Stephanie Haller // San Francisco East Bay Wedding Photographer

When I was in the 4th grade, I was diagnosed with scoliosis, or curvature of the spine. Found predominately in women, a few members of my dad’s side have slight forms of it, but doctors haven’t been able to trace it genetically. Treatment is generally one of three forms: inaction and monitoring, back brace, or surgery. I was right in the middle.

Having to wear a back brace in the fourth grade…well, it sucks. To put it mildly.

I wore the brace 23 hours a day for 2 years; a giant plastic contraption that made it impossible to lean over and protruded when I tried to bend over. It was hot, sweaty and entirely un-fun – especially during the 100+ degree summers when I couldn’t swim.

But due to the severe double curve of my spine, it was necessary. They had to stop my spine from continuing to curve until I was finished growing otherwise metal rods were going to have to be inserted into my back. And I certainly didn’t want that. So I wore it.

Late elementary school to early middle school is a really, really tough time. Especially when you’re “different.” I can still remember the first time someone else noticed; called me a name. I remember how it felt – the embarrassment. I’m fairly certain that’s where a lot of my body image problems stemmed from and the self-consciousness I feel sometimes. Looking back, the name calling was bullying. Plain and simple. Bullying hurts – and it changes children when they’re most vulnerable.

When I read the reason behind the idea of Hooray for Kindness, I knew immediately I needed to do something. On January 1, 2012, thirteen-year-old Alexander Frye took his own life. Alexander was a bright boy with an almost encyclopedic knowledge of trains that impressed even the Union Pacific veterans he befriended at the nearby railyard. Described as an “old-school gentleman in a kid’s body,” Alexander found it easy to talk to and make friendships with adults but was usually quiet and shy among his peers. Like too many other children across this country, he was often teased and bullied by his classmates. His family believes this bullying played a major role in his suicide.

This wedding-themed online fundraiser is brought to us by the lovely ladies at On to Baby and The Wedding Chicks, who were inspired to help after hearing about Alexander’s story. ALL of the auction and donation proceeds going to BellyBust, a group that helps schools-in-need put an end to bullying with targeted school-wide and classroom-based efforts. This type of positive school-wide commitment has been shown to reduce bullying by 50%.

So what could I do? I knew I wanted to do something; needed to do something. So I discussed it with Ryan, and we decided rather than donate $50 or some amount, we would donate something that could really make a difference and help a lot of kids.

I am so blessed that I’m able to give such an amazing gift. Thank yous go out  to On to Baby and The Wedding Chicks for providing me this chance to give back.

Here’s some of the details: there’s a selected number of dates available and the auction is open to San Francisco, Seattle and New York brides. Bidding starts at $1500 – the total value of the package is $3000, so this is a really great way to make part of your wedding day a large donation to charity.

Auction ends next week! If you have any questions or want to inquire about a different date, don’t hesitate to ask.