When art buyer Heather Morton was diagnosed with fibromatosis, a rare condition that required her to undergo two years of chemotherapy, members of the photography community rallied together to get her back. On several different levels.

For years, Morton had experienced an intense pain in her back that wouldn’t go away. She assumed it was a result of the time she spent in front of her computer, writing her influential blog HeatherMorton.ca. The popular website gave photographers an insider’s perspective on how to sell work to an ad agency and the best way to promote themselves. It was the go-to site for aspiring photographers and became an important forum for the industry.

“What was really nice is that the community really got into it; there were fantastic discussions,” says Morton, who’s been an art buyer for nearly 10 years. “Because I have a lot of connection in the art buying world (the website was), able to pull them in to make a broader perspective.”

Most people assume the term art buyer refers to a socialite who collects expensive art, but it’s also the title of the person at an ad agency who coordinates photographers.

Although Morton loved blogging, and did so diligently five days a week, the pain in her back became distractingly unbearable.  

No matter how many acupuncture and chiropractic treatments she received, the pain wouldn’t go away. When she finally went to see a specialist, Morton was told she had a non-malignant tumour that would require treatment, which would leave her feeling sick and exhausted. As a result, Morton was forced to cut down on her workload, while upping her expenses on things like daycare for her children and help around the house.

After a particularly difficult round of treatment, Morton was approached by two photographer friends, Kristin Sjaarda and Lisa Kannakko, who told her they wanted to help.

To show support for everything Morton’s done, the two Toronto-based photographers, along with another photographer, Jamie Rosenthal, have organized a fundraiser. HMAb: The Fundraiser takes place on Feb. 5 at the Gladstone Hotel. It includes a silent auction of 44 prints as well as talks by three prominent photographers: Naomi Harris, Daniel Ehrenworth and Brett Gundlock, who will all speak about their current projects.

The overwhelming support has undoubtedly touched Morton, who’s excited to be back, contributing to the community, though on a much different level.

“It was really nice that when I put that much work into something, the community has really rallied around, and it’s affirming for the work that I did,” says Morton.