A few months ago I saw on another photographer’s website a link to an organization called Helping Hearts. I was interested in what this organization was all about and browsed through their website. Helping Hearts is a non-profit organization which provides free photography sessions for families with sick children. A huge team of volunteer photographer’s from all over Canada donate their time and talent to this great cause and because of this families with sick children are able to cherish the precious moments with their children and have memories to last a lifetime. I applied to be one of many volunteer photographer’s and was accepted a few months ago. I had my first Helping Hearts session last week and am so happy I have been able to capture a sweet little four month old.

Meet Miss Hailey

Hailey was born with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH). Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) occurs in approximately 1 in every 2,500 births.

The cause of CDH is not yet known. The diaphragm is formed in the first trimester of pregnancy and controls the lungs ability to inhale and exhale. CDH occurs when the diaphragm fails to form or to close totally and an opening allows abdominal organs into the chest cavity. This inhibits lung growth. 50% of babies diagnosed with CDH do not survive. Of the 50% that do survive, most will endure long hospital stays, feeding issues, asthma and other problems.

Hailey’s parents learned at their routine 20 week ultrasound about Hailey’s medical condition which caused them to worry for the rest of the pregnancy about her survival once she was born. The doctors really have no idea about survival as each case is different and many factors can affect their health. Hailey was one of the lucky ones, she was only in the NICU for 39 days. She had her guardian angel, her uncle Jamie, looking down on her the entire time. It turns out Jamie had been watching over her from the beginning.  Hailey’s parents found out about Hailey’s condition on Jamie’s birthday. Hailey was born on the anniversary date of Jamie’s passing from Leukemia and finally she went home on the day of the annual fundraiser for Leukemia.

Hailey’s mom and dad are so proud of her! She has overcome so much already at such a young age. She didn’t let any challenges get to her and she has overcome every obstacle in order to go home very quickly. Her mom and dad are hopeful  if she develops any other health conditions due to CDH she will overcome them as well. Just a few days before our session Hailey had her four month check-up at Children’s Hospital and I am thrilled to say she is a happy and healthy four month old! It was such a pleasure photographing her. She was so smiley and happy and made my job VERY easy!

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