© Dina Marie Originals - a blog with a purpose....

Remember Ciara?

It's been awhile since I have blogged about any of the sweet children from the Jonathan Jaques Children's Cancer Project a few years back. Click here for a reminder: Ciara's Billboard To view in person, you can still see it on Atlantic Blvd in Long Beach !

I received this letter today from her parents and what a welcome surprise to SEE her! Take a look below:

"Hi Dina,

Sorry we haven't sent you some current pictures of Ciara since you photographed her for Jonathan Jaques Children's Cancer Center. Your photograph of her is still on the billboard near Long Beach Memorial Hospital as their "Bubbleologist". It is so hard for people to believe it is her because she has so much hair now. Your photographs of Ciara catch her beautiful outgoing spirit, even though she was still going through treatments back then. Ciara has been cancer and chemo free since March of 2007 and she continues to amaze us with her maturity. It's as if it were just a bad dream what she went through. I have attached a few current pictures of Ciara for you.

Take care and thank you so very much again.

Sincerely,

Phillip & Ila Orpilla

"The soul is healed by being with children." -Fyodor Dostoyevsky, novelist (1821-1881)T

Brianna

Yesterday I had the opportunity to document another project for Miller's Children's Hospitals HERO Campaign. They will select one photograph for their ads and one for a billboard.

Brianna and her twin sister Ashley are 2 1/2. Brianna has been receiving the highest quality of care for a rare and complex heart condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. It involves several heart defects but is was detected when mom was in her 15th week of pregnancy. This little trooper has been through two open heart surgeries and has one more to go later. You can see her chest scar in one of the below photos.

These children are amazing and it was a pleasure to meet their strong family unit. I wil share the billboard when it's up. Thanks for visiting all.... Dina

Follow up for Aaron

I was thrilled to have recently received this new photo of little Aaron. As a reminder I have copied an old excerpt from my blog showing his "before" photo so it will remind you of his personal story.

"This special little guy was obviously affected physically with all the medications he was taking at the time.  I felt it was important to show him before meds and after, hence, the below photo.  His diagnosis at age 3 was Sex-linked Lymphoproliferative Disorder (XLP) - Post Transplant.  He has since had a transplant and is doing very well.  This photo was a powerful reminder at the exhibit, of how much these children go through to survive"  The framed photo taken of him was taken 3 months prior to this picture".

Well folks HERE HE IS CURRENTLY! - HE IS BLESSED WITH BETTER HEALTH THESE DAYS..... aawww--- look at him!

Remember The "Angel Baby" post from June?

Well, as promised, here is a copy of the Hero Ad.  What  wonderful campaign.

Sarah

When this was taken Sarah was three years old.  Her diagnosis is Actute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Down's Syndrome. It is the same diagnosis as little Brittany that I shared above except Sarah also has Down's Syndrome. Children with Down Syndrome (trisomy 21) also have an increased risk for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.  I was fortunate enough to spend alot of time with Sarah and her mom and let me tell you.... she was all GIGGLES.....

 

"Be Gentle With The Young" - Juvenal 55 AD – 127AD

This is Taylor.  She will be part of the Miller's Children's Hospital Campaign.  Her story will be told when the ads launch.  I felt the need to share her photo tonight.  She is beautiful and so is her family. Her eyes speak volumes don't they?  Have a good night all xo-dina marie

Angel Baby

Here is one from a recent session.  This wee one was born at 1 1/2 lbs and spent 4 months in the NICU.  I was happy when she was selected as one of the hospital ad campaign babies.  She was precious to work with.  Today I feel blessed.  I am working my dream job. I will share more after the ad launches.  Thanks for looking :-)

The Wheels on the Busssss........

*** NEWS FLASH***  These photos just in!  So rewarding to see them LARGE.  Gave me a smile for the day :-)

And by the way.....

More updates and stories will be posted soon about the Miller Childrens Projects.  Each story I do is delicate and often takes time to pull together and share.  Thank you all for visiting often ! Please feel free to leave any comments.  I'd love to hear from you. xo-dina