Such a sweet baby and this album will be an awesome keepsake for her!

Shane might look a little familiar… It was almost exactly a year ago that I captured Shane & Jodie’s beautiful wedding at BenMiller Inn.  They had no idea that day when they made their vows that they’d live almost every single word they promised within the first year of their marriage.   Shane was diagnosed with stage 3-4 rectal cancer that had already metastasized to his liver.  I’m sure you can tell from the photos that he’s a young man, and although this type of cancer isn’t common at all for his age, the emergency doctor who first saw him had the wisdom to request further testing which was quick to diagnose his cancer, just one month after their wedding… and just two weeks after that they found out that their precious little boy Brett was on his way.   I can’t even imagine the emotional roller coaster they’ve been on this year.

Shane had a 9 hour surgery on the 28th of April and the doctors successfully removed a tumor the diameter of an orange and 6-8 inches in length plus a poker chip size spot on his liver.  They took a third of his liver out.  The pathology reports showed clean margins around the tumor…….meaning they were able to remove all of the cancer.  He had 4 more months of chemo following surgery and now is gearing up for a second surgery in January to reverse his ostomy.  I asked him about blogging his photos and a bit about his story, and the reply was a quick one… if his story helps one other person then something good will have come out of all of this.  His strength and his positive attitude absolutely amaze me!  Jodie & Shane I’m so happy for you that Brett has helped make your family complete, and I will continue to think about you as you continue on this journey!  Sending lots of prayers your way!

If you or someone you love is fighting cancer and you’d like more info on Smiling Eyes please click here to visit the website!

Tyler you are an amazing young man with incredible courage!  I hope you continue to win your fight!  If you’d like more information about the Smiling Eye’s program please check out the website at http://www.smilingeyes.ca/

This last shot is of Mikayla and her very special doll from her “Make A Wish” visit to Walt Disney.  She told me that Princess Aurora’s fairies left that doll for her as a gift.  Such a sweet girl!  If you’d like more information on the Smiling Eyes program please click here.  All the best to you Mikayla and your family!  I hope I get to see you again soon.

I met Kate this past summer when I shot her cousin Stacey’s wedding.  She has such a vibrant spirit and fun personality – and she happens to be a bit photo crazy so we hit it off right away.  Soon after the wedding in July, Kate got the news from her Dr that she was embarking on the toughest fight of her life against bone cancer.  So in August instead of heading back to Brock for her 3rd year of University, Kate had surgery to remove 3 of her ribs, part of her lung and a large tumour from her chest – OUCH!  One thing they certainly didn’t take away was her awesome personality and amazing spirit!  Kate & I have been back and forth via email since the fall, trying to coordinate a time when she was feeling up for photos.  It turned out that the timing was good just after New Years and so I had the pleasure of going to her family home to grab some photos of this gorgeous girl.

Kate’s family and friends had these cool bracelets made in support of her fight.  The plain white one has the words “Kate’s Army” imprinted on it.  She certainly has an amazing support system of people who are cheering her on, including her wonderful family!

And of course her best friend and cousin – Ashley!  These girls grew up as neighbours and have been pretty much inseparable since birth!

Kate is headed back to London Heath Sciences today to begin yet another round of Chemo.  I’m sure not a day you are looking forward to, but I want you to know that you have one more member in your army, and as you continue on your battle know that I too will be sending you all my positive thoughts and prayers!  I have no doubt in my mind that you will fight this with every ounce of that amazing spirit you’ve got!  Best wishes & hugs!  Sandra

For more information on Smiling Eyes – Please visit www.smilingeyes.ca or email me at info@sandrargier.com

I asked one of their daughters – Cheryl, to tell me a bit about her parents….. Her words were so touching I had to add them to my blog entry. “My parents lives has been devoted to their family?which has always been very important to all of us.? With mom’s diagnosis with this acute condition (approximately?4 months ago)?their love has grown even stronger and their lives have been changed forever.? None of us are?sure what?we are to learn from this but we have decided that what we will take away from this is to be sure to let your family know how much you love them every day (so that you never have to worry about what you haven’t said when it is time to say goodbye) and treasure every moment…like we will these photos!”

All the best to entire Ballantyne family!? II hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

Anyway, I was really happy with the photos from today.? I was also especailly glad that I spotted Fred’s vintage car in the garage for a couple extra photos right at the end.? It was a good day, and I love how Fred’s eyes really do smile!

Thanks for a great afternoon Pinarello’s! I look forward to seeing you again in the Spring!? I wish you all the best until then!