I invited beautiful Anna, 13 years old, and her family, to my studio last month for some portraits. Anna and her family had just returned from her Make-A-Wish trip to the Bahamas as she is now in remission from osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in her femer. She had been undergoing grueling cancer treatments for the past year and this past month has been celebrating clear scans! YAY! I adore this photo of Anna, she is so incredibly beautiful and of course, so incredibly strong.

Anna’s little sister was in Miles’ preschool class last year and the instant I heard about her cancer diagnosis, and how closely her cancer sounded to my late husband’s sarcoma (bone cancer as well) their whole family was in my heart and on my mind often. I met Anna’s mother, Ruth, at a party later in the year. As usual, my hushed mention of how I lost my first husband to bone cancer was a bit awkward, but Ruth and I immediately had that bond that only two caregivers of loved ones with cancer can share. We sat and talked about the “cancer world” for the rest of the party. I knew that once things settled down for them that I would offer to photograph her family. This past January, right after Anna’s announcement of remission, was the perfect time.

Her whole family is just precious and it fills my heart with joy to see her, and her whole family, healing both physically and emotionally from such a scary and terrible illness. Her dad, who I hear is the greatest guy from so many people, wasn’t able to come the day of her session, so it was just the kids and their mom in the photos. We’ll have to get them back for a WHOLE family photo, including dad.

I have so much love for their precious family and will continue to pray for continued good health for Anna and their whole family.