My posts aren’t usually too wordy but this one is one I would like to take the time to tell the story…
I received a call from a local photographer in need of some assistance. She had set up a photo shoot with a local family that’s son had been diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. She told me she received word from the mom that he wasn’t doing well and would probably not make it until she was back from her trip out of state for the holidays. Somehow, someway she found me and asked if I could step in to photograph the family. I have to say, I have never been more scared to take on a shoot in my entire life. There was obviously no way I could say no to this though and I knew that God would not have put this in my lap if He wasn’t going to give me the strength to come through for this wonderful family. I got to go to their house and meet Carter and his family last weekend. He is the sweetest, most beautiful, precious, loved & adored little boy ever. His grandparents, sister, mommy & daddy were all there and the house was like this huge cocoon of love & care. It was the most amazing & humbling experience to see these people with so much heartache loving & appreciating every second that they are given. Amazing. There is really no other way to describe them. And I thank God that He put their grace in my life. You can read their story here. You can see by their last entry that things are not going well so I ask that your thoughts & prayers go out to them right now… They are such special people. I can’t even describe…
This is Carter’s big sister. An ADORABLE litte girl that turned out to be my little super model for the day ;)
As you can imagine, the medical costs they have incurred have been astronomical. If you have the means, donations would be very appreciated. Direct donations can be sent to:
The Cancer Fund for Carter Wax
PO Box 873752
Vancouver WA 98687
For locals, there is also a benefit being held for him January 10th. Called simply (and beautifully).. For Carter, With Love..
As if they haven’t been through enough, their house had severe water damage from our recent snow storm and they are currently living in a local hotel while their house is being repaired. If anyone has items to keep their 3 year old little girl occupied (dvd’s, small toys, books), they would be greatly appreciated :) You can contact me at shannon@shannonsewell.com.
Also, I want to thank all my nominators from the bottom of my heart for taking the time & love to nominate someone for my Giving is Awesome give away. I had eleven nominations all together and every single story tugged at my heart strings. It was such a hard decision! I want to announce that the Wax’s are the recipients this year… I plan on making this type of give away a yearly ritual though so please nominate again. I appreciate it more than you know!!
xoxo ~S
sarah rhoads: shannon... these are beyond words... I am sure these photos will be loved and cherished by this sweet family. Their story speaks to me... we're so blessed. (01.04.2009 09:44pm)
Kim Harris: Beautiful. Perfect in every way. (01.04.2009 09:52pm)
Kathy Carlisle: Number 3 says it all. There is so much being said in his beautiful brown eyes. This picture gave me shivers and made me cry. My heart goes out to them in every way and they will be in my prayers. The fifth one makes me cry even harder..seeing the pain in his eyes. He is just too young for pain. Thank you for sharing this my friend. I am so happy that your paths crossed. K (01.04.2009 10:07pm)
Jessica Harris: I am so glad you found him and have opened the doors for this family to get some support! These pictures are a priceless treasure and are so intimate and captivating! Thank you for donating your time and the talents God has blessed you with in order to bless this family! Godspeed little one...may Jesus hold you tightly and wipe all your tears away! (01.04.2009 10:20pm)
wrecklessgirl: precious and priceless...you are a blessing and may they meet only those who bless them in the future. i am thinking of them and their little guy. (01.04.2009 11:41pm)
cindy cieluch: My arms are covered with goosebumps and my eyes are filled with tears. This RIGHT HERE is what the holidays, family and life are all about. #4, 5 and 6 tugged at all of my heart strings. Your gift will always be treasured by this family. (01.05.2009 02:42pm)
Jen From Windy Ridge: Oh this breaks my heart! Beautiful post. (01.05.2009 03:18pm)
Deyla Huss Photography: What a beautiful story and what a blessing to be able to do something like this for this family. I went onto their blog to read a little background on them and I was very saddened to learn that today he had passed away. Im so glad you got to do this for them before he passed, they will treasure these memories always! (01.05.2009 05:41pm)
Elle J: I read the update on Carter ~ a new Angel in Heaven today. Bless you, Shannon, for taking such priceless and forever important pictures for this family. God delivered a true blessing to this family ... you ... when they needed it the most. (01.05.2009 07:17pm)
elizabeth: Shannon thank you .. for doing such an amazing job on these images. what a true treasure for this family.. you did an amazing job.. and they will cherish each one of these memories forever.. I read thier last post and it just broke my heart.. as it would anyones.. however one of my very dear friends lost her oldest son ( then 4 ) to neuroblastoma as well.. They were living in California at the time and I couldnt do this for her.. I wished I could of, I am thankful that one year I was able to do some photography for her not long before they moved and he got sick.. I watched from a distance ( as they were in CA and I was in NY ) as they fought just as I am sure this family did and I am amazed at the grace and dignity and humor and feriosity that they all faught. I know that sweet Carter will not ever be far from them.. God Bless them.. and God Bless you.. You were there angel too Shannon.. x0x0 E. (01.06.2009 09:45am)
Chris: What a wonderful gift--to provide this family with beautiful photos capturing the love and devotion they have for one another and the special bond with that precious son. Thank you, Shannon, for stepping in and doing this. You have given them a way to forever hold on to memories of happier times. (01.08.2009 12:37pm)
stephanie mcbride: a sweet little boy, a tender story, our prayers are with him and his family. (01.12.2009 01:34pm)