PROFILE

Photographer and filmmaker Katie Norris’ celebrate Mills. life changed 10 years ago when she received “There was not a dry eye in the place,” Norris a phone call from a mother who was weep- says. ing over her son’s recent brain tumor diagnosis. The phone started ringing off the hook the next

“Someone told me you could help me,” the mom day, with many wanting permission to show the said to Norris on the phone. “I couldn’t breathe film. Since then, Fotolanthropy has completed thinking about what she must have been going three feature films. through having to speak those words,” Norris says. Fotolanthropy’s most recent one, 7 Yards, made

This was the moment Norris knew she needed to its Netflix debut earlier this year. The film tells use her passion for photography and filmmaking the story of Chris Norton, a man who suffered a to help those enduring hardship. debilitating spinal cord injury that left him un-

“I grabbed the first filmmaker I knew and we likely to ever move again. After years of physical went in there and captured this story. They lost therapy and training, Norton successfully walked their son a few weeks later. We were able to capture across his college graduation stage and down the that last smile on their son’s wedding aisle with his wife, (face),” Norris says. “We all Emily. hope to find a calling in life. I actually got a phone call “It feels so good to “I know that anyone that watches it will walk away that changed my life.” After telling this story, give to them, but feeling connected to one of the characters and will walk some of Norris’ friends and what you don’t away inspired and renewed,” family asked her how long she planned on continuing realize is when Norris says. Fotolanthropy films and this work. “Until I get another phone you look back, you documentaries have featured stories about a range of topcall,” Norris says. “We’ll be doing this and keep serving add people to your ics including a special needs child, a family’s home lost in families.” family.” a fire and a father with amy-

The Lake Highlands na- otrophic lateral sclerosis, or tive started the nonprofit ALS. Nominations for stories Fotolanthropy in 2011 to typically are submitted on the celebrate stories of hope and support those over- Fotolanthropy website. coming insurmountable odds through photogra- The nonprofit celebrates nominated families phy, feature films and documentaries. Fotolan- with a portrait session and a short film of their thropy served many Lake Highlands families in story. Over the last decade, Fotolanthropy has its beginnings. made over 20 short films. At the end, Norris

Norris took Fotolanthropy to the next level often realizes the impact these families’ stories with the nonprofit’s first feature film about a have made on her. quadruple amputee soldier named Travis Mills. “It feels so good to give to them, but what you Initially, the visit with Mills was supposed to be don’t realize is when you look back, you add a portrait session and short film. people to your family,” she says.

“I’m sitting across this man with no arms and The Lake Highlands community has served as legs. Here’s this guy that’s given everything for a great support in fulfilling Norris’ mission with us,” Norris says. “The thought just came to my Fotolanthropy. Her passions for photography mind: ‘What are my arms and legs? What am I originated in media classes at Lake Highlands giving to him?’ I talked about it with our direc- High School. tor, and he had the idea to make a feature film.” “Parents that watched and babysat me when I

Fotolanthropy fundraised and produced what was little are now cheering us on in what we’re would become Travis: A Soldier’s Story. Norris’ doing with our nonprofit work and cheering us vision was to premiere the film in Dallas and get on with our kids,” Norris says. “If Lake Highlands Mills a standing ovation. could be a megaphone for this mission and for 7

Over 500 people, including police officers, Yards to push this into the world, we would be service men and women and Gold Star families so grateful for that. We just want to spread this attended the Angelika Film Center premiere to story of hope everywhere.”

THE ULTIMATE NEIGHBORHOOD SCAVENGER HUNT

Game on, people!

It’s sorta like The Amazing Race, neighborhood version. Double-dog dare neighbors to catch you if they can, and compete in our hiding-in-plain-sight scavenger hunt. The challenge will lead all participants to the best attractions, restaurants and outdoor activities that simply must get checked off your bucket list. The hunt includes 19 items, each worth a certain number of points. The goal is not to complete the most activities, but to rack up the most points. Individuals or teams should take a photo at each checkpoint to document progress and send it to editor@advocatemag.com no later than June 30. Receive bonus points for posting your photos on social media with the hashtag #LHScavengerHunt. The winner will receive a prize. So take your mark, and let the fastest funsters win.

Ready, set, go! ■ Paddle board on White Rock Lake. Say ’sup to boaters and kayakers from your stand-up paddle board. It’s a great way to exercise and see the lake from a new vantage point. (20)

■ Picnic at the Arboretum. Enjoy a peaceful lunch on lush grass surrounded by beautiful blooms. See our list of the best Lake Highlands food items to pack in your basket on page 22. (10)

■ Find a pothole and report it to 311. Porky works hard to make our streets smooth for motorists, but he’s just one pig. Help a hog out by grabbing your favorite stuffed animal and sniffing out your own pesky pothole. Report it to the City at dallascrm.force.com/public/ servicetypes. (10)

■ Pick up a piece of trash at White Rock Lake. Be on the lookout for litter when you’re biking or jogging. If you’re feeling extra, volunteer at For the Love of the Lake’s monthly shoreline spruce-up. (10)

■ See an art exhibit at the Bath House Cultural Center. Walk through the display celebrating 100 years of WRR, Dallas’ municipally owned radio station. (10)

■ Find a Texas historical marker. Start at McCree Cemetery, Lake Highlands Elementary School or Highland Oaks Church of Christ. See how many others you can find at atlas.thc.texas.gov/map. (5)

■ Snap a photo at a mural. Grab a camera and your bestie and find the mural at the Evolution Store at 6769 Abrams Road. (5)

■ See a show at the Wildcat Drive-In. The venue was created by Lake Highlands neighbors Jackson Marburger and Drew Harman to give residents a safe way to gather during the pandemic. (10)

■ Indulge in a mega shake from Brickhouse Burgers & Shakes. Just remember to hide your calorie counter and wear your stretchy pants before you treat yo’self. (5)

■ Play disc golf at BB Owen Park. (10)

■ Check out a book from the new state-ofthe-art library in Vickery Meadow. (5)

Curated by JAIME DUNAWAY-SEALE Illustrations by JYNNETTE NEAL

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