August 7, 2009

Give Me Your Best Shot- August 7

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This past week, I was blessed with the opportunity to take pictures of a friend of mine and his family. 2 months ago, their darling daughter, Maryn- age 3 1/2, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain stem tumor. They started radiation and gave her 9-12 months to live.

When she started radiation, she couldn't track with her eyes (this was the reason they took her to the doctor) and her smile was lopsided. Today, she can track with her eyes and she has a beautiful full smile.

Over the past couple of months, her mom has feverishly looked for a miracle. She and Travis has researched and researched. Mostly, they are finding very few endings of the story, where the tumor goes away and the child survives. They did find a place, in Houston, that seems to have a possible cure. It is experimental and very expensive. They are currently raising money for it and are hopeful to go to Houston the first part of October. Her mom has also started her on a very strict raw foods diet. Maryn is adjusting to the menu, but isn't in love with it yet.

On Saturday, we went up to Red Butte Gardens and wandered around taking pictures. Maryn is a very sweet and shy child. She has 2 sisters that absolutely adore her, a step sister that is her best friend and and she has an adorable little half brother that looks like the "Golden Child" with his new haircut. The morning started out beautifully. Everyone was all smiles. When we got to the Koi pond we decided to take some individual portraits. I was using a gold reflector and someone mentioned to Maryn that she looked like an angel. I watched this sweet little girl go from smiles to a very sober face. When you are terminally ill, I don't think you want to look like an angel- just yet. She remained very melancholy the rest of the walk to the Children's Garden. There, she ran and played- trying hard to avoid the camera. We were able to get some very sweet "action" pictures of her and her family playing in that garden.

Here is possibly my favorite, or maybe one of my favorites from that morning...



Here are some websites to visit, to learn more or to help them reach their goal...

Maryn's mom's blog

Maryn's Hope Organization

Maryn's Hope Foundation

Below are some others that I really liked....

and here is the link to the album in facebook.

Be sure and check out the other "Best Shots" here.

5 comments:

Martha said...

what a stunning child, you captured her beauty and innocence.

{krista} said...

What a beautiful little girl - and such a touching story!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful girl, and a great opportunity. Thanks for sharing!

Shana said...

She is a beauriful girl! I'll be praying for a miracle

Christy said...

What a beautiful child and you captured her so perfectly. I will be praying for her and her family.