#DStrong Sparks PROJECT 3.8 - Photo Exhibit Focuses on Pediatric Cancer, Makes It Living Reality

#DStrong Sparks PROJECT 3.8 - Photo Exhibit Focuses on Pediatric Cancer, Makes It Living Reality

#DStrong was sparked by one little boy with pediatric cancer. Dorian Murray lost his battle in March with cancer after he had started a global movement.

In 2013, photographer Robyn Ivy of North Kingstown snapped a picture of that little boy with cancer sporting a pair of boxing gloves. That boy of course was Dorian Murray, and the iconic photo became the face of the worldwide #DStrong movement. 

Now, PROJECT 3.8 takes the concept of “pediatric cancer” and makes it a living, human reality. Robyn’s photographs capture 19 other children from communities across Rhode Island – all in the same boxing glove pose that started with Dorian.

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Ivy was inspired by the power of one photograph, the compassion and support of friends and strangers alike and wanted to do more to spread the word about the impacts of pediatric cancer, not only on children, but on the families as well.  With the support of Dorian's mom, Melissa Murray, PROJECT 3.8 was born. 

“Pediatric cancer impacts families in ways that most people cannot begin to imagine,” said Ivy. “Behind the numbers are real families fighting cancer with immeasurable courage and boundless love. We hope that by meeting the children of 3.8, through the exhibit photographs and by reading stories about their triumphs and heartbreaks, we can help build a stronger community around them.”

PROJECT 3.8 is also raising money for pediatric cancer research and programs. Ivy says the name Project 3.8 was inspired by the fact that only 3.8 percent of all national cancer funding is used for pediatric research. When Dorian passed, his mom started the Dorian J. Murray Foundation to honor his legacy. All proceeds from PROJECT 3.8 shows in Rhode Island will be donated to this foundation in honor of Dorian and to continue the fight.

To see Ivy’s work, to meet some of the children featured and their families, Rhode Islanders can visit the pop-up gallery at the Rhode Island Statehouse Oct. 3 – Oct. 7. The show then travels to Blazing Editions gallery in East Greenwich, Oct. 15-21, to Newport Vineyards, Sunday Oct. 23 and will be at the Jamestown Art Center on October 29, 2016.

More information is available at: www.3point8.org.