Haakyn hadn't been feeling well over the Christmas holiday in 2018. His activity seemed to be the same as usual, but he was just really pale. On New Years, he spiked a fever and was complaining of lower back pain. He was brought in and was told it was constipation. In January his parents brought him back in to be seen, completely expecting it to be a virus. After taking an X-ray of his abdomen they immediately sent Haakyn and his family to Children's of Minnesota via the ER.
"It is with an absolute broken heart that we tell you that they have found a tumor on his Kidney, which is cancerous. Hearing your child's name and the C word is the most earth-shaking thing a parent will ever hear, I'm convinced. My worst nightmare was playing out minute by minute in front of my eyes as we were pushed from room to room, test to test and Dr. to Doctor." - Haakyn's parents
Haakyn was admitted immediately and scheduled for a CAT scan. By noon that day, he had undergone 8 procedures/tests in less than 24 hours. The results from the CAT scan showed the tumor on his kidney was the size of a volleyball. He had his first surgery, or "scratch" as he likes to call it, on January 11th, 2019. A few days later he had surgery to install a pic line to make chemotherapy easier and more comfortable for him. A "bump" that remained for 205 days.
On August 1st, 2019 Haakyn had an EKG, Electrocardiogram, blood work, Urinalysis & a CT scan. They headed home to hang with cousins & family and WAIT..........
The next day Haakyn and his family met with his team of doctors and received some amazing news. Haakyn's scans came back and he is now an official SURVIVOR!
"So for now, we BREATHE, we bask in the GLORY that we are done with Chemo & Radiation & are THANKFUL that we have our little guy with us, thriving and enjoying LIFE!" - Haakyn's parents
Haakyn's family is grateful to Children’s Hospitals & Clinics of MN for the love and care they showed their family and Cancer Kids Fund.
Follow Haakyn's story on CaringBridge via this link...Haakyn's Story
*Click on the picture of Haakyn to see more from his session.
Mason was 3 1/2 years old when he was diagnosed with an Ependymoma Anaplastic. It’s a cancerous brain tumor that can grow back either in the same place of his brain or can travel to his spine. Mason had brain surgery on October 17th, 2018, two rounds of chemo after surgery, 6 1/2 weeks of radiation at the Rochester Mayo Clinic, and then another 4 rounds of chemo following radiation. He just completed his last round of chemo in early June. He was cleared for remission but will have Brain and Spine MRIs every 4 months. Mason is 4 now, loves cars, Spider-Man, playing outside, and spending time with family. We are thankful and grateful for the following organizations: Ronald McDonald House of Rochester, MN, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, and Jessie Rees Foundation: Encouraging Kids Fighting Cancer to Never Give Up (NEGU)
Follow Mason's story on CaringBridge via this link...Mason's Story
*Click on Mason's photo to see a video of his session.
I am so excited that September 1st is here…it is time to start sharing photos from the CBM Childhood Cancer Awareness Project!
Over the last few months I have been busy working on a project to raise awareness for Childhood Cancer. It has not only been rewarding, but so much fun getting to meet so many different families. Cancer is such a hard thing to overcome and meeting all of the kids that I have over the last few months gives me such a brighter outlook on life. Not one of the little ones that I photographed felt bad for themselves or was upset that they had cancer. They were “strong” in their eyes. They were fighting a battle and were going to win! I am hoping that everyone takes time to read stories of all of these kiddos. We have asked them to share with us the different organizations that have helped them out over the last few years because that is the most important part.
Be sure to check out the blog, Facebook and Instagram each day we will be featuring them throughout the month of September!
Thank you for your support. Most importantly thank you to the families that were able to schedule a session!
Thanks again guys for making the drive to see me! Click on the photo to see more from this session.
It was great to see you guys! Click on the photo to see more from this session.
I am so excited to have them in the milestone program again! Click on the photo to see more from this session.
I can't believe how big you are getting. Click on the photo to see more from this session.
I can’t wait until their next session! Click on the photo to see more from this session.
Such a sweet family. Click on the photo to see more from this session.