joe says "bbch pl8"

By now Portlanders should be able to decipher the "BBCH" acronym; the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital is one of Joe's favorite Portland institutions. From well-child visits to specialized medical and surgical treatment of complex, life-threatening illnesses and injuries, BBCH offers comprehensive, family-centered care from an exceptional team of doctors, nurses and other medical professionals.

As for the "pl8" part of this message, that represents a new program that you may not have heard of.

After 2-year-old Madison Westrich was treated for a brain tumor at BBCH, her parents wanted to somehow repay the hospital, so they decided to create a specialty license plate. To create a specialty license plate, the state of Maine requires 2,000 Maine residents with active vehicle registrations to sign up with a $25 payment. BBCH will receive $10 for every $20 new specialty plate purchased and $10 for every $15 annual renewal.

The push is on to reach 2,000 supporters. Will you be one of them? If you're interested in this program, find more info (including how to sign up) at their website, and find more about the inspiring Westrich family here and here.

Photography by Corey Templeton. See more of Corey's photos here and here.