Steven R. Hazlett is a professional photographer and teaching artist for Pablove Shutterbugs New York City. He is a pediatric cancer survivor.

I was seventeen years old when I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. My whole world crumbled before me as I heard the words: “You have cancer.” It shook the very foundation of my soul, and turned into one of the longest journeys of recovery I’ve ever faced. Thankfully, there are now organizations out there to help young people overcome their battle against cancer, and The Pablove Foundation is one of them.

This incredible organization empowers participants by channeling all the emotions that come with cancer, and transfers it through a creative outlet that helps them get through each week. The Pablove Shutterbugs curriculum guides them through the fundamentals of photography, and inspires them to explore their life through the lens of a camera. The assignments transcend their way of viewing life during difficult times, and are set to encourage students to reconnect with the world in a new way.

Working with The Pablove Foundation as a Local Teaching Artist has been a dream come true, and I’ve truly seen the importance of this invaluable program. It’s given me the realization that I’ve now come full circle with my journey after cancer, and ascribe that to the essence of the Shutterbug program. Being able to give the gift of photography to a child has been one of the most profound experiences of my life. Not only did it fill the many voids cancer had left behind, it gave me the opportunity to give back, which is something I will be forever grateful for.

photo by Toni, 18 years old

We just finished another amazing fall session at the MoMA, and we are expecting a great turnout for our New York Gallery Show at Aperture Foundation Gallery on November 6. You can make a difference right now by visiting Pablove Prints and purchasing one of our student prints. I can attest to how encouraging it is for these young artists to see that their art makes a difference in the lives of others. Let’s help kids help kids and support these talented students with (pab)love, one click at a time.

View the 2015 New York Collection at pabloveprints.org. 100% of the proceeds from your purchase benefits The Pablove Foundation’s Childhood Cancer Research Grants.