Maddy is an amazing 8 year old little girl. She loves anything pink and sparkly, makeup, my little pony, school, softball, football, and cheerleading. She has a little sister who she loves dearly and two parents that adore both of them. She is a social butterfly and loves to be around people. Her smile can light up a room. She also has this thing called leukemia. She refuses to let it define her. She already kicked “Lou’s” booty once and he decided to come back again after 13 months off treatment. But this time Maddy has told “Lou” (in her best singing voice)…..”We are never EVER getting back together”.
Nate was diagnosed with ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) and age 3. He endured three and a half years of chemo, surgeries, hospital stays and ER visits. He is currently four years off chemo. At the five year mark, he will be considered “cured” although the fear of relapse, is never far away. Nate believes that his favorite animal, the owl, got him through treatment so he wanted to incorporate that into his session.
Emily was diagnosed with PreB ALL on Feb 8, 2012, when she was 21 months old. Because the cancer had spread to her spinal fluid by the time of diagnosis, and because she failed her initial Induction Phase of treatment, she is being treated as a High Risk patient. However, even after an intense year of chemotherapy and many hospital stays, Emily has not lost her feisty, spunky spirit! Nicknamed Stitch (after the mischievous character in Lilo & Stitch), Emily charms doctors and nurses alike with her outgoing personality and bright smile. She has about one year of Maintenance treatment left.
Drake was diagnosed with Leukemia in July 2011. Since then he has demonstrated his strength, courage and fighter spirit fighting cancer. Drake in currently in maintenance and he takes chemo every day to keep his best chance of beating Leukemia. Drake is a very outgoing kid who you would never know is going through treatment at this time. He continues to amaze me at his ability to swallow pills daily, have a spinal tap almost every month, and when admitted continues to stay strong and happy. Drake has all the right qualities to demonstrate that he is still in control and cancer will never take life away from him. We have been blessed with a chance to fight cancer and grateful for the possible to allow for Drake to continue to live a long life. We are just trying to beat cancer one day at a time.
Naomi was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia on February 17th 2012. She will be in treatment until May 21st 2014. Naomi has a twin sister Lorelai. Naomi and Lorelai are the best of friends and Lorelai has been the best medicine to help Naomi continue to be a normal child. We have adjusted to a new kind of normal as a family, and the four of us are stronger than ever. When Naomi was first diagnosed we were in shock that it could happen to our child, we were desperate to beat the cancer to keep Naomi and her twin sister Lorelai together. We were shocked that when Naomi finishes her treatment she would have been in treatment for more than half of her life. Naomi has endured many hours of long IV chemotherapy treatments, has lumbar punctures (removal of spinal fluid and chemo into spine) regularly under general anesthetic, has daily chemo, monthly steroids and weekly antibiotics to prevent pneumonia. Naomi has blood transfusions when her red cells are low. She also has a lowered immune system so has to be protected and often isolated to prevent serious infections or illness. Naomi also has weekly blood tests at home to check how her blood counts are responding to the chemotherapy. Naomi is so tough through all her treatments, she knows no different. When the girls play their toys often have ‘ookemia’ and need to go to hospital to have medicine. Both girls love going to the hospital to see their favorite nurses and to play. Naomi’s favorite things to do for fun are playing with Lorelai, riding her bike, going to the park, playing with sand in the garden, painting, ballet lessons. She loves Disney films and is cheeky, happy and truly inspirational. She makes everyone who meets her smile and laugh.
Hope Session by Kofo Baptist Photography. website | facebook
Jenna doesn’t have much to say. She’s quiet, but don’t mistake that for a lack of strength. This young lady is as strong as they come. She is a survivor of ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia). She has been off treatment since February 2013. Jenna has not battled alone. She has been supported by her parents and siblings and they have all recently enjoyed their first summer of normalcy in several years. Jenna loves soccer and art. She especially loves painting so I knew we would need to incorporate that passion into our session. When asked about Jenna’s favorite features, her mother responded with her sweet smile and her strength. Despite how leukemia took over her life, Jenna never let it define her. So happy you are a survivor!!
