Autumn’s Day at Charleez Hill: Community, Courage, and Hope
Last weekend, I had the privilege of attending Autumn’s Day at Charleez Hill Museum & Events Venue in Lebanon, Maine. I arrived with my camera ready to capture the day, but what I left with was something much greater: a reminder of how powerful community, compassion, and hope can be.
The Magic of Charleez Hill
Charleez Hill is hard to describe in simple words — it’s part museum, part music hall, part community gathering place. Every corner tells a story: colorful lights strung above vintage signs, walls covered in memories, eclectic art and music memorabilia layered with character and history.
What struck me most, though, wasn’t just the décor — it was the people who make this place thrive. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by Terri, whose warm hug set the tone for the day. Together with Mike, they’ve created a venue that feels less like an event space and more like home.
Charleez Hill is one of those rare places where originality lives and breathes — a patchwork of creativity, kindness, and authenticity that stays with you long after you leave.
Autumn’s Story
This gathering was for Autumn, a relative of a close friend of mine, who has recently been diagnosed with Degos disease. For those who have never heard of it, Degos (also known as Köhlmeier-Degos disease or malignant atrophic papulosis) is an extremely rare disorder in which small arteries and veins become obstructed, leading to painful skin lesions and, in severe cases, damage to internal organs. There are fewer than 200 documented cases worldwide.
Because it is so rare, treatment options are limited and experimental, requiring specialized care. Autumn is currently receiving treatment at Boston Children’s Hospital, where her family is balancing both the emotional weight of her diagnosis and the financial strain of medical care, travel, and lodging.
The Heart of the Day
Throughout the event, I captured moments that spoke volumes. These weren’t just photographs; they were reminders of the resilience and love that form the backbone of this family and this community.
How You Can Help
Autumn and her family are facing a fight that no one should have to endure alone. The medical expenses, travel back and forth to Boston, and the day-to-day costs of supporting a child in specialized care all add up quickly.
If you’re able, I encourage you to:
• Donate to help with medical and travel expenses. You can donate at the Gofundme that has been set up:
• Share Autumn’s story with others to spread awareness about Degos disease and rally support.
• Offer kindness in whatever way you can — sometimes even the smallest act of compassion can carry a family through their hardest days.
Closing Reflections
As I left Charleez Hill, I carried more than photographs with me. I carried a sense of hope, of unity, and of the power that comes when people come together for something bigger than themselves.
Charleez Hill reminded me that places can hold stories, but it’s the people — like Terri, Mike, and everyone who showed up for Autumn — who write them. And Autumn herself, with her strength and courage, is writing a story that inspires us all to hold tighter to faith, love, and community