'Hand of Hope' photographer to appear in McCook

During Maternal Fetal Surgery to correct spina bifida, Samuel Armas (21 weeks gestation) reached from his mother's womb and reacted to the touch of his surgeon, (Dr. Joseph P. Bruner). The procedure took place at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, in Nashville Tennessee, USA, Aug. 19, 1999. The experimental procedure was the 64th ever performed at Vanderbilt U.M.C.

If a picture can be worth a thousand words, this one is worth a million. Freelance photojournalist Michael Clancy will be at the Fox Theatre in McCook on April 29, at 7 p.m. to present the story behind his remarkable photograph, often called "The Hand of Hope."

Admission is free, but a free-will donation will be taken to benefit the ABC Pregnancy Center and pro-life activities.

In 1999, Mr. Clancy was asked by "U.S.A. Today" to cover an innovative spina bifida-corrective fetal surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The photographer was caught by surprise when the 21-week-old in-utero baby (Samuel Armas) reached out and grabbed the surgeon's finger. Clancy captured this remarkable moment on film and soon found himself and his picture the subject of world-wide recognition and some controversy.

For more than 10 years, this historic photograph has been circulated by Internet and print throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe. On Jan. 31, Mr. Clancy appeared at the UNL Student Union to present the story behind the picture.

He was so inspiring that he has been invited back this month to speak at two locations in Lincoln and also in McCook. The public is invited to hear the remarkable account of Mr. Clancy's photograph, of the child in the picture, and of the ongoing mission of all involved.