I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph Olga Deckman for her senior pictures today. She is a second-generation Chernobyl child. Olga has not been slowed by physical deformities as a result of her parents' exposure to radiation during the 1986 Russian nuclear power plant disaster. She was brought to Kansas by Project Restoration through Hillcrest Covenant Church to receive medical attention. She was adopted at the age of five after her host family quickly fell in love with her spirit and beauty that radiates within her. She is a young woman that is vibrant, cheery, and full of life. She will go to college next year and plans on being a motivational speaker some day. She has a beautiful way of connecting with people and sharing a message of perseverance. She talked about the need for perspective, will and desire as well as having the courage to find one's own path. To know Olga...is to love her.
I feel so blessed to call Olga my friend.
I feel so blessed to call Olga my friend.
[click on images to enlarge]
