In September, I was contacted by Tammy regarding a family session through the Inspiration Through Art (Littlest Heroes Project) which operates out of the United States. I was very honoured to be chosen by this family for their photo session, and I admire their strength and courage as they battle Cystic Fibrosis, as a family. Here is the email Tammy sent me:
“Our two daughters, Mikayla and Madison, were diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at birth. Cystic Fibrosis is a multi-organ disease that primarily affects their lungs and digestive systems. Between the two girls they have endured 6 surgeries and 69 days in the hospital. Mikayla (age 10) and Madison (age 8) each do over 3 hours a day of inhalation treatments and chest physiotherapy. They must each also take over 30 pills a day consisting of pancreatic enzymes, vitamins and nutritional supplements. The most exhausting thing about Cystic Fibrosis is that we have to do it all again tomorrow, and the next day, and the next. There is no cure for Cystic Fibrosis, but, as a family we are blessed. The median life expectancy has increased so that 50% of children with cystic fibrosis will live to 47 years of age. This gives us hope for our daughter’s futures.
They are our heroes!”
After meeting these girls for their session in November, I can honestly tell you they are my heroes too! They are not only bright and beautiful, but are both so full of love and spunk! It’s hard to believe that they are 2 years apart – they practically look like twins! Mikayla presents herself with such grace and confidence, and Madison is definitely the joker of the family (takes after dad I believe)!
Thank you again for sharing this time with me! It was such a pleasure to meet you all. Here are a few images from our session to share with your friends and family.
Much love,
Catherine R. - Beautiful girls! You captured the family’s love very well! I had a friend in secondary with CF. I will always remember his struggles.