Dillon's Story

Images Captured by Tricia Marie Photography

www.TriciaMariePhotography.ca

Meet Tiny Light Dillon.  Dillon loves hanging out with his brother James, playing with his ‘Guys’  (Sesame Street toys), reading, playing hockey and playing with his cars. He has a huge heart and is very affectionate. Dillon is also incredibly strong willed, something that has helped him and everyone around him throughout his journey.


Dillon was born via C-section. His parents were told right away that Dillon has Spina Bifida. They were devastated. Dillon’s first major surgery took place away from home. Doctors and nurses were all optimistic about his recovery. The focus was staying positive and getting Dillon home. They were on the right path.


Throughout multiple surgeries and ongoing tests, casts, poking and prodding, Dillon remains strong.  It is hard for his parents to see him in uncomfortable situations, especially when they upset Dillon. Still, he is a strong resilient boy. He remains unaffected, and has never let a cast slow him down!


Dillon will most likely have walking issues for the rest of his life. He does not have much feeling in his legs/feet from above his ankle to his toes. He has had surgery to release the tendons in his feel, but doesn’t have the motion to lift his feet up and down in the ankle area.  He has close to no bladder/bowel control. His head will always be monitored to make sure his shunt is working.


Dillon’s parents do fear school days. They wish that Dillon will always be included and that he will have the confidence to be able to deal with anyone that may come along and point out his differences. Dillon has taught his family that things don’t have to be picture perfect. Surely he will teach this same lesson at school and beyond!


Story by Angela Stephen-Dewhurst

Matteo's Story

Images Captured By Tricia Marie Photography

www.TriciaMariePhotography.ca

This bright-eyed little guy is Matteo. He loves to play with his mom and dad. Making them laugh and smile makes him happy. He might travel the world one day, as he loves to go places with his parents already. He, like so many other children, also loves to dance. Matteo is a strong-willed, adventurous little man, who is full of life.

Matteo was diagnosed with dilated kidneys at 38.5 weeks gestation. His parents were overwhelmed and confused, and also felt a bit guilty. They were unsure of what this meant for their baby boy, who had yet to enter this world. They followed their gut instinct and refused to give up asking questions until they were satisfied with the answers.

The possibilities are endless, as Matteo surprises his parents each day with what he has accomplished and how far he has come. They want what every parent wants, to see their child grow up, and be a successful and happy adult. Where success means doing the best they can with what they have. Success is in the doing, not the getting — in the trying, not the triumph.

“Matteo is truly a gift from God. he has taught us so much in such a short period of time. He shows us how important time really is in life as it is one thing in life that you cannot get back or do over. Matteo is our Tiny Light, who can brighten up an entire room when he enters.”