Canvas for a Cause: Wil Can Fly

Canvas for a Cause: Wil Can Fly

Earlier this year, through the power of social media, the world learned of an amazing little boy named Wil. Born with down syndrome, Wil's family was determined to focus on his many strengths and show Wil that anything was possible no matter the challenge. To teach Wil and his siblings this valuable lesson, Wil's father Alan created a photo series that featured his son's incredible ability to fly. Alan described this project to Bored Panda in their coverage of the "Wil Can Fly" series:

"These photos of Wil flying have taken on a special meaning for me as I think about the unique challenges Wil is going to face growing up. I hope to teach him that even with his disabilities he can do anything he puts his mind to."
Wil Can Fly, Kickstarter Campaign

Alan's use of photography to empower Wil and his siblings caught our attention and we couldn't help but share their story on CG Pro Prints' social media pages. Luckily, Wil's mother Nikki, found our post on Facebook and sent us a link to their Kickstarter campaign, as well as a link to follow Wil's story through Alan's blog. Not only had Alan featured Wil flying throughout their home state of Utah but, with the help of crowd funding on Kickstarter, planned to let Wil fly throughout the country. This family road trip would help expose Wil to locations he may not have been able to visit otherwise. Alan planned to create a Wil Can Fly calendar featuring images taken during their trip to raise money for down syndrome awareness.

Wil Can Fly, CG Pro Prints Facebook

Nikki's outreach helped open our eyes to the larger purpose of Wil Can Fly and we immediately knew this was a great opportunity for our Canvas for a Cause program. After various conversations with Alan, we decided to support the family with prints from the Wil Can Fly series for display thoughout their home. These prints would help Alan instill this important message to his family and proudly showcase Wil achieving the impossible. Additionally, Alan wanted to giveaway one of the prints on his blog and social media, to gain more awareness and support for Wil and other families affected by down syndrome.

Wil Can Fly, That Dad Blog

You can learn more about Wil and his family on Alan's blog, where he recently posted special moments from their family road trip and featured great new photos of Wil flying around the west coast. You can also follow along on That Dad Blog's Facebook or Instagram for plenty of updates on Wil and the rest of the Lawrence family. 

Megan Sievert