San Francisco Chronicle Profiles Photographer's Work With African AIDS Orphans

The San Francisco Chronicle on Friday profiled San Francisco photographer Karen Ande, who since 2002 has taken photographs of AIDS orphans in Africa and raised money for an orphanage in Kenya. Ande -- who travels with the sponsorship of the Firelight Foundation, a private Santa Cruz, Calif., group that supports children worldwide facing hardships -- has raised more than $14,000 for an orphanage in Kenya and about $6,000 for African grassroots organizations to provide the children with clothing and supplies by selling her photographs and African art and soliciting donations from friends. She says she feels "a sense of obligation" to tell the stories of the African families she encounters and uses her photography to educate others, according to the Chronicle. Ande said the people she has met during her trips are "suffering tremendously, but they're some of the most resilient, gracious and hopeful people you'll ever meet." She added, "I couldn't turn away, knowing I'd be able to help" (Heredia, San Francisco Chronicle, 1/28). The complete article is available online.

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