Glance at one photo and you’ll agree that Nunthany Johnson has found her passion. A senior manager at Hanesbrands, she spends some of her downtime photographing dogs and giving 100 percent of fees to the National Canine Cancer Foundation (NCCF).

Johnson created Smile for a Cure in 2009, after her dog, Max, was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma, a fatal cancer of the blood vessels. “When someone you love has cancer, whether animal or human, it can be devastating.” Her love for Max spurred her to be an active participant in finding a cure; through her heartbreak, her mission was born, as was her hope. “Hope for a cure, better treatments, and diagnostic methods in treating canine cancer.”

NCCF uses the funds raised through Smile for a Cure to aid national research grants and programs. “It’s like one big circle of giving where both species—dogs and humans—benefit and are working together to make a difference.”

Johnson says she’s excited to combine her life’s loves into this pursuit. She is quick to add that sessions are fun. “It’s a blast! It’s also an opportunity to celebrate your dog and what’s unique about him or her.”

And best of all, “by booking a session, you can make a tremendous difference in the lives of dogs as well as humans, since much of the research on canine cancer applies to human cancer as well. Many people don’t realize that much of canine cancer research is of significant benefit in the treatment of human cancers, which makes this work all the more important.”

To schedule a session, call or go to nunthanyjohnson.com/dogs
To learn more about NCCF, visit wearethecure.org