Melissa DePape - British Columbia
My name is Melissa, I have this deep love for 3 things in my life. My husband, my 2 beautiful little girls and my photography. I am a self taught photographer that specializes in lifestyle photography. Family, children, newborn, maternity, engagement, weddings, etc. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 11 years. Everyday he continues to keep me laughing. We have two beautiful little girls. Nevaeh who is 2 going on 3. She is a very happy, and now healthy 2 year old. She has this heart melting, soul crunching smile that will light up any room. Maëlle is 10 months old and has this full head of brown silky hair. She will draw a person in with her smile, and giggle. She has this screechy laugh that will catch the attention of me every time. Both girls are different but the same in many ways. With Maëlle we know what a healthy child looks like during the first year of their life. Nevaeh was diagnosed with a heart defect before birth. We were faced with many days and nights of worries. There were times when I thanked the lord for every breath she took, for every toothy grin, and tear jerking hug. I look back at my photos and realize all the small moments that I had forgotten, how little she was, how pale, and skinny she once was. I look back and see how far she has come how strong she has grown. I want other families to have these moments to share. Because no matter how big or little, how strong or weak, how sick or healthy, every moment should be remembered. It is these moments we look back on that only makes us stronger.
So this foundation is my gift to you. please email us at info@thetinylight.com
Billie Depatie - Alberta
My name is Billie, I am a good friend of Melissa. She is the one responsible for my involvement in this organization, her and her beautiful family. I was honored when she asked me to be a part of this foundation. I am also a self taught lifestyle photographer. My passion of photography is beyond words.
I am a mother of two wonderful boys, who fill my life with joy each and everyday. Ethan is 5 and he has such a huge personality. Erik is 12. He is a sweet, shy young man with a heart of gold. I married to my high school sweetheart almost 10 years ago although I have been with him for 16 years and still love him to pieces. He can still make me laugh until my cheeks hurt, life would not be the same without these 3 boys in it. I am thankful for them everyday and thankful that we all have our health.
The reason I signed up for this is because it breaks my heart when I hear of children being sick and having to be in and out of hospitals so early in their little lives. Her tiny light Nevaeh over coming a huge struggle in her little life touched my heart. If my photography and others can brighten their families lives I would do it 1000 times over. Being able to provide these families with photographic memories, when they are unable to afford the investment due to high cost hospital fees etc. fills me with joy. At least I can help in this small way ♥
In January of 2011, I was asked to join The Tiny Light Foundation as volunteer photographer, since then, my life has never been the same. After years of studying the essence of photography, it was clear to me that my love and passion was for the people that I was photographing. Through the organization, I have had the honour of meeting the most beautiful and encouraging little lights that will forever be apart of my life. As they share their stories with me, my perspective along with my heart has been reshaped once again. With our time together there has been moments where I found it hard to capture their true emotion and beauty as being a father of 2, I understand the love that we share for our children.
With the invitation of becoming a director, I was truly honoured to be considered for the role. I look forward to what is to come in the new year and the direction that the organization is going. With the help from Melissa and Billie, we will continue to touch and be touched by the lives of the Tiny Lights.
Colette Bruchal - Alberta
My name is Colette and I am unofficially Melissa’s sister-in-law. I was excited and touched to be asked to become a part of The Tiny Light Foundation. Melissa’s own tiny light, Nevaeh, had already touched my heart is so many ways and I am honored to be a part of this incredible foundation and to help her with her cause in any way I can. My experience with photography is basically non-existent, but I believe I do have the ability to care deeply for others and show this with the dedication in my career. I currently work as a Registered Nurse at a rural hospital in Northern Alberta. Aside from the occasional hair-pulling days I truly get satisfaction from being at work. When I’m not working I love spending time with my family. Jeremy, Melissa’s brother, is a hard working dad who has just made a major career move to better our family. Silas, my soon to 3 year old, is a very busy boy who enjoys playing with his 1 ½ year old sister, Madison. They are both very active and I love teaching them new things. My 8 year old step-daughter, Brie-Anna, adds to the excitement when she comes out to visit. The kids play so well together and they are always excited to see their big-sister. Life sure is busy, but I know the day will come when things slow down and I’ll wonder where all the time went as my family evolves before my eyes.