I love New Year’s… a time to reflect, dream and anticipate change. I like to do personal projects with my photography to keep me snapping for the love of it. I haven’t done a formal project – but I have wanted to do a personal project like this one I’m starting for awhile – but had to meet the right person. When I met Meera – I knew.
You may remember me blogging recently about photographing at the Ronald McDonald House. While there, I met beautiful two year old Meera and her wonderful mom, Laura. Less than a month before Meera’s little sister, Ameena, was born – Meera was diagnosed with cancer. Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma more specifically – a form of cancer that effects only a few hundred in the United States each year. I can’t even imagine what Laura was going through with having to deliver a baby, and dealing with the shocking news of her firstborn. August 29, 2011 – Meera was diagnosed. Sept. 17, 2011 – Ameena was born. As a mom of two little girls myself (and about the same age difference)… this just hit home to me.
Through social media Laura and I have been chatting… and starting in January, I will be photographing Miss Meera once a month for a year. Not the “smile-and-sit-still” portraits – but images that show her journey. What a day in the life of Meera looks like. Good and bad.
I am excited to see where this year will take Meera and her family. Their slogan has been “I believe in MEERA-cles.” Hoping you will all believe alongside us as I share each month about little Miss Meera.
Some friends of Laura’s have started fundraising through online sales of great baby products to help offset the costs of medication and travel, etc. Check them out here (and read in more detail some of Meera’s story). I love their “Spit on Cancer” bibs! Reminds me of the “Cancer Sucks” shirts we made up when my dad went through cancer!
But for now… let me introduce you to Meera. And I invite you to journey alongside us this year as we believe in Meera-cles and update you each month. Warning – you will fall in love with her. She’s so infectious with her smile and charm.
Celebrating life and love,
Krista
I stubbled back across your blog after some time and was stopped dead in my tracks at this story. I had to stop work, wipe the tears back and continue to read. She’s very inspiring, such warm and soulful eyes this child has. She’s beautiful and my heart goes out to her family in such a time.
How wonderful that you are capturing all of this, they are beautiful pictures.
Absolutely Beautiful!
I will keep sweet Meera and her family in my prayers. I sure look forward to seeing her and reading about her throughout the year! Thank you for sharing! God Bless!!
What a wonderful way to capture moments and memories for her parents throughout the year! A inspiring project!
Very beautiful photos of Meera. She and her little sister are the most beautiful granddaughters one can have.
i have had the pleasure of meeting Meera, ameena, Laura and Roy and they are an amazing family! unfortunately it takes a cancer diagnosis to bring you to meet some really amazing families! i fell in love with the girls the first time i met them and had the pleasure of visiting when we went to toronto for our weekly followups! i have been blessed to have met them and be able to call them friends and hopefully sometime soon we will be able to get together! Meera and her baby sister Ameena really do melt your heart! thank you for taking the time to do this project..they really do deserve it! xo
Beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe this. It brought tears to my eyes. That little girl stole my heart! Love the photo that says “nothing is carved in stone” – so fitting. Great work!
Very touching and terrific project Krista. Awesome photos as usual!
What a beautiful little Meeracle she is!! Looking forward to following her on her journey!
This is so great Krista! What an inspiring project. If you ever need help even to carry your gear I would love ti back you up!
Happy New Year to you and your family.
God Bless!