Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Nelson!
Best wishes as you start this new journey. Click on the photo to see more from this wedding.
Another beautiful wedding!
Congratulations Amanda and Daniel! Click on the photo to see more from this wedding.
Tatum
Meet Tatum (Tate) Tillman! He was first diagnosed with Neuroblastoma at 6 months old. Tatum’s tumor was the size of a Nerf football pressing on his spine, so he had to have emergency decompression spine surgery. During his recovering from that surgery Tatum went into cardiac arrest for 53 minutes while in the PICU. CPR was given and they finally had to put him on a life support machine, ECMO to save his life. Doctors were unsure of the brain damage that had happened from the arrest. It was found that his tumor was collapsing his right lung causing difficulty breathing. While on ECMO his first round of intense chemo was given. After a trach and a g tube was placed another round of intense chemo was given. All while in the PICU. He had surgery to remove the tumor and was declared cancer free! After 4 months in the hospital Tatum was headed home and just working on rehab. Two days after his first birthday we found out that the cancer had returned along his spine in two separate areas. Four more rounds of chemo and one surgery Tatum is now in remission but is getting checked monthly on Neuroblastoma HVA and VMA markers.
Since his arrest it was discovered that Tatum suffered brain damage resulting in a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. So now we are cancer free but dealing with the aftereffects of what cancer has done to our boy. He is in rehab three times a week and sees birth to three through the school district once a week. As well as the appointments for cancer he also has multiple appointments for other doctors regarding his spine, muscles and neurology.
His last two rounds of chemo Tatum contracted CDIFF, a horrible gastrointestinal disease. He is unable to get rid of it after being on multiple different medicines for it. His next step will be to receive a fecal transplant done on September 11th at Mayo.
We are truly blessed to still have our son here with us today!
Some of our organizations that we love to support and feel very thankful for are the following;
Ronald McDonald House is Minneapolis
Children’s Cancer Research Fund
Follow Tatum's story on CaringBridge via this link...Tatum's Story
*Click on the photo to see more from Tatum's session.
Isabelle (Izzy)
In early January 2018 our sweet Izzy girl was diagnosed with a germ cell yolk sac tumor. We found out the tumor was cancerous, and our world turned upside down. Throughout much of the rest of 2018 Izzy endured 8 cycles of chemotherapy, a surgery, a blood infection, multiple hospital stays and more. Throughout it all she remained brave and courageous. Finally, in August 2019, Izzy’s scans and blood work allowed her doctors and nurses to confidently say she has no evidence of disease. Izzy will continue to be monitored every 3 months to ensure the the cancer stays away for good.
Throughout this journey we have been impacted by many organizations related to childhood cancer. In an effort to give back, after so many generously gave to us, we created t-shirts to raise money and awareness of this awful disease. We have also shared our story through platforms that raise awareness. It truly takes a village to get through a childhood cancer diagnosis and we are so grateful for everyone who rallied on behalf of Izzy and our family.
Organizations We Support/Have Supported Us:
Children's Cancer Research Fund, KS95 for Kids - Radiothon, Wishes & More, Hope Kids, Lighthouse Family Retreat, Pinky Swear Foundation, Momcology, Children's Minnesota, Beads of Courage
Follow Izzy's story on CaringBridge via this link...Izzy's Story
*Click on the photo of Izzy to see more from her session.
Skylar
Skylar was diagnosed with AML on March 23rd, 2018. She had infection after infection and never seemed to recover from one before another one was diagnosed. I finally brought her in on March 22nd and told the doctors at Children's hospital I was not leaving without a diagnosis of something other than the flu. On March 24th Skylar's central line was placed, she received a bone marrow biopsy and a lumbar puncture with intrathecal chemotherapy. The next day we found out her CNA was positive (meaning there were leukemia cells in her spinal fluid) and that her bone marrow was packed full. On March 25th, Skylar started her first of two rounds of intense chemotherapy at Children’s Hospital. Her first two rounds were hard. She kept getting viruses, even with our attempt to keep people away and keep her isolated in her room. We spent 80+ days in the hospital for both rounds. Once her 2nd round was complete, she was still not in remission. At this point the doctors all agreed that a bone marrow transplant would be the best option for her. We had to find a match quickly, before the leukemia cells started spreading again. Her sister was not a match, so we went with umbilical cord blood for her SCT (stem cell transplant). We endured 7 days of the strongest chemo we had seen so far, then finally the transplant. After 35+ days in the hospital we were sent home. Skylar was week and itchy and a rash started forming all over her body. We were readmitted to the hospital for fevers from a MRSE infection in her central line. After that was cleared up, we were released again. Skip forward several weeks, we were back. Skylar developed GVHD (graft versus host disease). After two rounds of 12-14 weeks each round, of steroids, Skylar is finally back to her normal self. We have issues with colds and such frequently, but most things are back to "normal". Skylar has been in remission for 1 year as of 07/18/19
We have been working with the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. They are the number one organization to help the fight against AML. They have a campaign going currently called Beat AML.
*Click on the photo to see more from Skylar's session.
Jessie Rees Foundation: NEGU
OUR MISSION…
Help every kid fighting cancer to Never Ever Give Up!
We fulfill our mission by CONNECTING with families, bringing AWARENESS to their stories, offering them a network of helpful RESOURCES and sending the entire family continual doses of ENCOURAGEMENT throughout their journey.
Click here to visit the NEGU website to read more about the organization.
Always a fun and crazy session!
Anna and Nick own Spark School of Music in Downtown Osseo! I am honored to have had the opportunity to photograph their family since their oldest daughter arrived a couple years ago.
