INSPIRING CHILDREN

Young Ian fights cancer like a Jedi warrior! A typical 6-year old boy, Ian was awakened early on Thursday morning by a horrible headache. Within an hour, he became unresponsive and was rushed to the Avera McKennan Emergency Department. A mere hour later, Ian was in the midst of a seven-hour surgery to remove a tumor from the back of his head. Diagnosed with a childhood medulloblastoma, he spent his time recovering at Avera Children's Hospital & Clinics. After being treated with a combination of radiation and chemotherapy, Ian was on his way to recovery. Today he is a lively 8-year old boy who loves Star Wars and has very grateful parents. Ian still receives laboratory and follow-up care with Avera and through it all, Ian's mom and dad have remained faithful on this journey and credit the physicians and staff of Avera Children's.

I am so touched and inspired by the young heroes like Ian and Grace that I photograph. I'm grateful to be able to give back to our wonderful community by doing what I love and helping families turn tough times into images that reflect the strength and essence of their amazing children. You can see these along with more inspiring photographs and stories in the waiting area between Pediatrics and the Women's Center at Avera.