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There comes a point in life where you realize that there are just some things that are bigger than us, bigger than what’s in front of us.  Some of us go through the motions everyday and never come to this realization.  For others, we come to this revelation sooner than others and your whole perspective of life changes.

When I heard the news that my friend’s 3 year old son was diagnosed with cancer, I was crushed.  Anyone with young children can sympathize.  Having a son about the same age as Darrien it was tough for me to wrap my head around the idea of a baby being diagnosed with cancer. . . and not just any type of cancer, a very rare and aggressive brain cancer called Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (AT/RT).

Already having gone through surgery to remove the tumor and on his second round of chemotherapy, this little man has gone though more physical challenges than most people endure in a lifetime.  Suddenly everything that seemed daunting in my life no longer mattered.  The concept of business was unimportant.  I felt helpless but I knew I needed to do something and all I knew was that I needed to capture and document life for them.  Before they could even ask Amari and I if we would photograph Darrien and the rest of the family I had already put the schedule in motion.  We had to do this.  No questions asked.

Seeing Darrien for the first time after surgery and chemo was difficult.  If you know me, I pride myself with having such a hard exterior shell but in reality I am a real big softy to the core.  This was no exception.  I had to keep it together and compose myself but in actuality all I really wanted to do is hug him and squeeze him and smother him with kisses as I do with my own son.  Plus, I had to stay strong for his parents.

As soon as we got into our car, I cried all the way home.

Vanessa & Michael, you are such strong and courageous people and I admire you wholeheartedly.  We are here every step of the way.

Darrien, you are my hero.  You are a soldier.  Keep fighting!!

Please visit: A Cure For Darrien and help raise awareness about AT/RT.

If interested, a Paypal account has been created to help facilitate the collection of donations to help with Darrien’s medical care which can be sent to: CureForDarrien@gmail.com.

Any amount, no matter how small or large, is greatly appreciated.  If you are unable to donate now, your kind words of support are just as needed and welcomed!  Please spread the word and/or feel free to add your words of encouragement here or on the Cure For Darrien page.