Some assignments are memorable because of the people you meet. Others stay with you because of the moments you witness.
Recently, I had the opportunity to photograph behind the scenes for American Dream during the filming of MrBeast’s video, “We Helped 100 Kids Fight Cancer.” While millions of viewers will see the finished production on YouTube, I was fortunate enough to document a small part of an unforgettable day that brought joy to children and families who have already been through so much.
The concept behind the video was incredible. MrBeast, along with an amazing team of partners, creators, and volunteers, set out to grant the wishes of 100 children battling or recovering from cancer. It wasn’t about views or viral moments. It was about giving these kids the opportunity to forget about hospitals, treatments, and doctor visits, even if it was only for a single day.
My assignment took place at American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
One of the most unforgettable moments happened just outside Nickelodeon Universe.
The kids were lined up wearing blindfolds, completely unaware of what was about to happen. Everyone around them knew what was coming, creating a level of anticipation that was almost impossible to describe. Cameras were rolling, families were waiting, and the entire production seemed to pause for just a moment.
Then the blindfolds came off.
Standing in front of them was MrBeast.
The reactions were immediate. Some of the kids stood frozen in disbelief before huge smiles spread across their faces. Others started cheering, laughing, and calling out Jimmy’s name. It was one of those rare moments where the excitement was completely genuine. There wasn’t a need to direct anyone or ask for a reaction. It was all real, and as a photographer, those are the moments you live for.
After the surprise, the group headed into Nickelodeon Universe, where the day became one giant celebration. The kids raced from ride to ride, laughed with their families, and embraced every second of the experience. For a few hours, cancer wasn’t the focus. They weren’t patients. They were simply kids having an incredible day at one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world.
The adventure continued with another unforgettable experience inside the iconic Toys “R” Us.
Each child was given the opportunity to enjoy a shopping spree, filling carts with toys they had always wanted. Some made a beeline for LEGO sets, while others searched for stuffed animals, action figures, games, and everything in between. It was amazing to watch each child make their own choices while parents stood nearby soaking in every moment.
From behind my camera, I wasn’t just documenting an event. I was preserving memories.
The biggest smiles weren’t always during the biggest surprises. Sometimes they came from a quiet moment between a parent and child. A hug after getting off a ride. The excitement of finding the perfect toy. Those authentic moments often become the most meaningful photographs.
Watching everything unfold also gave me a new appreciation for the amount of work that goes into creating something like this. The finished YouTube video captures only a small part of the day. Behind every surprise were countless people working together, from the American Dream team and attraction staff to the production crew, volunteers, and everyone else who helped make this experience possible. It was a reminder that something this special only happens when a lot of people come together for the right reasons.
As the day came to an end and everyone started wrapping up, I had the opportunity to grab a quick photo with Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast. It was a great way to finish an unforgettable day, but if I’m being honest, that photo isn’t what I’ll remember most.
What I’ll remember are the blindfolds coming off and the look of pure disbelief as the kids realized who was standing in front of them.
I’ll remember hearing laughter echo through Nickelodeon Universe as they raced from ride to ride.
I’ll remember watching shopping carts fill up inside Toys “R” Us while parents quietly stood back, taking it all in.
Meeting one of the biggest creators in the world was certainly a cool moment, but witnessing children fighting cancer forget about everything they were facing, even if only for a few hours, was something far more meaningful.
Those are the moments that stay with you.
Those are the moments I’m grateful to have been there to capture.
GEAR
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