Childhood Cancer, a Blended Family & the Support System helping them through

Cancer is the scariest word anyone can hear but even more so when it pertains to your 7 year old daughter. This story is really just beginning for this little warrior but with the support of the best family & friends in the world, I have no doubt that she is going to KICK CANCER'S ASS!

From the moment Kelli knew something was wrong with Maelynn, she has been fighting like a lioness to protect her cub. This only intensified when they got the diagnosis of Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of childhood cancer that only affects about 4% of childhood cancer patients. I remember seeing that first post on Facebook of Kelli letting everyone know what was going on, my heart broke for them. I am not a mother yet myself, so I can only imagine the level of fear that comes with hearing that their small child is about to go through the fight of her life.

In the early stages of the diagnosis, I watched as this family navigated through doctors appointments, lifestyle changes & most importantly, finding a way to keep this little girls spirit intact. I've watched Mae's parents, Kelli & Jake be shining examples of what it means to put your pride aside to be there for their daughter. Although they have not been in a romantic relationship for years, they decided to make the best decision for their daughter so that they could BOTH be there when Mae needed them the most. Kelli, her boyfriend Kevin and Jake all decided that the best way to show up for Mae was to move in together, one big happy blended family under one roof to ensure Mae had the most important people in her life, whenever she needed them. I don't know many other separated parents that would do this, regardless of the situation. I think everyone could learn a lesson of selflessness from these three co-parents. It may not be easy to live with your ex, but this family is just that, a FAMILY and they know what's really important here and that is making sure their daughter knows she is loved and supported.

I've had the pleasure of photographing a few moments of this journey for them, starting with Mae's pre-treatment party with their closest friends and family. My God, I had don't think I really knew how much this day was going to affect me. To see firsthand the amount of love and support this family was wielding, was more than moving. It reminded me of the kind of love and support that I have been searching for my entire adult life. When treatment started, it became clear that Mae was going to lose her hair much faster than anticipated so we managed to squeeze in a quick backyard photoshoot before she would have to inevitably shave her head a few days later, and let me tell you, she ROCKED it, obviously.

The shave party was beautiful, bittersweet & full of love. Her favorite people showed up in person and on zoom to turn a scary moment into a party and another giant show of support. It was important for her to know that hair is just that, hair. It doesn't define you as a woman, and it surely does not define your beauty, because BALD IS BEAUTIFUL! That is my hope from that day, that she always remember how beautiful it was to have so many people loving her and continuously showing up to remind her just how gorgeous she is, with or without hair. At the end of the day, beauty has always and will always be on the inside.

I feel so honored to be able to give something beautiful back to them while they have to battle through the fight of their lives. Im still very new to this whole photography thing and I don't think I really knew what impact my photos could make. I would be lying if I said I didn't shed any tears while editing these photos because I did, but less because of how sad this situation is and more because I don't know if I have ever witnessed this much love before. Time and time again, this family is showing me what I hope to have one day, a family full of unconditional love. So thank you to every member of this family and especially to Kelli, Jake, Kevin and Mae for letting me be apart of this journey with y'all, you have no idea how grateful I am.

Keep on fighting babygirl and I can't wait to be there, with my camera ready, to photograph you ringing that bell! I love you all.