Flashes of Hope

Kendra Steinmetz, 13, gets a kiss from her father, Pete, as freelance photographer Kim Fox shoots the scene. Flashes of Hope, a nonprofit organization, visited the pediatric unit at Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA. Professional makeup artists, hair stylists and photographers donated their time to prepare and photograph sick children by themselves and with family members. “One of the main things kids with cancer need is hope, and programs like these help to give the kids hope,” Pete Steinmetz said.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

After the photo shoot, Kendra Steinmetz is back in her room, where Justine Walker, a fellow in pediatric oncology, feels for the tumor on Kendra’s liver. Kendra’s father, Pete, said his daughter, who is receiving chemotherapy, completely forgot her nausea during the shoot.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Alexis Martinez, 5, poses for a portrait taken by photographer Kim Fox at Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Alexis Martinez points to a missing tooth during his photo shoot.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Alexis Martinez leaves the photo shoot with mother Olivia Salmeron, left.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Jasmine Cazares, 17, has her hair brushed in the pediatric ICU at Mattel Children’s Hospital during the visit by Flashes of Hope. Jasmine said she is proud of her scar from the heart transplant she had May 23.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Jasmine Cazares likes what she sees in the mirror during the Flashes of Hope event.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Jasmine Cazares, 17, has her portrait taken with her fiance, Edward Chavez, 18, and her father, Francisco Cazares, by freelance photographer Melody La Montia at Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)