Rick Guidotti first came to Greenville, South Carolina in November of 2014 and now continues to return to Greenville for a variety of events and activities. Originally hosted by the Greenville County Medical Society (GCMS) and the Greenville County Medical Society Alliance (GCMSA), Suzanne Manning (Executive Director of GCMS) now works closely with Rick planning events in Greenville and South Caro
lina. Suzanne may be reached at [email protected] for questions. An award-winning, former fashion photographer, Rick Guidotti has lived in Milan and NYC. His resumé includes some of the most prestigious of clients such as Marie Claire, Elle, L’Oreal, Yves St. Always told who and what was beautiful, Rick found himself frustrated as a photographer of fashion. In 1997, during a chance encounter at a bus stop in NYC, Rick noticed a young girl who had been diagnosed with Albinism. Captivated by her unusual beauty, Rick began researching the disease that afternoon at a local bookstore and was devastated by the sterile images he saw in medical textbooks. After a journey of discovery about Albinism and other genetic differences, Rick founded his non-profit organization, Positive Exposure in 1998, and since then has traveled worldwide doing lectures, workshops, and exhibits for hundreds of advocacy groups, organizations, and healthcare institutions championing those who have been diagnosed with any kind of genetic, physical, cognitive, or behavioral difference. Rick’s mission can easily be summed up in his own words, “The pity has to disappear. The fear has to disappear. Behavior has to change. These kids need to be seen as their parents see them, as their friends see them, as valuable and positive parts of society . . . as beautiful.”
Awards won for events with Rick Guidotti and Positive Exposure: 2015 Community Service Award from the South Carolina Medical Association, 2015 Health Awareness Promotions Award from South Carolina Medical Association Alliance, 2015 National First Place Health Awareness Promotions Award from American Medical Association Alliance
Special thanks to those who have sponsored events with Rick including the Children's Hospital of Greenville Health System, the Greenville Health System, Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, Greenville County Medical Society, South Carolina Medical Association Financial Services, Greenville Pediatric Dentistry, University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Greenville, Shriners' Hospital for Children - Greenville, and many private donors. For more specific information regarding events in Greenville and South Carolina, please contact Suzanne Manning at [email protected]. Specific information about Rick and his organization can be found at www.positiveexposure.org.
