Your Stories: Mercy Holiday Market Includes Photography by Special Brightside Supporter

Maria Zygmont at Mercy's Community Holiday Market.

As a young boy, Daniel DesPlaines spent two years as a “respite child” at Brightside for Families and Children because of impairment and work issues within his family. As a respite child, DesPlaines was at Brightside on weekdays, returning home on weekends. According to DesPlaines, Brightside was a godsend that helped his family through a difficult time, allowing them to stay together.

Now the owner of a photography business, DesPlaines was happy to present his work recently at the Community Holiday Market at Mercy Medical Center, a facility that holds a special place in his heart. DesPlaines specializes in landscape photography and his work is designed to conjure up good memories of one’s life, and as he says, “touch a special place in their heart.” DesPlaines participated in the Holiday Market with his partner, Maria Zygmont, Clinical Manager of Brightside for Families and Children. He does many craft fairs throughout the year and his work can be found on his website.

Formerly a residential facility in West Springfield, Brightside for Families and Children is now an outpatient service offering counseling and family support programs with offices located on the Mercy campus.

Submitted by Maria Zygmont, Clinical Manager, Brightside for Families and Children.

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