tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40932846478348479132024-03-18T20:53:42.261-07:00Our Tiny Lightsthe tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.comBlogger283125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-24726356351696329412013-04-12T13:13:00.000-07:002013-04-13T09:19:24.324-07:00Troy's Story<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Memories Captured by Kim Culbert Photography</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">www.kimculbert.com</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">According to his mom Jodie, Tiny Light Troy was an “extremely easy” baby and Jodie considered herself very lucky. Shortly after he turned one, though, Jodie and her husband Brian began to get concerned. He wasn’t talking, and he seemed different from other children, although his parents didn’t really know why.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Around the age of two, Troy started having grand mal seizures and that led to assessment and therapy. It took a long time to get the seizures under control, and then when he was four years old, Troy was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. “<span style="color: #262626;">We felt scared and unsure how to help him,” Jodie says, “but relieved that we finally had some answers and a direction to go in and services to access.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #262626;">Jodie describes autism as an invisible disability, one that can make life painful in a very unique and different way. But she also considers Troy’s autism “an opportunity for us all to slow down and look at life differently.” Troy is funny and loving, treats everyone he meets equally and takes great pleasure in other people’s smiles. He loves playing on the computer, playing tag, swimming, and making forts. </span><span style="color: #262626;"> </span><span style="color: #262626;">“</span><span style="color: #262626;">Our hopes,” says Jodie, “are that Troy is eventually able to capitalize on his differences and that others accept him for who he is.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px;">Written by:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px;">Jayne Akizuki</span></div>
the tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-62390939907506844022013-04-10T13:53:00.002-07:002013-04-13T09:13:01.715-07:00Henry & Ben's Story<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Memories Captured by Brite Spot Photography</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">www.britespot.ca</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Meet Tiny Light brothers Ben and Henry. These Tiny Lights love playing with balloons, going for walks in their stroller and listening to music. They especially love getting tickled!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Both Ben and Henry were born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Ben was born first and was diagnosed at about five months of age. Two years later, Henry was born and started showing similar symptoms at around four months of age. Ben and Henry are extremely dependent on others as neither child can walk, sit, talk, feed themselves or play. Both also suffer from vision problems, constipation and acid reflux.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Ben seemingly has more cognitive issues whereas Henry is more aware of his surroundings. The boys’ parents state, “The hardest thing is when we see other children or hear our friends talk about their children doing things we know our children will never do.” Mom Hayley recalled a tough moment breaking down in a park while watching two young boys run and play.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As a message to other families dealing with similar diagnoses, Ben and Henry’s family says, “I know it feels like you are alone and no one will ever understand what you’re going through but there are others out there and you will be surprised how much your family and friends will pull together to help you raise this child.” Hayley says her Tiny Lights are her inspirations. “They are not sad. They are extremely happy. Sometimes just looking at them all the problems I thought mattered really don’t.”</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">written by Stephanie Bond</span></div>
the tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-7495078845594327292013-04-08T13:46:00.000-07:002013-04-08T13:56:43.211-07:00Josh's Story<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"></b></span><br />
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Memories Captured by Lisa Marie Photography</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://lisamariephotography.ca/</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Meet 12-year-old Josh. This Tiny Light loves to play video games and is fantastic with computers. He has a wonderful sense of humor, a great imagination, and he excels at drawing and reading. Josh is smart, affectionate, and brings joy and laughter to those around him. </span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After almost a year of recovery and removing many drugs from his system, Josh has improved, but still has a ways to go. The intrusive OCD thoughts still creep in periodically, which is difficult for Josh to deal with; however, he is now back at school and able to go out in public again. Josh’s mother, Jodi, is fighting hard to increase awareness of PANDAS and hopes that Canadian doctors will soon be able to help Canadian families, as receiving treatment from the American doctors is very costly. It has been a long road for the whole family, but they will continue to do whatever they need to do to help Josh reach his full potential.</span></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At age three, Josh was diagnosed with autism. He started an early, intensive behavioural program and made great progress. He was attending regular classes, getting straight A’s, and enjoying life. However, in November 2009, Josh’s behaviour suddenly changed overnight. He suddenly displayed symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, worries, and rages. After years of progress, he regressed to the level of a three year old. After a long, tough fight to get some answers, a doctor they hired from the US finally diagnosed him with PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections). This is a disease in which a strep infection reaches the brain, causing neurological symptoms. Canadians doctors do not have a working knowledge of this condition, so Josh’s parents had to look for help south of the border. Josh received an IVIG (</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">intravenous immunoglobulin) treatment, in hopes of maintaining adequate antibody levels. His family is also seeking help from a homeopathic doctor from Australia to pursue additional treatments. </span></span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="color: #222222; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="color: #222222; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Story by Emily Harrison</span></span></b>the tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-8100642633032172032013-04-05T13:47:00.000-07:002013-04-05T13:47:58.814-07:00Sadie's Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Images Captured By Joanne Bos Photography</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.joannebosphotography.blogspot.com/">www.joannebosphotography.blogspot.com</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tiny Light Sadie is the sweetest girl you will ever meet. She always has
a smile on her face and loves being around people. The nearly
three-year old is happy to share laughter, cuddles, kisses and
unconditional love.</span></span>
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As an infant, Sadie wasn't progressing as she should and when she was
just over a year old she was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, which is a
neuro-genetic disorder caused by missing part of the 15th chromosome.
It is characterized by intellectual and developmental disability and
sometimes seizures, but also by frequent laughing, smiling and a happy
demeanor. Doctors originally said Sadie would not speak and may not
walk, but she is already accomplishing things they said she wouldn't.
She is crawling and pulling herself up in her crib. Walking seems like
it's just around the corner.</span></span>
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Tiny Light Sadie has a challenging road ahead of her, but she is
determined in her therapy and has already reached many milestones most
kids with Angelman syndrome do not. Plus, she has great support from her
older twin brothers and her parents. Sadie's mother says, "I hope for
my daughter that she has friends and people that care about her. I hope
that Sadie loves her life. I believe she does already!"</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />written by Karis Sengara</span></span></div>
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the tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-36988502617506394142013-04-03T12:12:00.001-07:002013-04-03T12:12:48.338-07:00Jarome's Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Images Captured By Cindy Moleski Photography</span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.cindymoleski.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">www.cindymoleski.com</span></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>After
having three daughters, Tiny Light Jarome was a delightful addition to
his mother’s life. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Since she was 38 when she had him, Jarome had been
tested for abnormalities while in the womb and she was told that her son
was fine. After birth, he joined his elated family at home.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>It
was after a serious illness at three months and at the insistence of
his mother that doctors finally tested Jarome for Down syndrome a second
time. His mother was devastated to learn that he had tested positive.
What followed was a difficult period for the family. After grappling
with alcoholism, Jarome’s mother achieved sobriety and she credits her
son as instrumental in her recovery. With unique understanding, he
brings her the AA book on days that he sees his mother struggling.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Today,
Tiny Light Jarome is in school full time and enjoys Spiderman, Toopy
& Binoo, coloring and playing with his dog Ace. He is loving and
sweet and loves to give hugs and make his family laugh. He doesn’t
speak in full sentences but he makes himself understood! Jarome’s
mother says, “Every day I thank God for Jarome, I am so lucky to have
him in my life!”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>written by Angela Funk</span></span></span></div>
the tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-21573198616645462442013-04-01T12:39:00.000-07:002013-04-01T12:39:23.355-07:00Spencer's Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZ45vQ7s4MSMAXsnTWxTu_G97jQf6s-uyGSSs8mXEXqMwbescSnUoqeKoTPJY5SxD5Qf-UmFjlEEAJ3qoiBkyj98Xu1tsibEXqyYAJhzHZFPWaSuZLCNJOndKR2bMZ0N_zqn9zz_MMb8c/s1600/Blog+Boarder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZ45vQ7s4MSMAXsnTWxTu_G97jQf6s-uyGSSs8mXEXqMwbescSnUoqeKoTPJY5SxD5Qf-UmFjlEEAJ3qoiBkyj98Xu1tsibEXqyYAJhzHZFPWaSuZLCNJOndKR2bMZ0N_zqn9zz_MMb8c/s1600/Blog+Boarder.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Images Captured by Melissa Avey Photography</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.aveyphoto.com/">www.aveyphoto.com</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Meet
Tiny Light Spencer. This Tiny Light enjoys listening to music and
playing with her older sister and new baby brother. Having a diagnosis
of Down syndrome does not slow him down one little bit. Spencer is full
of love and is always happy to share her joy with others. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Spencer
was diagnosed with Down syndrome on her birthday. Her parents recall
being upset, not with the diagnosis but with all of the uncertainty that
came along with it. They note that there is a wide spectrum of ability
for children with Down syndrome and they are constantly learning what
Spencer is capable of on a daily basis. Spencer’s parents say their Tiny
Light has taught them to be “more patient, to celebrate the little
things.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; direction: ltr; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Despite
the challenges Spencer faces, she is a very determined little girl who
never gives up. Through her perseverance, her family is confident that
she will accomplish anything she wants. As a message to other parents
who have children with a similar diagnosis, Spencer’s parents state,
“Every child is different. Never underestimate your little one.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; direction: ltr; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Story by Stephanie Bond</span></span></div>
the tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-13058128623835105882013-03-29T11:04:00.000-07:002013-03-29T11:04:27.828-07:00Cayden's Story<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vazljA1po9kbIYVeYbRgV6Ow0-8g5Pgc3FJr1dWPONtVueHmgxhDCeQ7kgKlnnQJQMfCUXvfJQdiq78uix8Y43jWfhvO4ywES7ILDypyPGyhj6u2vmigyDH5wJVopjXAXp16xTNbjBv-/s1600/caydencollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vazljA1po9kbIYVeYbRgV6Ow0-8g5Pgc3FJr1dWPONtVueHmgxhDCeQ7kgKlnnQJQMfCUXvfJQdiq78uix8Y43jWfhvO4ywES7ILDypyPGyhj6u2vmigyDH5wJVopjXAXp16xTNbjBv-/s1600/caydencollage.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Memories Captured by Erin Shepley Photography</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
www.erinshepleyphotography.com</div>
<br />
Tiny Light Cayden is a miracle baby who is now a loving six year old boy. He likes to run and play tag. He also enjoys going to the park and going for rides in his papa’s boat.<br />
<br />
Cayden was born extremely premature at 27 weeks with multiple medical issues – organ failure, brain bleeds, lung bleeds and respiratory problems. He is missing part of his brain and another part is damaged. He spent the first few months of his life in the NICU, and also underwent six brain surgeries before he was a year old. Cayden has recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, which means multiple injections every day. Now he is also undergoing treatment for inattentive ADD.<br />
<br />
But no matter what he has to endure, Cayden is accepting and loving. “He just deals with it with a smile and never complains. He even says ‘thank you mommy’ after I give him two needles!!” This Tiny Light has gross and fine motor delays, but he is working hard at school. The family just takes it day by day. “I hope my boy will grow into a loving man who will be successful, have a family and will give back to society.”<br />
<br />
Written by Elaine Yong<br />
the tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-54850780629703489332013-03-27T11:45:00.002-07:002013-03-27T11:45:59.143-07:00Noah's Story<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9plab-peTAlQiTJjE_-dC2yy3tjjcgCXyh99SDWk2gG29vEDaxTX5agFs-3sLg105SSriiJ6ctRd6qeTmUsfH1YAMzG_m7KmwQh5dAftFxO52429G3GIKp7I6kqlSZAYs4xE-Y8UHBtK/s1600/noahscollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9plab-peTAlQiTJjE_-dC2yy3tjjcgCXyh99SDWk2gG29vEDaxTX5agFs-3sLg105SSriiJ6ctRd6qeTmUsfH1YAMzG_m7KmwQh5dAftFxO52429G3GIKp7I6kqlSZAYs4xE-Y8UHBtK/s1600/noahscollage.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Memories Captured by Teagan Photography</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">www.teaganphotography.com</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="gmail_quote">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">To most people, Tiny Light Noah would look like a normal small three year old boy with lots of energy. He spends his time swimming, dancing and playing with his dog Java, his brother Nick and sister Julia. But he has already gone through so much in such a short time.<br /><br />Noah was born healthy at 30 weeks gestation weighing 3lbs 7oz. However, his condition quickly took a turn for the worse as doctors discovered a major bleed on the left side of his brain when he was just eight days old. This bleed caused him to have severe brain damage and a buildup of fluid on his brain. His parents were told his prognosis was not good. Soon afterward, Noah was diagnosed with a swallowing disorder and a mild form of cerebral palsy. But this Tiny Light has worked his whole life to overcome these challenges. He has been in intervention therapies since he was just four months old and he just keeps trying. Noah has worked very hard to learn to crawl and walk and recently he has been trying to overcome his struggles with speech.<br /><br />More health issues could arise for Tiny Light Noah as he gets older. Recently doctors have been checking on a heart murmur. But Noah's mom thinks his future is full of opportunities and excitement. "Noah has had so many issues and hurdles in his short life, it's hard for me to remember them all. But one thing is, he is such a fighter. He never gives up and neither will we."</span></div>
<div class="gmail_quote">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_quote">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">written by Karis Sengara</span></div>
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the tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-57711096399740585592013-03-25T11:47:00.000-07:002013-03-25T11:47:22.897-07:00Oliver's Story<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQ9MG0W9lNwjRPDHpBAQcuNj6x31U9olN2gzVBMpOP1Xlg5n0oz2x9Temuj8tE6HyYx8XhdkYDly0th0F5L4pi5zBXUcvuXyYaze2kSv0C1JkQOHPpHyuXcpezlGrISDKjiKE9NwGxijf/s1600/blogsnaps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQ9MG0W9lNwjRPDHpBAQcuNj6x31U9olN2gzVBMpOP1Xlg5n0oz2x9Temuj8tE6HyYx8XhdkYDly0th0F5L4pi5zBXUcvuXyYaze2kSv0C1JkQOHPpHyuXcpezlGrISDKjiKE9NwGxijf/s1600/blogsnaps.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Memories captured by Michelle Wells Photography</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
www.michellewellsphotography.ca</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Tiny Light Oliver was born with a unique set of challenges that sent him into surgery within the first five hours of his life. In the womb, his large intestine had never fully formed, leaving him with an imperforated anus. This meant waste couldn’t leave his body. During his first year, Oliver endured four difficult surgeries, plus numerous and extended hospital visits and tests. </span></div>
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<span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Now two years old, Oliver is a happy and curious boy. He is a proud big brother and enjoys playing, exploring, climbing and dancing. His laugh and smile are infectious and his family continues to be inspired by his perseverance and bravery.</span></span></div>
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<span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Oliver’s health will continue to be monitored and it is uncertain what surgeries and procedures will be necessary to maintain his health. But his family maintains a positive outlook and has high hopes for this Tiny Light. Oliver’s father has a simple wish for his son - “...that he is comfortable and always happy with who he is and knows that despite where he's been, he is an incredible person.”</span></span></div>
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<span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Written by Angela Funk</span></div>
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the tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-53103919372949906462013-03-22T09:35:00.000-07:002013-03-22T09:35:09.105-07:00Luke's Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2DjrKiE43S843Yk1Ge1c6w5UUlbVGu9FlaiXRrMhIakWEHWMmaEnSFyDb3iITDsq3fc1pK90-K9ltb_YanrymJGvqG-vjHQFKMNx13zir6DU4HJeHx4PzslX4DDsW7OwnE3Tce0x2Omk/s1600/Blog+Boarder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2DjrKiE43S843Yk1Ge1c6w5UUlbVGu9FlaiXRrMhIakWEHWMmaEnSFyDb3iITDsq3fc1pK90-K9ltb_YanrymJGvqG-vjHQFKMNx13zir6DU4HJeHx4PzslX4DDsW7OwnE3Tce0x2Omk/s1600/Blog+Boarder.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Images Captured By Anelle Richardson Photography</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.anellerichardsonphotography.com/">www.anellerichardsonphotography.com</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Like most five year olds, Tiny Light Luke is fascinated with Star Wars
and loves to play outside. He enjoys his time in the backyard with his
siblings battling as pirates or knights. Luke is also interested in
history and one day might be headed on a vacation to Egypt to see the
Pyramids and the Sphinx.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
At the age of four, Luke was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic
leukemia. He immediately started on 13 months of intense chemotherapy
involving more hospital visits and medications than he could probably
count. Luke is now into the maintenance phase of his treatment which
involves two more years of chemotherapy and countless more hospital
visits.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
Because Luke has a compromised immune system, his family built a big
play structure in their backyard so he has a safe place to play with his
two brothers and two sisters. His family also places a priority on
helping others. They work with the Starlight Children's Foundation, the
Children's Wish Foundation and a charity helping kids with cancer in
Ecuador. In fact, Luke and his siblings have grown up forgoing birthday
presents to donate money to their local children's hospital instead --
the same hospital where Luke would eventually be diagnosed and treated.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
It's a long journey for this Tiny Light and his family, but Luke's mom
is very proud of her tough kid and thinks he's wise beyond his years.
"Luke is a little shining light and brings joy to those who haven't even
met him."</span></span>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">written by Karis Sengara</span></span></div>
the tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-43594077198666871372013-03-20T09:24:00.001-07:002013-03-20T09:24:12.969-07:00Ethan's Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIh0wfeScohL5-b5B6eU3DPyJyc3V4FXaZICf4zrkGtJkQ70YkJCDcTU-SoTEatdOCd39omlgvsJuUzQ1anoHftak4fd937rbbtn7Ss6XZbyhK6zbCXvfhmVta5uRMlZAGb-1Jpmts5oE/s1600/TL+blog+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIh0wfeScohL5-b5B6eU3DPyJyc3V4FXaZICf4zrkGtJkQ70YkJCDcTU-SoTEatdOCd39omlgvsJuUzQ1anoHftak4fd937rbbtn7Ss6XZbyhK6zbCXvfhmVta5uRMlZAGb-1Jpmts5oE/s1600/TL+blog+board.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Images Captured By Lindsay Hood Photography</span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.lindsayhoodphotography.com/"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">www.lindsayhoodphotography.com</span></span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>Meet
Tiny Light Ethan. This determined Tiny Light revels in all his
accomplishments. After recently learning to walk, the sky is now the
limit for Ethan. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>Shortly
after Ethan was born, he was diagnosed with Down syndrome and an
atrioventricular septal defect – three small holes in his heart. For
the first six months of his life, he was on oxygen and is still
currently awaiting surgery to repair the holes. In addition to these
diagnoses, Ethan also suffers from acid reflux and sleep apnea. Ethan’s
parents say that the hardest part of their journey so far is
anticipating the heart surgery - knowing that their son will have to go
through that is the most difficult aspect to overcome. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>Despite
the medical and emotional challenges, Ethan’s parents would not trade
their journey for the world, as they say “he is such a happy little guy
and it is a joy to be his parents.” They credit his diagnoses with
allowing them to slow down in life and “...enjoy every minute.”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>As
a note to others with children facing similar diagnoses, Ethan’s
parents state that it is not always a bad thing and to not “...worry
about the medical problems, they will pass but your little one will
bring you more happiness than you can ever imagine.”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Story by Stephanie Bond</span></span></div>
the tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-8661604839434457512013-03-18T10:20:00.000-07:002013-03-18T10:20:53.401-07:00Kole's Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocOxgAJ393BneYAN4nQrydph0QJzr_gRwn4p_w2pHlgoyqnm5AxI05qVN1WQdNZIIBZuGoUZfaaYmqu7x-Ott5Ftpv-H9js9yXaHAn3Z2iXjeUqI6hcJ2RVpFFLcKIAfYdu4V9NpdE2eL/s1600/Blog+Boarder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocOxgAJ393BneYAN4nQrydph0QJzr_gRwn4p_w2pHlgoyqnm5AxI05qVN1WQdNZIIBZuGoUZfaaYmqu7x-Ott5Ftpv-H9js9yXaHAn3Z2iXjeUqI6hcJ2RVpFFLcKIAfYdu4V9NpdE2eL/s1600/Blog+Boarder.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Images Captured By Jodie Hadden Photography</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.jodiehaddenphotography.com/">www.jodiehaddenphotography.com</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is something special about Tiny Light Kole that draws people in. He is trusting, loving, and incredibly affectionate. This two and a half year old absolutely loves music; you might find him grooving to hip hop, head-bopping to rock, or just plain dancing. He also loves water and his cars. In fact, “car” was one of his first words!<br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When Kole was just six months old, he began having a rare type of seizure called infantile spasms. He was put on a harsh steroid treatment called ACTH to control the seizures and has been seizure free for over a year. Doctors began genetic testing to determine the cause and the initial tests came back abnormal. It wasn’t until he was 14 months old that they diagnosed him with a rare genetic condition called Dup15q syndrome, in which a small part of his 15th chromosome has been duplicated. Though Kole has global delays and hypotonia, his incredible spirit and ongoing therapy has allowed him to make incredible gains already.<br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Kole has taught his parents to notice and appreciate the little things in life and to live in the moment. “Your dreams do change once you learn that your child has special needs. You realize that the things you thought were important aren’t. Happiness is the most important thing.” As with many other children with rare conditions, little is known about what the future holds for this Tiny Light. He has a wonderful team of therapists and doctors that are all working together to help him be the best he can be. Kole’s mother encourages others facing similar journeys to “take help from others when you can, be kind to yourself, and know that you are your child’s advocate and you will find the strength even at the darkest hour to do what you need to do to help him/her be their very best.”<br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Story by Emily Harrison<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #262626;"></span></span></span><br />
<br />the tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-91012199612078479802013-03-15T17:03:00.000-07:002013-03-15T17:03:19.494-07:00Holly's Story<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-vKbYdsgaxL3b_8GFAwP4w_9cG79gJ5F9IcwaiWnwqZE-B92dQnlpRTBElH-tCIfH6UjRkPoeIoowvXXaf2MYCYLnvHwPxh-fs6yHeGtthlF4Ww2Npd2o_BZtAp7CiKll1ul2v-_sFM2/s1600/hollycollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-vKbYdsgaxL3b_8GFAwP4w_9cG79gJ5F9IcwaiWnwqZE-B92dQnlpRTBElH-tCIfH6UjRkPoeIoowvXXaf2MYCYLnvHwPxh-fs6yHeGtthlF4Ww2Npd2o_BZtAp7CiKll1ul2v-_sFM2/s1600/hollycollage.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Memories Captured by Kalago Photography</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">www.kalagophotography.com</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Tiny Light Holly is only 10 months old, but she dazzles everyone with her smile. And even through some tough times, she has always been a bright ray of sunshine.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Holly was diagnosed in utero with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which meant only half of her heart was formed and functional. She underwent her first open heart surgery less than 24 hours after birth. But just before Holly was four months old, doctors discovered her heart function was deteriorating. Transplant became the only option. A month later, this Tiny Light received her second chance at life.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Transplant isn’t a cure so Holly will need to be on immune-suppression drugs for the rest of her life. But her parents Angela and Curtis have seen a dramatic improvement in their daughter’s health. “She has been a different baby since – so full of beans, so pink and so full of life. I dream that she will grow up to have a normal life and enjoy a normal childhood.”</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Written by Elaine Yong</span><br />
the tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-73389038404431002432013-03-13T19:49:00.000-07:002013-03-13T19:49:06.010-07:00Hope's Story<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzicfmVPO_kOodoT9vJmzQIyYLcbMXXkeGKrLAZHkWpg0MyxFGWH4C8JnHwdved5gj5E_dcFu_SduISniFsyRfbz0Ct15k7ugo_GGvo4vrTa0iZaNsL7ONLbfhjlH-nAR5X6jEdNY4ggy/s1600/hopescollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzicfmVPO_kOodoT9vJmzQIyYLcbMXXkeGKrLAZHkWpg0MyxFGWH4C8JnHwdved5gj5E_dcFu_SduISniFsyRfbz0Ct15k7ugo_GGvo4vrTa0iZaNsL7ONLbfhjlH-nAR5X6jEdNY4ggy/s1600/hopescollage.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Memories Captured by Cindy Moliski Photography</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; white-space: pre-wrap;">www.cindymoleski.com</span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One year old Hope has already made a lasting impact on everyone that knows her. This Tiny Light shows incredible strength and a strong will to live, despite all the challenges she faces on a daily basis. Hope loves music and smiles at her brother and sister when they sing to her. She loves hugs and kisses and having her back rubbed. Hope also enjoys bath time and smiles the whole time while she plays and tries to swim. </span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span></b></span><br />
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When Hope’s mother was 20 weeks pregnant, she found out that her daughter would be born with microcephaly and alobar holoprosencephaly, a condition in which the brain fails to split into two hemispheres. Hope has one solid brain and most of her brain is fluid, though her brain stem is fully intact. Her middle facial features failed to develop, so she has a severe cleft lip, no palate, and no cartilage in her nose. Hope also has diabetes insipidus and suffers from seizures. </span></span></b><br />
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When she was born, doctors did not believe that Hope would survive, but her loving parents would not give up on her. It has been a long, frustrating battle to get her the medical care she needs. While no one knows what the future holds for this little fighter, her parents have faith that their daughter will continue to prove to everyone that strength and determination goes a long way. “We take each day with her as a special gift we have been given...we treasure every single moment we have with her. She inspires us to move forward and live each day to the fullest, all the while fighting for her to get the very best medical care she deserves.”</span></span></b><br />
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the tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-34783105808931915042013-03-11T11:05:00.001-07:002013-03-11T11:09:47.557-07:00Katia's Story<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPemfkCchW3pfKIkR8j7GnFWG8aWo_pRfgMg3gHViR5gsC5cbndMW9dL7VCv2ronQted0fwUAkHghn7Ed8ZGUEIyZli99BoHaGeUWVsrlJZzrGsKZhfP3bze4rmKAKzK-Mf37o37ewose/s1600/katiacollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPemfkCchW3pfKIkR8j7GnFWG8aWo_pRfgMg3gHViR5gsC5cbndMW9dL7VCv2ronQted0fwUAkHghn7Ed8ZGUEIyZli99BoHaGeUWVsrlJZzrGsKZhfP3bze4rmKAKzK-Mf37o37ewose/s1600/katiacollage.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Memories Captured by Anna Epp Photography</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">www.annaeppphotography.com</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Tiny Light Katia is a sociable little girl who can make friends wherever she goes. She enjoys drawing, colouring and playing with her doll Annabelle, and big brother Justin.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Katia was diagnosed with transposition of the great arteries of the heart shortly after birth. When she was born, she appeared to be slightly blue but her doctors indicated that it was normal. After a nurse took Katia for a bath and noticed the blue colour in her fingers, she was taken for an oxygen test. The test showed a 75% result where a normal result should have been over 95%. Subsequent to this, doctors took Katia for more tests and were able to diagnose her.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Katia’s parents state that the hardest part of the journey so far has been Katia’s surgery. Katia was operated on when she was only 8 days old. “It was very hard to see her with many plugs on her and always hear the machines beep when numbers weren’t high enough.” A week after her surgery, Katia developed an arrhythmia and was put on medication for a year.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Despite the arrhythmia complication, Katia remained strong and pulled through. She will have to visit a cardiologist to monitor her condition for the rest of her life but has managed to stay stable since her surgery. As a message to other families dealing with similar circumstances, Katia’s parents say, “You have to be strong and have hope. Enjoy every precious day with your child. Every day is a gift and we have to enjoy it!”</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Story by Stephanie Bond</span></div>
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the tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-70659052034543832492013-03-08T17:42:00.001-08:002013-03-08T17:42:33.984-08:00Hunter's Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Images Captured By Anelle Richardson Photography</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.anellerichardsonphotography.com/">www.anellerichardsonphotography.com</a></span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>Tiny
Light Hunter is a little boy with a big smile. He seemed perfectly
healthy for the first ten days of his life. Then, at one of his first
checkups, his pediatrician detected a heart murmur and sent him to the
local children’s hospital for further tests the next day. Hunter’s
parents Laurie and Denis weren’t worried, as their newborn seemed to be
fine apart from not gaining weight. </span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>But to Laurie and Denis’ shock, caregivers of all kinds came pouring into their room at the hospital. As Laurie says, “</span><span style="color: #262626;">The
next thing we knew they were drawing a diagram and telling us Hunter
needed to be admitted to the NICU immediately and prepped for surgery.
They were not sure how quickly they would be able to operate but it
couldn't wait.” Little Hunter had coarctation (narrowing) of the aorta
and had already lost his pulse in his groin area. Laurie remembers,
“One of the most terrifying moments of our lives was having to hand him
over to the medical staff for surgery. How do you say goodbye to your
newborn baby?” </span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #262626;">The
surgical team removed part of Hunter’s aorta and patched it up. His
heart was clamped during the operation, and a line was put inside his
arm at the elbow as his veins were too small for regular IV’s. Hunter
came through the ordeal better than anticipated and was able to go home
after four days instead of the expected two to three weeks.</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #262626;">Today,
Laurie and Denis help raise money for the hospital that gave their Tiny
Light an excellent chance for a long and healthy life. And Hunter is
busy smiling non-stop and flirting with all the women he meets! </span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #262626;">W</span><span>ritten by Jayne Akizuki</span></span></span></i></div>
<a href="https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/1/?ui=2&ik=713a5f32e4&view=att&th=13b9d44dda74a601&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P9v-AzyPDU41TrdLm_edGJX&sadet=1362792205934&sads=GMo1LlgwM3yCz1bzjVbXhFZe-ss&sadssc=1#0.1_" name="0.1_id.gjdgxs"></a>the tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-57990829990566541632013-03-06T17:48:00.000-08:002013-03-06T17:48:04.830-08:00Gavin's Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Images Captured by Squishy Prints</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.squishyprints.com/">www.squishyprints.com</a></span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Tiny Light Gavin is a busy boy who loves to get into a lot of mischief. This four year old is a great explorer and has no sense of fear. He is full of love and has pure joy for life.<br /><br />Within a few days of his birth, parents Sandra and Scott learned the devastating news – their son had lost close to 80% of the left side of his brain due to a stroke. Blood clots also significantly damaged his left arm, leaving it partially paralyzed. Doctors do not know why blood clots formed during Gavin’s birth and there is currently no treatment for stroke in babies. As a result, he has right hemiplegic cerebral palsy and a number of other conditions including epilepsy, loss of vision in his entire right field, severe speech and cognitive delays. It is difficult for Gavin to go out on longer trips because he has sensory sensitivities and gets overstimulated.<br /><br />Despite Gavin’s challenges, he navigates his world very well. He loves music and dancing, playing on the swing and making a mess. This happy boy is determined to do things his own way. He never shies away from new experiences and challenges.<br />“We try our best to enjoy every moment and find a balance between preparing for his future and enjoying the present.”<br /><br />Written by Elaine Yong</span></span></i><br />
<br />the tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-39628092755440917702013-03-04T12:09:00.000-08:002013-03-04T12:09:42.004-08:00Isabel's Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXo4BP0i1jL2eY8_167OTTpIQQ0HrNNq2W9Os4ehKZMTxjrFakNiNxsACM9RURT-FZzCFm5WKjNGcH8dBliUM7hq22-WVqbA6avH__LnxSCQDq7WEgo4TcXg2gtW2Ya5N8Sje35hdHQfDo/s1600/TL+blog+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXo4BP0i1jL2eY8_167OTTpIQQ0HrNNq2W9Os4ehKZMTxjrFakNiNxsACM9RURT-FZzCFm5WKjNGcH8dBliUM7hq22-WVqbA6avH__LnxSCQDq7WEgo4TcXg2gtW2Ya5N8Sje35hdHQfDo/s1600/TL+blog+board.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>Tiny
Light Isabel is indeed tiny – and tough. She wasn’t expected to
survive beyond birth, but she was able to breathe and feed on her own
right from the start and she has been battling for progress ever since. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>At
28 weeks into the pregnancy, parents Miranda and Jared were told their
baby had microcephaly, a condition in which the head circumference is
small because the brain has not developed properly, and polymicrogyria, a
malformation of the brain’s surface. They were shocked, as the
pregnancy had gone so well. Their biggest fear was they would lose
their precious baby before she was even born. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>But
more than a year later, Tiny Light Isabel is still alive and fighting
with the help of her parents and physiotherapists. She listens intently
to the world around her, loves to try to do new things, and can
distinguish between the touch of different people. Her parents hope
that one day Isabel will be able to play and see and smile. “S</span><span style="color: #262626;">he
may walk, may talk, or she may not. It all depends on how much she
wants to learn,” says Miranda. She tells other families not to give up,
“Hold on for as long as possible. It may seem really hard or like you
can't do it, then one day you will realize that your child is your
everything, and just because they have a disorder does not mean they’re
any different.” </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4093284647834847913" name="id.gjdgxs"></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>Written by Jayne Akizuki</span></span></span>the tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-39472555011886438082013-03-01T09:54:00.001-08:002013-03-01T09:58:55.756-08:00Alexandra's Story<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp18LQSGgdzYXxPTIPwGEZnzamDBFnZy3FSkOGxRXC6nFsvnHDGGHP3xp7rOzzYnEVUcbwDWkPOJ3kq6ynwsUVXp7Vbd41sBI701z5wTGidlrhuYxudBcELwlHBYfdgdblAxYK6_aEYuok/s1600/Alexandra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp18LQSGgdzYXxPTIPwGEZnzamDBFnZy3FSkOGxRXC6nFsvnHDGGHP3xp7rOzzYnEVUcbwDWkPOJ3kq6ynwsUVXp7Vbd41sBI701z5wTGidlrhuYxudBcELwlHBYfdgdblAxYK6_aEYuok/s1600/Alexandra.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Memories Captured By Bobbi Ryan Photography</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.bobbiryanphotography.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">www.bobbiryanphotography.com</span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Tiny Light Alexandra has been a miracle right from the start. After struggling with infertility for years, Julie Anne and Curtis sent in all the paperwork for adoption. One week later, they found out they were pregnant with Alexandra. However their daughter’s arrival also came with a lengthy list of major health problems.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Along with a very rare liver disorder, Alexandra also had a tethered spinal cord and a heart condition. This strong and resilient little girl has been through countless treatments and surgeries, many done at hospitals in other cities away from home in Saskatoon. On top of all that, when she was in Chicago in 2010 for special liver surgery, she was diagnosed with cancer. “We had come to Chicago for this major surgery, expecting good outcomes and being hopeful, and now we were faced with an entirely new and sinister diagnosis.” It took seven weeks post-surgery before Alexandra was well enough to fly home to begin months of chemotherapy. She got through it and has been cancer free for two years now.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The six year old has just undergone yet more surgery to repair her heart condition. But despite her health problems and developmental delays, Alexandra is a happy and loving girl. She gives the best hugs in the world and is full of laughs. She is a fantastic big sister to her two little brothers, with another sibling on the way. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4093284647834847913" name="0.1__GoBack"></a>“Alexandra is such a light in our lives. She is a tiny girl with a big personality and a big heart!”</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Written by Elaine Yong</span>the tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-38324559621683441572013-02-27T16:33:00.000-08:002013-02-27T16:34:18.362-08:00Zane's Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEuMxcaMKlS5iyXxhoGnLxZ976mNYHYqni5yIUrkqR1Qu-2sLIqQefSaNxYqsEDP1aLsa83UcH4dD8V9saou1hyoFhTHcgvvnMmTt3FYjiMvAgKTAWKPyYKwQYVzm3S2tsRcHAaRkyg8a/s1600/zaneblogcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEuMxcaMKlS5iyXxhoGnLxZ976mNYHYqni5yIUrkqR1Qu-2sLIqQefSaNxYqsEDP1aLsa83UcH4dD8V9saou1hyoFhTHcgvvnMmTt3FYjiMvAgKTAWKPyYKwQYVzm3S2tsRcHAaRkyg8a/s1600/zaneblogcollage.jpg" /></a></div>
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Memories Captured by GingerSnaps You Photography</div>
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http://www.gingersnapsyou.ca</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Meet four year old Zane. When he isn’t playing in the water, you may find this Tiny Light impersonating “The Hulk,” or playing with his trains. Zane loves tidying up and putting things into their respective containers. He has an incredible memory, especially for such things as letters, words, numbers, and the placement and order of objects. He is curious and joyful, despite the challenges he faces on a daily basis. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In June 2011, Zane was diagnosed with autism and global developmental delay. Though the diagnosis was devastating for his parents, they felt determined to get their son as much support and help as possible. Early intervention is critical for children with autism, but they find waitlists everywhere they turn. However, Zane has been receiving intensive therapy and has been making progress, so they remain hopeful. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Zane is very disinterested in food and it is a daily battle to keep him fed and hydrated. If it were up to him, every meal would consist of only bacon and pop. He also has difficulty communicating effectively and can get frustrated due to his lack of understanding and anxiety in certain situations. At times, this can lead to aggression, but he is learning to be gentle and patient. Most of the time, he is an affectionate little guy who loves hugs and kisses. </span></span></div>
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<span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Zane’s mother, Tara, is extremely grateful for all the services available to help children on the spectrum and for the people who work with special children like Zane. She has high hopes for her son. “</span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #262626; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Having Zane in our lives is an incredible gift and he teaches us so much about love, joy and enjoying the simple things in life.”</span><br />
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<span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Story by Emily Harrison</span></div>
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the tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-62832831347184568662013-02-25T12:51:00.000-08:002013-02-25T12:51:41.116-08:00Kaley's Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1b9tmKGi5N5JvEQ_MPotxSyYsOKIo0aWpX9mEHBrIBxYKd8qR49hZx4GG3OiE4MrtRI0HELBj0iUiSdUan0INeRfGmqR8Gv0AvS3ke8DwiIKy9aECcp7SfXaAeEtCIhU7ItZEe2F1Mh2c/s1600/TL+blog+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1b9tmKGi5N5JvEQ_MPotxSyYsOKIo0aWpX9mEHBrIBxYKd8qR49hZx4GG3OiE4MrtRI0HELBj0iUiSdUan0INeRfGmqR8Gv0AvS3ke8DwiIKy9aECcp7SfXaAeEtCIhU7ItZEe2F1Mh2c/s1600/TL+blog+board.jpg" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Images Captured By Melanie Keenan Photography</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">www.melaniekeenanphotography.ca</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Tiny Light Kaley is a determined young lady and is an inspiration to everyone she meets. Despite the challenges she faces, she always perseveres.<br /><br />Kaley was diagnosed with cerebral palsy in the right hemisphere of her brain shortly after birth. Six years later, doctors found major hearing loss in her left ear and now she wears a hearing aid in her right ear. Two years ago, Kaley was also diagnosed with epilepsy. Her mom Laura says it is difficult for people to understand her daughter wants to be treated the same as any other 10 year old, “People tend to want to do everything for Kaley and she’s so smart that she lets them!”<br /><br />With an excellent support system, Kaley has been able to accomplish a lot. She loves riding her specialized bike, swimming, and going to therapeutic horseback riding. She also adores her new baby sister Carly. Laura believes the future for her Tiny Light is limitless.<br /><br />Written by Elaine Yong</span></span></i>the tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-91049746054202573482013-02-20T13:14:00.000-08:002013-02-20T13:14:09.000-08:00Rebecca's Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xTGqNDAjQbZjBMt4V0tCIvadefev5OOFvxivNG-zvuA0WDR33H0CAmTw2x03oLoyCdyuv_Yx537xmg93IcXqe00QrHJO6CNzbKNqHCMDZ3CPy8yoma5DZfH01zaiIq8HLVwdCw2MdCNr/s1600/Blog+Boarder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xTGqNDAjQbZjBMt4V0tCIvadefev5OOFvxivNG-zvuA0WDR33H0CAmTw2x03oLoyCdyuv_Yx537xmg93IcXqe00QrHJO6CNzbKNqHCMDZ3CPy8yoma5DZfH01zaiIq8HLVwdCw2MdCNr/s1600/Blog+Boarder.jpg" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Images Captured by D4 Photography</span></span></i><br />
<a href="http://www.d4photography.com/"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">www.d4photography.com</span></span></i></a><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Tiny Light Rebecca is perfect, beautiful and amazing, according to her mom Danielle. This little ray of sunshine is always ready with a big smile, especially when it comes to her big brother Matthew. The two siblings adore each other and Rebecca never forgets to include him, even when she gets a special treat.<br /><br />Rebecca was born full-term, but her parents knew their daughter was in trouble in the delivery room when doctors said, “Call the NICU.” It was about a month before they got the diagnosis – DiGeorge syndrome, also known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. This is a disorder caused by a defect in chromosome 22 and results in a wide variety of symptoms, potentially affecting the entire body. Rebecca spent six months in hospital before finally going home with 24/7 care.<br /><br />Since then, this determined five-year old has managed to make great strides in her development. Though she deals with severe feeding issues, severe speech delay, moderate physical delay, and breathing issues, Rebecca has an amazing ability to bounce back. Her family says they have become better people because of their Tiny Light’s determination. “She amazes me every day with the things she can do and the constant growth she shows in spite of her syndrome.”<br /><br />Written by Elaine Yong</span></span></i>the tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-68121043795826400202013-02-18T21:43:00.002-08:002013-02-18T21:43:59.597-08:00Carly Rose's Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_kLIi0nqWKq394LzJNb9qtaN0z1VCT-cILsJSzU5ThdJJPjofiYN9tKLlwmduCwl5asD_RwjmPDllI23MJ_ax0D_FREdXDLN4XwaZ91lHt-4yjBEgp9pA3Dj6bc7uY_QFh5DTIlJ-vWB/s1600/carlyrose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_kLIi0nqWKq394LzJNb9qtaN0z1VCT-cILsJSzU5ThdJJPjofiYN9tKLlwmduCwl5asD_RwjmPDllI23MJ_ax0D_FREdXDLN4XwaZ91lHt-4yjBEgp9pA3Dj6bc7uY_QFh5DTIlJ-vWB/s1600/carlyrose.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Memories Captured by Kelly St. Pierre Photography</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">www.kellyst-pierre.com</span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #262626; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Meet Tiny Light Carly Rose. Despite her daily challenges, this sweet eight year old is determined and doesn’t give up, even when she finds something difficult. She loves getting her face painted, playing with her dolls, and visiting the playground and the lake. She is currently in swimming lessons and is exceeding everyone’s expectations. </span></span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #262626; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Carly Rose was born prematurely with hemolytic anemia and congenital heart defects. She was in respiratory distress when she was born and spent the first three days of her life on a respirator and seven weeks total in the NICU. For the first three years of her life, she was very ill and had to fight several infections until her open heart surgery in April 2008. Carly Rose has cognitive impairments, learning difficulties, poor eyesight, and motor skill delays. Despite all this, she communicates well and is very imaginative; she loves telling stories and playing pretend games. She is very sensitive and demonstrates a strong understanding of others’ feelings and shows empathy for those around her. </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Her determination, along with support from her therapists and family, has allowed Carly Rose to make progress in many areas of her life. She is able to use a keyboard to write and has recently improved her ability to recall and recognize information. She continues to receive physical and occupational therapy and works hard on her literacy skills. Her family spends a lot of time teaching her practical life skills to ensure she lives a safe and happy life. Her mother says, "Having a differently-abled child with a history of complex and critical healthcare issues has never been easy, but I have learned to accept and embrace who Carly Rose is. We love her exactly as she is."</span></div>
<span style="color: #262626; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #262626; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Story by Emily Harrison</span></span></b>the tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-72528826530857282012013-02-15T15:50:00.000-08:002013-02-15T15:52:13.570-08:00Brandon's Story<br />
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Memories Captured by Gabi Moeller Photography</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b22a2; font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.gabimoellerphotography.com/">www.gabimoellerphotography.com</a></span></div>
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At age four, Tiny Light Brandon was bigger and stronger than his twin brother Denver. But a very small lump on Brandon’s neck changed his life and challenged him in every way.<br />
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After a series of diagnostic tests, the small lump turned out to be Hodgkin’s lymphoma – cancer of the lymphatic system. When parents Hazel and Olaf received the terrible news, little Brandon kept asking his mother why she was crying. The chemotherapy made him weak and frail and he would curl up under his blanket, seeking darkness. All his hair fell out. He had a tough time when a tube was inserted in his nose for medications; he<br />
pleaded, “Mummy don’t do it, please Mummy don’t do it!” <br />
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But Brandon and his parents maintained a cheerful attitude when he had to go to the hospital, and the nurses all commented that he was so brave, strong, and positive. <br />
Four years later, Brandon is once again strong and healthy and loves drawing, hockey, soccer, swimming and dancing. <br />
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This Tiny Light watches out for his brother, sister, and classmates, and is enjoying his second chance at life. His mother Hazel says, “The whole journey has been very hard but rewarding because each day we are grateful for his presence. Brandon makes us appreciate life, taking each day at a time and making it count.”<br />
Written by Jayne Akizukithe tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4093284647834847913.post-23494143329179999052013-02-12T10:31:00.000-08:002013-02-12T10:31:13.188-08:00Harrison's Story<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Memories Captured by Leanne Liakos Photography</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">www.leanneliakosphotography.com</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This Tiny Light has big dreams. Though he is ten years old, Harrison was only recently diagnosed with autism, ADHD, anxiety disorder and silent seizures. While it was tough to hear the news, it provided answers to the many questions he and his family had been struggling with over the past few years. The diagnoses also allowed Harrison to start taking medications which have helped his ability to connect with those around him. Now he greets his mom with hugs and kisses at the door!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Like most boys, Harrison loves to play video games, but he also has a lot of other interests. He enjoys taking pictures of flowers and shares these on his own Facebook page. He dreams of being an architect and has been taking architecture classes for years. Already, this talented young man has plans to get his architecture degree at UBC. He says, “Then after I will apprentice and learn how to do everything and then I will open my own architecture firm and will build a tower larger than the Shangri-La. My brother Taylor will play at the grand opening.” <span style="color: #262626;">Harrison also volunteers for his mother’s non-profit organization for orphans, and has raised $700 for the children’s hospital.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #262626;">To mom Janet, Tiny Light </span>Harrison is an inspiration in so many ways. She says, “I would tell the family of a child with this diagnosis to see it as a gift. There is so much to be learned from a child with such a mind. Embrace it and encourage your child each day!”</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">written by Ardis Fisch</span></div>
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the tiny lightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417547463870468558noreply@blogger.com0