Saving Eliza

Photograph of book taken by Simos Xenakis

Eliza is a lovely little girl who has been touched by a very nasty disease called Sanfilippo Syndrome. Sanfilippo is a rare genetic condition that causes fatal brain damage. It is referred to as a childhood disease because most patients never reach adulthood. At present, there is no cure for this devastating disease.

Eliza was featured in a 3 minute video made by visual artist, Benjamin Van Wong, for the Saving Eliza campaign. The video touched everyone's hearts and raised over one million dollars for the cause.

Benjamin teamed up with photographer, Ivan Makarov, who created the third edition of Plus One Collection. Plus One is an annual coffee table book featuring photographers from all over the world with proceeds of sales going to various causes. I was so happy when I learned that my son, Simos Xenakis', photo would be a part of this wonderful cause. This is his second time being featured in the book, which is filled with so many amazing images. It's a great way for these photographers to get exposure, but it's a bigger blessing to be a part of any wonderful cause that helps.

You can click here for more information on this year's book project.

Photograph of book taken by Simos Xenakis