Meet Kalena

Kalena is 17 years old and has been fighting cutaneous T-cell lymphoma for nearly three years. She has been through numerous treatments during this time including a bone marrow transplant last March. On New Year’s Eve she became very ill during a treatment. Testing showed her prognosis was grim. Even with that prognosis, she and her family remain positive and upbeat. It was very important to Kalena to receive her high school diploma, so her high school presented her with an honorary diploma. She was so happy to get portraits taken in her cap and gown. After we spent some time taking her senior pictures, I was thrilled to capture some wonderful family pictures. My favorite images are of the entire family in their matching pajamas. It is a favorite evening ritual for this family and I was so happy to document that for them. The love and support this family has for each other is so evident.
Images by: Kelly Nentwich Photography

 

 

Meet Kate

Kate was diagnosed with Lymphoma on May 20, 2011, 5 days after her 5th birthday. Her mom found a lump behind her right ear while washing her hair. After surgery to biopsy the lymph node they received the news that she had cancer. She went into the hospital on May 23rd to have her port installed and begin chemo. It took a little over 6 months to complete the rigorous regiment of chemo, but after a clean scan in December 2011 she began maintenance. Maintenance is an 18 month process barring any setbacks or hospitalizations. So far so good! If Kate continues to do as well as she has, she should complete her chemo some time this summer and have her port removed in August. She is a very tough cookie and has been an inspiration to many during this journey.
Images by: Jessi Guiff Photography