helping children in south florida {south florida children photographer}

A few weeks ago, I met with the Ana Calderon at the Children's Diagnostic Treatment Center in Fort Lauderdale.  We were introduced by a high school friend of mine that I "found" through facebook (it really is a social networking site!).  CDTC is a wonderful place - it provides comprehensive prevention, intervention and treatment services  to children with special health care needs.  Ana took me on a tour of CDTC, through the diagnostic areas, comprehensive AIDS treatment area, several clinics - dental, adolescent, youth and adult, and more.  I was beyond amazed at all that the CDTC does to help families in South Florida area, and also to help evaluate infants and toddlers who have or are at risk for developmental delays and provide  children with intervention.  Sometimes, I feel like I live in a bubble - stressing out about balancing work and children and home and running errands, driving the kids everywhere, etc.  I forget what an absolute blessing it is to have healthy children, but it hit me as I walked through the halls of the CDTC.  I'm grateful that there is a little something I can do to help them.  As Ana stated, the CDTC is South Florida best kept secret - something that needs to change.  More people about the amazing programs the Center offers to children and families with health needs. Ana asked me to come back to photograph a very special event - OJ McDuffie of the Florida Dolphins was coming to the Center to play with the kids.  I was so happy to be there - to photograph the event and OJ with the children and staff.  He was there with his wonderful mother, Gloria, who serves as the executive director of OJ's own foundation, The OJ McDuffie Catch 81 Foundation. The Catch 81 Foundation is a fundraising organization that raises for children's charitable causes throughout South Florida.  OJ was very gracious to everyone he met at CDTC - the staff, the doctors, and most of all the children and their families.  But beyond that, he was enthusiastic - to be there, to play with the kids, and to help bring community awareness to the much needed services that the CDTC provides.

SO...  if you know of anyone with a baby or toddler who may have developmental delays and needs to be evaluated, or a child with a chronic illness or developmental disabilities who needs treatment, please contact the CDTC at (954) 728-8080.

And if you would like to become involved with or contribute to The OJ McDuffie Catch 81 Foundation, please contact Glorida at 877-JUICE-01 or email Info@catch81foundation.org.