for the event.
The day promises more than just photography. Vendors, including Hello Pop, Tony’s Golf Carts, and harpist Emily Fife have been engaged to enhance the experience for attendees. The Owensboro Health Foundation, UofL Brown Cancer Center, and the Kentucky Cancer Program will host information tables and provide valuable resources during the event.
This year’s event will boast a record number of volunteers, totaling 43 — all staff from the Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center, Owensboro Health Medical Group Hematology & Oncology, and contributions from the Owensboro Health Foundation and the UK Markey Cancer Center.
Gray learned of the event through her connection to the University of Louisville James Graham Brown Cancer Center, where she completed her Practicum Placement.
The origin of Capturing The Moment traces back to Dr. Megan B. Nelson, the event’s founder, with the goal to empower cancer patients and provide them with a timeless memento of their journey. Inspired by her own experiences with cancer and a desire for more photos to document her journey, Nelson established the event to capture the strength, courage, and stories of those affected by the disease.
Nelson allowed Gray to bring the Capturing The Moment event to Owensboro Health, establishing a meaningful bridge between institutions and communities.
“With Nelson planning to attend this year’s gathering, the event is a poignant reminder of the power of community support, love, and resilience in the face of cancer,” Gray said. “The Western Kentucky Botanical Garden provides the perfect serene setting for such moments of reflection, celebration, and togetherness.”
Due to limited availability, families interested in participating in Capturing the Moment are encouraged to sign up early. For more information, registration details, and to volunteer, contact Owensboro Health Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center at 270-688-LIVE (5483).
