FoTik Photography is dedicated to donating to various charities. The largest FoTik contributions are sent to

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Tennessee and Chai Lifeline, with focus on Camp Simcha.

FoTik is in the midst of creating a unique book to educate people of the severity of Cancer. The book is a visual documentary about the life of Corey Scott Sticco. Corey is Lara’s first cousin and was diagnosed with Brain Cancer at the age of seven. Corey has endured many treatments and surgeries, which have left him confined to a wheelchair and dependent on others. Corey recently turned seventeen years old, despite his seventy percent chance of survival. He still must be submitted to additional procedures. In spite of all of his disabilities, Corey has decided he would like to be a photographer some day. He is currently documenting his own life, through his eyes. This book is a visual story of his life, with photographic contributions by Corey himself.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is known for it’s amazing facilities and is among the worlds leading research centers for Pediatric Cancer. All patients accepted for treatment at St. Jude are treated without regard to the family’s ability to pay. A recent visit to the hospital has left a lasting impression on Lara Stern, Owner of FoTik Photography.

Corey is now cancer-free! He is a patient in the After Care Treatment Program. One week every year is reserved for extensive check up care and testing. Lara shadowed Corey and his father last year for one week at the hospital. “I watched Corey brave every test and procedure he faced. He is truly a miracle with the soul of an angel! He showed amazing courage,” pronounced Lara. The hospital staff embraces Corey and every patient. Lara remembers nurses, doctors and other hospital staff going out of their way to welcome Corey back. “The first day there, Corey entered the gift shop, his favorite place in the hospital, and the staff yelled to him in excitement! They remembered Corey very well and were so happy to see him back at the hospital. The nurses and doctors greeted him in the same fashion. St. Jude is very welcoming and each person on premise, especially patients, are so hopeful and positive,” declared Lara.

Camp Simcha, subsidiary of Chai Lifeline, is a not for profit organization dedicated to helping children suffering from serious illness as well as their family members. It is for kids who are facing cancer or other serious illness, Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special provide the experience of a lifetime! Located in Glen Spey, NY, each of these unique camps is an oasis of carefree fun and emotional rejuvenation midst the arduous struggle with illness and pain. Campers are lavished with love, and enjoy a positive, upbeat environment that imbues them with the confidence and fortitude they need to navigate the forthcoming year’s trials.

Lara was fortunate to have been able to visit camp recently. She said, “I was absolutely blown away by all of the love and astounding positive energy! The campers and all of the volunteer staff dance and sing all day long. I have never felt more love in one place! I was overcome with emotion and happiness for every child. It was one of the most beautiful memories I may ever know! I am extremely fortunate to have experienced such a happy place!

The book has been in production for almost two years. Not only will it depict the life of Corey, it will also portray the lives of other children and families suffering with this horrific disease. May this educate people of the harsh realities of Cancer, teach them understanding, inspire people of all ages, and be an aide for anyone in desperation.

The book is due to be published some time late 2010. The proceeds will be donated to both St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Chai Lifeline. Please keep checking back with us for updates on Corey’s progress as well as book updates.

For more information, please contact us or visit www.stjude.org and www.chailifeline.org