Andrew…

So if you’ve been following the blog for a while you might remember about my “Giving is Awesome” contest back in April… Finally, I was able to meet with one of the families that won.

Andrew was diagnosed with a type of lymphoma back in March 2008, he started chemo treatments and had a transplant on July 2008. Exactly one year before these pictures were taken. We chose that day because it was so very special for his family to celebrate Andrew’s life. As of today, Andrew is totally clear of cancer! You can read all his story here.

This is the email that friend and neighboor Sarah sent to me during the contest was held.

Grethel,

 

I saw where you were taking nominations for a family. I’m sure you know about my neighbors Holly and Don Barksdale and their son, Andrew, fighting cancer this past year. Holly was in Mom’s Club with us a while back. His story is on Caring Bridge at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewbarksdale. They have been through finding out their 1 year old has cancer, going through chemo, a bone marrow transplant, and various other up and downs this year. Financially, they have had to fight insurance on many things, but the other day she said that Andrew will be close to meeting his lifetime max and Don may have to get another job just to get more insurance on him. 

 

One of the things that really hit me is this: in the midst of all this, she is still thinking of the other kids in Children’s Hospital and their families, and reaching out to help them. One of their friends brought over a huge framed Alabama picture that her husband had Nick Saban and some players sign for them, telling them they could do whatever they want with – keep or auction for money. Holly immediately says she wants to auction it to HELP SOMEONE ELSE! She is one of the most selfless people I know and think she would be a great candidate for your give away.

 

She finds out this week if Andrew is cleared to be around people. They have spent a year isolated to keep Andrew from getting sick. They also have a 4 year old, Michael. So, imagine being confined to your home with 2 little ones. It would be really neat to celebrate their new “freedom” and capture it with your photography.

What a great idea! I hope you had an awesome birthday!

 

Sarah

As a mom, I just can’t imagine what his mommy went through.. really, I was talking with Holly (Andrew’s mommy) a couple of days before the session about the details and I ended up crying.. really, that woman is just so strong!.. just thinking about our conversation now makes me want to cry all over again… I’m just soo grateful that I was able to give them this pictures… Holly told me that the only pictures of the 4 together are from the hospital.. and well, during our session we were celebrating life!.. Andrew’s life.