A Flynn. Laird. Lacayo Memorial Foundation
So, I have a death complex. Really, I have for as long as I can remember. I have been in therapy for it for years...
... and then there is my husband - someone who complains for not getting to be at work during an active fire. He is a firefighter/emt for Frederick County, MD. He graduated the academy a couple weeks before our oldest son Jett was born in 2019.
Through him, I have been so fortunate to meet so many amazingly brave men and women - people who risk their lives every shift to protect us. People who don't do it for praise or pay, people who do it because it's something engrained in them. What a powerful thing!
A couple months ago, Sara Laird contacted me inquiring about some photos of herself, Clara and Celeste to use for marketing, conferences, etc. They are the founders of Phoenix Advocates, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making firefighting a safer job so that other families don't lose loved ones in the Line of Duty.
Celeste Flynn's husband, Lt. Nate Flynn, lost his life to a house fire on July 23, 2018. He was a thirteen year veteran of Howard County Fire & Rescue Services, a loving husband and a father of five. Battalion Chief Josh Laird (Sara's husband) was killed on August 11, 2021. He was a twenty-one year veteran of Frederick County. Sara and Josh have two daughters. In January 2022, Clara's fiancé, Kenny Lacayo (firefighter/paramedic for the Baltimore City Fire Department) lost his life to what is thought to be arson of an abandoned building.
The trio travel near and far to help spread awareness and offer services to families of firefighters. They have programs dedicated to the advancement of CSST Gas Tubing, raising awareness and encouraging change of vacant and condemned buildings and providing solace, support and resources to families dealing with the grief of losing a loved one to a fire-related incident.
I must admit, I was very nervous to meet these women and do this shoot. I was afraid my inevitable ability to unintentionally say the wrong thing at the wrong time would cause hurt or a sense of awkwardness. I met Sara first and I was immediately greeted with strength, perseverance and kindness. Celeste and Clara were but a few minutes behind, and they were one in the same. Each woman empowered, passionate and caring. "Phoenix" is the perfect term to describe them. From literal ashes, they have risen from their circumstances to not only continue on living for themselves and their families, but to spread awareness and compassion to anyone who may find themselves in a similar situation.
Not only was being in their presence invigorating, they were also welcoming, fun and hilarious! I was truly so grateful for the hour I spent with them. They may not have realized it, but they inspired me that day. To live life. To not be afraid. To persevere.
To find out more about their cause, please visit their website using this link. Also, if you would be so kind to donate even the price of a coffee to this wonderful cause, I can assure you they are more than deserving. Donate here.
