Inspiration Through Art {Cayden}

If you have followed me over the last couple of years, you already know that I am a part of an amazing organization called Inspiration Through Art.  I have the honor to be amongst some fabulous photographers in this group that use our art to give families a little extra love.

"Our mission at Inspiration Through Art is to help provide and capture memories for families who are dealing with hectic schedules due to having a child who is suffering from a serious illness or life altering disability. We are here to offer emotional support through the beauty and expression art has to offer, as a way of healing and coping. We understand that in the midst of being thrown a diagnosis and having to switch from a “normal” life to a life that is totally different, and often scary, things like getting photos taken is sometimes a huge challenge and is one of the last things families are thinking about. But when everything is done, and either the child has reached the end of their battle, or has proven the odds against it many wish they had more time to stop, and capture the journey that they lived through for so long."

A few months ago I was contacted by Cayden's mom.  She had applied to ITA and had chosen me to be her photographer.  I am so glad she did.  I fell in love with all the sweet faces staring back at me when I met them this past weekend.

Cayden and his brother DJ have both been diagnosed with diabetes.  Cayden actually has an insulin pump, he looked at me a little funny when I asked to see it. I think these kids are so brave to deal with the circumstances that they have been given, all while having the biggest, brightest, sometimes toothless, smiles on their face.

 

Here is a little of how mom described her sweet kiddos.

"Landon is the oldest and my first, he is smart kid and always concerned about his little brother. He LOVES legos! Cayden is my baby and is my little hero. He is brave, strong, and very much all boy. He loves anything country. DJ is my step son, he is a few months younger then Landon, he was recently diagnosed with diabetes as well. He likes to talk. Kailey is my step daughter, she is very much a drama queen and princess. She seriously thinks the world revolves around her."

Uh...mom, she is the only girl surrounded by 3 brothers...it IS all about her :)

Thank you so much for choosing me to photograph your family.  Your children are amazing and together you have such a strong family.

Much Love

Brooke

If you know of a child or family that is suffering from a serious illness or life altering ability - I encourage you to check out the Inspiration Through Art website. There are so many wonderful photographers that are a part of this group - choose one that is right for your family. Let us love you!

MaddiePie Creations

http://www.maddiepiecreations.com/

817-564-3068



Inspiration Through Art {Emma}

Inspiration Through Art is a group that I am affiliated with.  Here is the quick rundown on this group:

Inspiration Through Art was founded in January 2008 by Felicia Reinhard, made up of professional photographers, artists, children, and other volunteers nationwide that provide free programs and services to our nations heroes. Through the power of photography and the gift of art we are giving back and taking a stand for these children who sometimes feel forgotten because of their illnesses. We are here to let them know that they are heroes to many, and to share their inspirational stories and photos with the world.

I have been blessed with two amazing families over the last couple of years and was recently contacted by two more.  There are so many great photographers that are a part of this group - that I am truly amazed when families choose me.  I have one scheduled for a little later in the year...when it cools off - since it feels like we all might melt like a box of crayons left in the back seat of a car.

However, I have been working with Emma's mommy over the last couple of weeks to get their session scheduled as soon as possible.  The email that I received truly broke my heart.  It is so sad to me that these sweet little children struggle with so much.  They truly are little hero's for being brave and strong and still keeping a smile on their face in the midst of such enormous battles.

Emma's mommy wrote:

"Our Emma was diagnosed with A chromoshomal disorder, Trachesostomy, malformation of the brain, multicystic diaplastic kidney and several other issues. She was born on 5-14-11 and she was in the NICU for 9 weeks. She has only been home 3 weeks and will go back to the hospital for another month on 9-9-11 for open heart surgery."

I seriously wanted to rush straight over and just hug this family and love on them. 

A few days later, i received another email telling me that little Emma had been Care-flighted to the hospital because her little heart rate was too fast and they couldn't get it to come down. She was starting to show signs of congestive heart failure.  It was early in the morning when I received this email and I was driving to Dallas for a big day filled full of 6 photo shoots.  They were going to schedule heart surgery in about 6 weeks and she wanted to get the session done prior to that surgery. 

I immediately called Emma's mom and talked to her for a few minutes and told her that I was sending lots of good thoughts and prayers her way.  Again, I would have given anything to rush to the hospital and envelope them in love and prayers.  They were waiting for the cardio dr to come back and talk with them about how to move forward.

I received an update this past Saturday letting me know that Emma was going to have her heart surgery this Tuesday (tomorrow).  I am so sad that we will not get to meet before her pictures.  However, I am so thankful that she is in the best place possible to receive the care that she needs.  I am so very excited to meet this brave little girl and the family that has held hands together and prayed over her.

It is families like Emma's that remind me why I love photography.  With something so simple, I can give them capture this moment in time for them. I am so blessed because of the families that I am lucky enough to meet through Inspiration Through Art.

Until I have the amazing honor to meet Emma face to face and hug her sweet little self...please stop for a moment today and tomorrow and say a prayer with me that God will watch over this beautiful little girl and bring her thru her surgery stronger and ready to conquer the next battle she must face. 

Much Love to you Emma and your Family

Brooke