To say "thank you" isn't enough for what you are doing and the difference you are making…I will try to put into words what meeting you has meant to us, but for right now I think the appreciation and genuine affection Michaela displays in these pictures with you, is enough. --Maria, Bob, Frankie, and Denny Muraida and of course, our hero, Michaela |
Dear Rick,
I want to thank you for your time, dedication, and enthusiasm during your presentations at the Texas Medical Center in November 2008. The Positive Exposure photography exhibition at the Texas Children's Hospital was the first of its kind at our institution! Your photographs captured the minds and hearts of the physicians, students, and families who had the opportunity to traverse the TCH Auxiliary Bridge for the weeks of the exhibit. We all agreed that the photographs were "at home" in a children's hospital! We received so many wonderful comments from the medical center community of families and health care providers and have been approached by several physicians and administrators at Texas Children's Hospital who would like this to be at least a biennial event!
"This is the most awesome, inspiring exhibit in the world! ...Thank you for helping to be a part of the community that changes people's perspectives and challenges age-old social
mores in regard to respecting and accepting all types of people! "
-Connie and Richard, Parents of Benjamin
As you know, your visit to Houston didn't end with the Positive Exposure Exhibit! You
gave a fantastic presentation and panel discussion at the Compassion and the Art of Medicine seminar at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Warren Holleman, who directs the Compassion series said that your presentation was extremely well-received by the students, faculty, and community. Dr. Art Beaudet-the Chairman of the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics at BCM- was very impressed and recognized that your work is crucial in promoting the appreciation of human diversity. A quote from one of the students says it all:
"Just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed Compassion and the Art of Medicine; the speakers were fantastic and Rick Guidotti's seminar on Positive Exposure was one of the most inspiring talks I've ever been to! "
-David B, BCM Medical Student.
Lastly, on behalf of Dr. Jim Lupski, Patti Furman, Dianne Dang, and all the professionals and families, I want to thank you for truly going the extra mile by photographing individuals who attended the Potocki-Lupski Syndrome party and photo shoot at BCM. You were great with the children, adults, and even the teenagers! The facial expressions in your photos are brimming with joy and excitement. We are also grateful to you in allowing us to use these photographs in the Potocki-Lupski Syndrome newsletter (Duplication Communication) and brochure which provide information and promote awareness for patients, educators, and health care providers!
"Rick was such an inspiration, and I hope to be working more with him in the cause to create social acceptance and show the inner beauty of differences. "
-Julie, Mother of Christian.
Thank you for your work, your passion, and your inspiration in promoting awareness and
encouraging advocacy for our beautifully diverse human race. Your photographs and personal stories behind them will transform the perception of individuals with differences caused not onlyby genetic conditions but by environmental and cultural influence as well.
Sincerely,
Lorraine Potocki, M.D., F.A.C.M.G.
Associate Professor
Department of Molecular and Human Genetics
Baylor College of Medicine
Texas Children's Hospital