We’re so moved by the determination and vision
of young artist Timmy Walsh who started Camera for a Cure and TRW Art when he was only 5 years old! He uses photography to raise funds
for the Lung Cancer Alliance and awareness for the disease. We are honored and
proud that he will be a part of Arts on the Square.
Hi Timmy!
Tell us a
little about Camera for a Cure and the inspiration behind it.
I started Camerafor a Cure at the age of 5 in 2008, when my aunt was diagnosed with lung
cancer. I wanted to do something, to help her and others affected with
the disease. I discussed the idea of selling my photos with my
parents. I wanted my dad to build me a stand, like a lemonade
stand. They said that it wouldn't work out on my street. I was
determined and decided to have a sale/show out of my home. We made formal
invitations and raised over $300. The Scranton Times did an article on
me. After that time, people started calling to donate. Dan Brown,
owner of Parasene, offered to create a website for us and helped create the
name, Camera For A Cure. Businesses started calling us to hold shows at
their places. Camera For A Cure quickly spread. I started doing
First Friday Scranton when I was six. I then started doing
shows in other towns. We joined forces with Lung Cancer Alliance after
meeting a lung cancer patient and advocate during a show at Grove Media.
We have been raising funds and awareness, traveled to Washington DC and have
made a difference with the passing of the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act.
How did you learn your craft?
I learned
how to take great pictures from my mom. We started taking pictures
together when I was 3 or 4 years old. I started with a VTech camera &
moved up to the Nikon.
How would you describe your
style & where do you find inspiration?
My style
would be one of its own. I take pictures of things most people pass
by. My inspiration for my Camera For A Cure is my aunt. When
she was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2008, we quickly realized how underfunded
and how little awareness there is for lung cancer. There is a stigma
attached to it, because of smoking. My aunt's lung cancer was not caused
by smoking or chemicals. She has a mutant gene, just like any other
cancer.
What will you be featuring at the Arts on the Square festival?
I will be featuring great photos, awareness
bracelets, ribbon lollipops, along with information on lung cancer, Lung Cancer
Alliance and our new support groups.
How do you
find inspiration?
My inspiration for each photo is
different. I see a color or a texture, something different and
interesting and want to capture it.
Is there
any other information you would like us to highlight about you or your
work?
All funds raised during my Camera For A Cure
shows are donated to Lung Cancer Alliance. We recently opened a LCA PA
Chapter. My TRW Art shows help fund my schooling. I offer photos to
professional offices and private homes. My art can be seen in Dr. Karam's
office, Lackawanna Ave., Scranton.
Special
Note from Timmy Walsh:
There is little awareness related to lung cancer. Lung cancer is
the leading cancer killer. It kills more than prostate, breast, and
pancreatic cancer, COMBINED! It kills more women than all female cancer
combined, INCLUDING breast cancer. Lung cancer is the 2nd leading killer,
behind heart disease. Not cancer, LUNG CANCER! The simple truth is,
if you have lungs, you can get lung cancer. It does not
discriminate. There are toddlers with lung cancer, children, and those of
all ages. The life expectancy for lung cancer, after diagnosis, is five
years! Most die within the first few months or weeks of diagnosis.
Low level radiation CT scans can help catch lung cancer in its early
stages. However, it is not covered by most insurances. Viewmont
Medical is offering CT scans for lung cancer for $150 without insurance.
Follow Camera For a Cure & TRW Art:
Location:
Olyphant, PA
Website:
cameraforacure.com
Facebook:
facebook.com/CameraForACure and facebook.com/trwart
Instagram:
@T1mmyWalsh
Twitter: @cameraforacure
Follow Arts on the Square & ScrantonMade:
Instagram: @scrantonmade_blog
Pinterest: ScrantonMade
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