Inspiration Through Art ~ Jerrin's story

Meet Jerrin . . .

and his family . . .

and his sister . . .

Today is Jerrin's 1st birthday! And what a happy birthday it is. You see, Jerrin looks completely healthy to you and I, but he has a little secret that needs to be shared. In his mother's words: "Our Jerrin was diagnosed with biliary atresia shortly after he was born last September. Jerrin was born with no bile ducts in his liver.  At first he came home and was perfectly healthy. At about six weeks old he became very jaundice and was immediately admitted to Hershey Children's Hospital (Hershey, PA).  He underwent emergency surgery at nine weeks of life.  They attached a piece of his small intestine to his liver to act as his bile ducts.  While this is just a temporary fix we wouldn't have it any other way.  We know Jerrin will one day need a new liver but we are just living day by day with what we currently have.  He is on three medicines three times a day and a special vitamin."  

When you look at these faces, see bravery, courage, and love to the fullest magnitude. When you look at your own children, or grandchildren, who happen to be healthy, living without the constant fear of a clear and present danger lurking within, please remember ... count your blessings, and be grateful for the life you have.

I was so touched by this family, and the strength of their love for one another. After spending time with them, it gave me a new appreciation, a new perspective on what it might be like to live with a child, an infant that needs special treatment and medical care. Knowing that one day this child will undergo surgery again, receive a new liver, and then the "wait-see" how he responds...
 

I am so grateful to have met this wonderful family through such a caring organization called Inspiration Through Art.

ITA is a non-profit organization that helps pair up families, just like this one, with photographers, just like me "... with a passion for giving and inspiring others. Through our own artistic talents we are able to come together as one, to let children around the world know that they are loved, despite the challenges they face everyday."

Please join me in wishing Jerrin a happy 1st birthday, and many, many more to come!! Thank you for blessing me with your beautiful smile, and for the chance to meet such a brave little hero ;) 

With great admiration and appreciation,

your photographer,

Barb

 
P.s. Thank you for the gorgeous mums! They are doing great!! :) So very thoughtful of you.