One of our most beloved local photographers, Kelly Powers, unexpectedly lost her husband on Saturday. My heart goes out to her and her family during this tragedy. As some of you may know that have met Kelly at OSP Indy (one of the Bad-Ass Photographers) or Free to Succeed Chicago, she is one of the most caring and loving people out there. She will make you feel like you are the only person in the room while you speak with her and her positive nature has such a calming effect on everyone around her---and though I never met her husband Mike, he sounded like the perfect match for her. They were truly best friends and I ache inside thinking of what she may be going through.
I know that locally we are setting up something to make sure we can get her future weddings covered and we want to help her with editing or any other tasks that she may have. However, my other concern is that she will be taken care of in other ways as well.

Kelly loves OSP and she is such a giving spirit to all who know her. We are unsure of what happened to leave her with such a tremendous loss, as well as what kind of financial hardship she may be facing. My hopes are that we can set something up to contribute (although I know the history behind OSP and giving) toward funeral expenses or just unexpected living expenses since now she no longer has Mike's income.
Please PM me if you would like to help in any way. Even sending her a card or flowers would surround her with the love that she most likely needs at this point. I know that it would mean a lot to her to feel support from the OSP community.

Please keep her in your hearts and prayers....and go hug your families super tight tonight!

I'd be happy to help, as I was on the receiving end recently!!!

Wow.. I met Kelly at OSP Indy and we had dinner together the 1st night. She is awesome and my heart goes out to her and her family.

I met Kelly up in Chicago for the Freedom tour and she had such a fun, funky, creative spirit about her. When I saw her Facebook note, my heart just ached for her. Losing a spouse at any age must be difficult, but I can only imagine what that is like at the prime of your life, with so much ahead of you.

Thank you for posting this and kerrib. PM sent ...

Showing my support for Kelly! She's been a huge help to me personally and you totally described her perfectly. If there's anything any of us can do, please please please let us know!

OMG that's so horrible. My heart breaks for her and I don't even know her. I lost my first hubby at the age of 27 and it's such a lonely place to be. Sending peace and love to her right now.

Let me know where I can donate guys. Thanks for letting us know.

Hey Kerri,

Let me know what I can do to help, shooting, editing, whatever I can swing, I would be happy to do.

Jen

Yes, let me know too. I sent her an email already to volunteer to help, but if you or someone else is setting this up thought I would let you know. I have the last two Saturdays open in Oct if she needs wedding coverage. Let me know if I can help.

This is absolutely awful. I'm so sorry to hear of her loss. I want to help as well. Just post up the information and I'll do all that I can.

So sorry to hear this..

Any how.. Please let her know that if she needs help on this side of the mitten, let us know..

Greg

Please let me know Kerri! I would also love to help...I have been getting to know her slowly through e-mail/OSP and I ache for her!

I'm so sorry to hear this. I met Kelly at OSP Indy but didn't get the chance to talk with her much. I will help in any way I can.

Kelly is such a sweet spirit! My heart is breaking for her today. Sign me up too if there is anything I can do to help.

Our thoughts and prayers will be with her and her family.

Heartbreaking. I send peace her way!

prayers go to her. she seems super nice. i'm sorry

Not much I can do over here, but please send her my heartfelt best wishes and a big hug please

I also met Kelly (and the other Bad-ass photographers) at OSP Indy and she is truly a sweetheart of a person. She has this contagious smile and one just can't help but be happy around her. She made my day at FTS - Chicago when she recognized me and even gave me a hug as if we had been friends for the longest time.

Kelly, you and your family are in my prayers.

Kerri, please let me know if there is anything I can do to help. Please PM me her address so I can send some flowers.

Oh my...

I will absolutely pray for her and their families.

Scott

Seconded. We didn't meet Kelly yet, but we are happy to offer any help if needed.

Our prayers go out to Kelly and her family.

My heart and prayers go out to her.
Can you PM me her address? I would love to send something to her as well. Or give me any details as to how I can help in any way.

I was able to meet her at the same table.
My prayers and sympathy go out to Kelly and her family.

Lots of prayers sent her way!

Please add me to any list that you are setting up to help Kelly out. I met her at the One Light workshop in Detroit and she is such a wonderful spirit. It is so heartbreaking to hear about what happened. I would love to help her in anyway.

The last information email I got from her said that she has all her sessions and weddings covered, but she will need help editing some existing weddings. Send her an email if you are willing to help.

Kari -

I sent you a PM.

Shan

This is why I love OSP! You all have been amazing!

SummerO and I have been toying with the idea of setting up a paypal account for donations....either that or I could direct you to her account if she doesn't mind. I know some of you have mentioned making a small donation--so if you are still considering that then please let me know. I have no idea how she is doing financially, but I know she is taking a break from shooting and is referring off her 2009 brides so I am sure that every little bit would help. She was full-time as a wedding photographer so I am not sure now what she wants to do for employment...or even if she wants to return to wedding photography at all.

Again I know that not everybody wants to or can send money--and that is perfectly fine.....just send her some good vibes or prayers or keep her in your thoughts. She is such a sweet spirit and I know that she would do the same for any one of us.

PM me if you haven't already and I will send you the info.

BTW--Go and hug your families!!

Sorry Kari, the PM was to Kerri. (You guys have too close of names! LOL)

Kerri, I sent an email, and a reply PM.

<hugs>

Shan

Thats ok Shan! I checked my PM box a couple times, and when I didn't see anything figured you meant Kerri!

I heard of Kelly's loss through the Whispers photography circle and am so saddened for her loss. By the time I read the email asking for help with her weddings, they had already been covered by generous photographers willing to help. My prayers are with you and your family Kelly.