For more than a decade, the Wolfson Children’s Challenge has been one of the most meaningful projects I work on each year—not only as a Jacksonville Photographer, but also as a producer overseeing a complex, multi-day storytelling effort centered on real patients and families.
As a Florida Photographer specializing in healthcare photography and branded documentary content, my role on this project extends far beyond capturing images. I manage the full production process from concept to delivery, ensuring that every portrait, video, and testimonial is handled with care, intention, and respect.
A Community Event with Deep Roots
Created in 2009 by Paul Wilson to honor the 1955 opening of Wolfson Children’s Hospital, the Wolfson Children’s Challenge began as a single 55-mile run inspired by Wilson’s son Luke, who required life-saving neurosurgery shortly after birth in 2008. What started as a goal to raise $5,000 quickly grew into something extraordinary—raising over $500,000 in its first year and nearly $5 million to date.
Today, the event is a cornerstone of pediatric healthcare funding in Jacksonville, Florida, supporting critical rehabilitation programs and advanced medical technology. The Challenge includes a 55K Ultra Marathon, relay, 30K race, and a one-mile fun run, all built around the heart of the event: the Wolfson 55—fifty-five children whose stories represent strength, resilience, and hope.
Leading Production from Pre-Production Through Delivery
For this project, I serve as both photographer and producer, managing a six-person creative team through every phase of production. That includes detailed pre-production planning, coordinating logistics across multiple locations, and leading two full shoot days involving dozens of moving parts.
Over the course of the project, I photograph more than 50 patient portraits, balancing a clean, professional aesthetic with a documentary approach that feels honest and human. In parallel, I oversee the capture of hours of video footage—patient interviews, family moments, and supporting B-roll—later culling and shaping that material into more than 50 individual patient testimonials used across fundraising, digital, and broadcast platforms.
Respect, Trust, and Responsibility
Healthcare photography carries a unique responsibility. These are not actors on a set—they are real children and families generously sharing their stories. Managing time respectfully, maintaining a calm environment, and earning trust are just as important as technical execution. As a documentary photographer working in healthcare, that awareness guides every decision I make on set and in post-production.
Storytelling with Lasting Impact
The imagery and videos created for the Wolfson Children’s Challenge help connect the community to the real impact of pediatric healthcare in Northeast Florida and South Georgia. Funds raised through the event have supported vital equipment, including MRI systems, SPECT/CT cameras, and life-saving neuroblastoma treatments.
Being part of this project year after year is a reminder of why thoughtful commercial photography and branded healthcare content matter. When done well, visual storytelling doesn’t just market an event—it builds understanding, empathy, and long-term support.
As a Jacksonville-based healthcare and documentary photographer, I’m proud to continue contributing my skills to a project that has made such a profound difference for families and children throughout our region.
Crew & Collaboration
This project was a true team effort. The crew included:
Michael LeGrand — Photographer / Executive Producer
Pat Barry — DP
Keagan Anfuso — Producer/Director
Jon Noeth — Camera Operator
Chase Dela Cruz — Grip / Swing
Albert Melcom—Grip / Swing
Wolfson Children’s Hospital — Client
