Sunday, May 24, 2009

Draper Family and Their Little Hero

When I first met this family last week, I just knew we were going to have an amazing session. And I was right!

I met the Drapers through The Littlest Heroes Project, an organization I volunteer for. Through this group, I do photo sessions for families whose children deal with a number of illnesses and other challenges. The Draper's 3-year-old son Cole was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation last year and underwent surgery for it a few months ago.

Chiari malformation is a structural defect in the cerebellum. When the indented bony space at the lower rear of the skull is smaller than normal, the cerebellum and brain stem can be pushed downward. The resulting pressure on the cerebellum can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (the liquid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord) and can cause a range of symptoms including dizziness, muscle weakness, numbness, vision problems, headache, and problems with balance and coordination.

Cole's mom told me that they first noticed something was wrong with Cole when he would grab the back of his head and scream. After a number of visits to the doctor, he was diagnosed with Chiari malformation. The surgery was successful, and now Cole is a happy, busy 3-year-old, who was so cooperative in front of the camera! Yay!

It truly was a pleasure to photograph this wonderful family.


Here's Cole! Who can resist that adorable face?

And here are some of my other favorites from our session:





Those weeds look good, but they don't taste good!




9 comments:

Unknown said...

What a beautiful family--that mohawk is awesome!

Chell said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE these. They totally tell a story and what a great thing for this family. Love the Mohawk!!

pat said...

What a great session! Love this family--and hurray for Cole! I just laughed at the weed shot; what a great capture.

Janae said...

What a great family! I love that they are red heads! And the face of that baby is priceless! Wheeler farm looks really green, I guess I need to get over there.

Anonymous said...

They are an adorable family with the cutest kids! Love the baby with the weed:)

Cathi Green said...

These are wonderful. What a beautiful family, you have some great captures.

Reds said...

Love that little mohawk!! And gorgeous family!! You have such a big heart to be doing this!

Tracy said...

Ahhhhhh! So cute!

Rachael said...

Beautiful family! I love all of them, but that last one is my favorite. I love their coordinating outfits as well, I'll have to remember that combo! You did a great job :)