Shawn Van Daele travels the United States of America, making the dreams of sick kids come true. He transports them to whatever magical land they desire to go to. No, he isn’t a genie. He’s a photographer and he takes pictures of children based on drawings they’ve made.
“I want to inspire the magic of childhood and let kids and their families who can use a little happiness in their life see that anything is possible”, said Van Daele.
His project is called “Drawing Hope,” and you can check it out below:
Marco had to get a heart transplant at only 34 days old, but he drew himself flying through the sky in a magic apple. Van Daele brought it to life.
David has had to go through multiple surgeries and had to stay in the hospital for eight weeks right after he was born. He drew himself as defender of the stars.
Kayla has Crohn’s Disease and has to take constant medication. She still loves riding horses and drew herself atop a leaping stallion.
Owen had to get a heart transplant at just one month, but when he draws, he imagines himself in a land of penguins.
Hunter had to get a series of heart operations as a baby, but he’s a hero down below the seas.
Anniek had to have multiple heart catheters implanted and now she’s lord of the sand castle.
Chance has leukemia and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. Meanwhile he’s also an explorer of a haunted forest.
Dominic has Down Syndrome and heart issues. Sometimes he also travels back to dinosaur times.
Sadie has a rare disease called Cone Rod Dysfunction that prevents her from being able to go out into the sun. But in Van Daele’s photos, she’s in a field among giant Easter Eggs.
Alexandria needed a liver transplant at four months-old. She’s also the ruler of Candyland.
McKenna has Autism and a rare blood disorder that made her surgeries early in life difficult. She also walks her dog through the sky.
Ruby lost her mom at the young age of 2. And she’s a beautiful fairy.
Jack has had to go through multiple liver surgeries during his short life. He spends his spare time saving others from crime.
Riley is waiting for multiple surgeries. And he has a train to conduct.
Kasie has Rett Syndrome, a rare disease that can cause girls to have seizures and become non-verbal, leading to the nickname “silent angels.” Here she is meeting a genie on a magic carpet as in her favorite movie, Aladdin.
Kaleigh was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis. In the background, you can see the castle she rules.
Travis is blind, but he was able to describe himself as a ninja, fighting bad guy ninjas so Van Daele could take his picture in action.
With Van Daele’s help, these sick kids are free to go on all sorts of wonderful adventures.