I Need Help Contacting Oprah!

[Art]

I am a NILMDTS photographer from College Station, Texas, and I, like Cheryl, Sam, Kirk and many others, have been trying to contact the Oprah show to get a story segment aired about NILMDTS. I just spoke to a representative for the show, and she said the only way to submit show ideas is through their website. So, if any or you have a cousin, brother, aunt, or friend who works for, or knows someone who works for the Oprah show, please either post that information on this thread, or email me at Art@AJWPhoto.com.

Or, please help us by going to this website (https://www.oprah.com/plugger/templates/BeOnTheShow.jhtml?action=respond&plugId=B2100004) and, in your own words, tell them why NILMDTS deserves to be on a show. Email this link to your friends, as I am about to, and let's start a grass roots campaign to get the word out. Those of you who have your own Angels, but didn't receive NILMDTS photography can surely understand the need to educate the public...

[Kelly Story]

Art, I've done my part. Let's now hope that we make a difference.

[Art]

Thank you, Kelly! Here's an email that I sent to a writer for Oprah's magazine:

I saw your show in the Oprah.com archive, and I was very moved by Adam's story, and how you have shown him character, strength and love. I only hope that my wife and I could do as well, given the same circumstances. I am writing to you today in the hope of getting our story on the Oprah Show. I am the Brazos Valley Coordinator for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization of professional photographers the provide bereavement photography for families that are experiencing an early infant loss. At a family's request, a NILMDTS asssociated photographer goes to the hospital, conducts a sensitive, caring session with the baby and parents (if they wish), and, at no charge, provides a DVD slideshow of the images, and a CD of printable images, with a photo release. We feel that having images of their child helps the family to grieve, and validates that they had a child. Without these images, memory of the baby's features will fade over time.
Our cofounders, Cheryl Haggard and Sam Puc', have tried repeatedly to contact the Oprah Show, and many of our affiliated photographers have tried also. My hope is that you could help us get our "foot in the door" and help us get our story out, so that none of these precious families will miss our service. Doctors and nurses are highly trained, but they are not highly trained photographers. With our specialized equipment, emotional strength, and Photoshop skills, we provide heirloom-quality images that these families can proudly display. As a non-profit organization, there is no way we could afford the kind of exposure that the Oprah Show could bring us. We feel that Oprah's spirit of giving, compassion, and sensitivity to these kind of topics makes NILMDTS tailor-made for the Oprah Show.
On the web: www.nowilaymedontosleep.org (http://www.nowilaymedontosleep.org/)
Thank you intensely for your time!
Art Wright
www.AJWPhoto.com (http://www.ajwphoto.com/)
979.218.8677

[HAINAngel2000]

Art, Good luck with this. HAIN volunteers contacted her as well along time ago. But did not hear back. Hopefully you have better luck in this. It would be an awesome thing!!!-Mary


Thank you, Kelly! Here's and email that I sent to a writer for Oprah's magazine:

I saw your show in the Oprah.com archive, and I was very moved by Adam's story, and how you have shown him character, strength and love. I only hope that my wife and I could do as well, given the same circumstances. I am writing to you today in the hope of getting our story on the Oprah Show. I am the Brazos Valley Coordinator for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization of professional photographers the provide bereavement photography for families that are experiencing an early infant loss. At a family's request, a NILMDTS asssociated photographer goes to the hospital, conducts a sensitive, caring session with the baby and parents (if they wish), and, at no charge, provides a DVD slideshow of the images, and a CD of printable images, with a photo release. We feel that having images of their child helps the family to grieve, and validates that they had a child. Without these images, memory of the baby's features will fade over time.
Our cofounders, Cheryl Haggard and Sam Puc', have tried repeatedly to contact the Oprah Show, and many of our affiliated photographers have tried also. My hope is that you could help us get our "foot in the door" and help us get our story out, so that none of these precious families will miss our service. Doctors and nurses are highly trained, but they are not highly trained photographers. With our specialized equipment, emotional strength, and Photoshop skills, we provide heirloom-quality images that these families can proudly display. As a non-profit organization, there is no way we could afford the kind of exposure that the Oprah Show could bring us. We feel that Oprah's spirit of giving, compassion, and sensitivity to these kind of topics makes NIMDTS tailor-made for the Oprah Show.
On the web: www.nowilaymedontosleep.org (http://www.nowilaymedontosleep.org/)
Thank you intensely for your time!
Art Wright
www.AJWPhoto.com (http://www.ajwphoto.com/)
979.218.8677

[Art]

Mary,
I'm a pit bull when it comes to things like this... I don't give up! I can't speak officially for Cheryl or Sam, but if NILMDTS gets on Oprah, there will be time to mention Hain Angels, the Mary Madeline Project and other organizations that are pivotal in helping these greiving families. I now have the email addresses for two of the writers of O Magazine, and three phone numbers for Dr. Katz, a medical columnist for the magazine.

[Michelle D-S]

I just sent an email to the Oprah show as well. I think I’ll send it to the Dr. Phil too… His following is almost as large, I’m sure.

I sure hope this works!

Michelle

[Michelle D-S]

I just sent my email to the Dr. Phil show as well. Cheryl, please let us know if you get any response - I hope you do!

Michelle

[Art]

Thank you, Michelle! I plan to send the email link to Oprah's show idea page to all of my inbox xontacts; maybe we could all do the same...

[HAINAngel2000]

Mary,
I'm a pit bull when it comes to things like this... I don't give up! I can't speak officially for Cheryl or Sam, but if NILMDTS gets on Oprah, there will be time to mention Hain Angels, the Mary Madeline Project and other organizations that are pivotal in helping these greiving families. I now have the email addresses for two of the writers of O Magazine, and three phone numbers for Dr. Katz, a medical columnist for the magazine.


BRAVO!!!That is so wonderful Art. This is so great that you are a go getter! Everyone needs someone like you! I like that kind of attitude!:D - Mary

[Mike Demyan]

I was contacted by and aquaintance who is running a benefit Photo Op for and organization that donates used books for children in disfuctional and abusive homes. It will be attended by the Gov. of PA, the local mayor, and other politicians. Oprah is interested in what this group is doing and she will be there and wants photos to for the spot on her show. I am waiting for information to contact her press agent. This may be the IN we need to plant a NILMDTS seed.

Mike

[Michelle D-S]

That sounds absolutely fantastic Mike, good luck!!

[Art]

Awesome news, Mike! Run with it, Buddy!

[Mike Demyan]

Hi Art and associates:

I just got more information regarding the event.
The event is the Grand Opening of a "Cops 'n' Kids" Children's Literacy Program - Reading Room.
It comes under the Oprah "Angels" program. I thought Oprah was going to be there but was informed that what she wanted was photos of the event to use on her program. No OPRAH ;=(
I did get the email address for her secretary that runs the Angels Program for her. Once I find out what she wants for this event, I will share our NILMDTS mission with her.

Mike

[Art]

I'm getting more and more convinced that Oprah has "sold out"...

[HAINAngel2000]

I'm getting more and more convinced that Oprah has "sold out"...

Art, God has His timing in all things. He will make a way if it is His will. I will keep praying about this!!:D Mary

[Art]

I haven't given up, but I wonder at Oprah's altruistic motives when so many wonderful organizations cannot even contact her...

[Jen Eagan]

I haven't given up, but I wonder at Oprah's altruistic motives when so many wonderful organizations cannot even contact her...

But a dog that can walk on 2 legs is show worthy.

[Jen Eagan]

But you have to figure, they probably get like a million letters a day. That's got to be a pretty hefty task to filter through probably a multitude of very heartwrenching stories.

[Art]

I understand that.

[Art]

Here is a reply to an email I sent to Dr. Katz, who is a medical columnist for O Magazine (Oprah's print magazine), and my response to him...

Dr. Katz,
I thank you for doing what you could to spread the word aobut NILMDTS, and for your kind words! I'm aware that whatever endeavor we feel most passionate about is the most important thing in our world, but not necessarily the most meritorious in the big picture. My goal in contacting you was to get our name out of the millions of emails that Oprah.com receives, most asking for something. I am thinking that you could do a segment on grieving, and possibly NILMDTS could be a part of it.
I thank you again for your efforts!
Art Wright

DR. Katz wrote:

Dear Art-

I commend you for this compassionate service. I have passed along your pitch, but I cannot encourage you to expect a
favorable response. There are many elements that go into segment selection for the show, and of course, vastly more material submitted than could ever be aired- much of it highly meritorious, as in this case.

If the producers are interested, you will hear back. In the interim, my suggestion is to work up from local media. Media- in particular TV- are notoriously self-absorbed. What gets covered is what's getting covered. A good segment on a local news station can help get things moving.

All best,
DK

[B Storm]

It is funny that this Oprah topic has come up. As a newly grieving mother, I want the world to know our stories. We all have a story to tell of how our babies have changed our lives and the world needs to know it. I will also email Oprah and Doctor Phil. My other idea that I am working on is this. Anytime, that their is a loss of a child(stillborn,infant loss, etc), My husband David or I would pay them a visit at our hospital. My plan is that we would just let them know that we are here for them. They may not want to talk right away, but leave our number or email if they want to later. I have met another family that would have interest in this. I know that when Sam died, I had a lot of family around. Two months into my new journey I am finding that I need to turn my grief and powerless over this situation into something positive. Family and friends are great support. However, you cannot understand the situation until you have been in the person's shoes. I would appreciate any input on this idea of mine. Maybe this is already being done in other areas. I am grateful to all of you for your stories and pictures. It brings me comfort that people are struggling with the same issues as me.

[Charlene Lopez]

I sent my e-mail..good luck;)

[Michelle D-S]

Thank you... I hope NILMDTS does get to be part of Oprah or Dr. Phil. It is a story many more people need to hear.

[Cheryl Haggard]

Just my thoughts on this subject...

I think most people shy away from this topic because it is too sad.

Of course it is. The death of any loved one is sad...
What is different here, is that this is the death of a baby or a child. This is not Natures order...
Nobody knows how to talk about the death of a child.
Most all of us can talk about the death of a grandparent, because most of us have experienced this.
Not everybody has experienced the death of a child.
So where do we start?
Right here, and Right now!

This is not a topic on grieving and mourning. We ALL know how to do that on our own. Nobody needs to teach us that.
What we need help with is healing...

This is a topic on HEALING. Helping eachother HEAL! Helping another human being find joy again in their life after the death of a child. It can happen. And I truly believe and know for a fact, that for a parent experiencing the death of a baby, by creating memories with their baby through the art of photography, healing can come much faster...

People need to become more aware and involved with others in this world. It is too easy for a person to open their checkbook, and think they are making a difference. It is harder for a person to open their heart and physically reach out to another human in their time of need...This is where the larger impact lay...Simply saying, "I am here for you" and meaning it...

To laugh often and much.
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children.
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends.
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others.
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition.
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded
- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

[Michelle D-S]

It is healing that everyone needs… and it happens in so many different ways for so many different people…
And how do we overcome the awkwardness of the subject, and promote healing… when it is so difficult to talk about…

I personally, am at a loss…

[Sherry Petri]

I wanted to respond to B Storm's(sorry, I couldnt find your first name) request for input. Ten months after we lost our son, I began looking for ways to honor him while helping others. We created a memorial webpage for him and shared it on the day marking his 1st year. Also on the page, I list links of different sites on the internet that may be helpful to them. There is also a way to contact me. When they do, I respond and also make note of their baby's due date and of the day of their loss to send a note on those days. One way I have shared the site address and our story is by writing it on the back of books that I donate to L&D. The book is "We were going to have a baby, but we had an angel instead". It is a book that can be given to parents who lose a child and have other children they must help through the grieving process. I hope this might be of some help in what you are setting out to do. I admire your heart.
Sherry
www.jonathanpetri.last-memories.com

ps My email is going to Oprah too. I believe all things are possible

[Lisa]

I sent my email yesturday. Hope we can get NILMDTS on Oprah. This is a wonderful organization.

[B Storm]

:rolleyes: I did receive a confirmation e-mail back from Oprah's staff. The e-mail stated that they did get my email and that they were sorry for my loss. They said that they get many e-mails a day and they could not guarantee anything. They thought this topic was important and if they did want more information about my story one of the Oprah staff would contact me. I am not giving up on this. I will continue to e-mail and rally for our babies and this wonderful organization. This organization has blessed my life in so many ways. I did not even want Sammy's pictures taken. I told the doctor it would be healthier for me if I just forgot about him. My doctor's office encouraged me to call your organization for pixs we are so glad that we did. We look at our pictures dailly.

[Tasha Nicholls]

B,

That's fantastic... good for you! Nice to hear you got a response! I'm so glad that you have received some comfort in the photos... it's nice hearing your story. Keep up the great work.

[Calvins mother]

I just sent a submission to the Oprah Show. Hope it helps.
Sincerely, Calvins Mother