Owensboro Health's Capturing the Moment Returns for Its Third Year

On June 20, The Western Kentucky Botanical Garden will again serve as a picturesque backdrop for the Capturing the Moment event. This heartfelt event offers 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 it possible.

In its third year at Owensboro Health, the Capturing The Moment initiative seeks to broaden its reach, aiming to triple 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 Emily Fife, a harpist, have been engaged to enhance the experience for attendees. The Owensboro Health Foundation and the Kentucky Cancer Program will host information tables and provide valuable resources during the event. Moreover, this year's Capturing The Moment 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.

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.  Dr. Nelson established the event to capture the strength, courage and stories of those affected by the disease. 

Capturing the Moment was born out of the idea that every patient has a unique story, and a photograph can capture their strength and perseverance in a profound way, explains Gray.

This community event owes much of its success to the founders and numerous volunteers, including professional photographers, hair and makeup stylists, and others dedicated to making each session special. Over 100 cancer patients and their families have benefited from Owensboro Health’s Capturing The Moment since its inception, and the hope is to serve many more in the future.

Gray learned of the event through her connection to the University of Louisville James Graham Brown Cancer Center, where she completed her Practicum Placement. Dr. Megan B. Nelson allowed Gray to bring the Capturing The Moment event to Owensboro Health, establishing a meaningful bridge between institutions and communities.

With Dr. 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. 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, please contact Owensboro Health Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center at 270-688-LIVE (5483).

To see what the event is like, watch this Youtube video.