Tye's Story

Images captured by Photography by Elma

Meet Tiny Light Tye.  This three-year-old, “amazing little man” loves playing outdoors, swimming, watching movies, and playing with cars.

After many days of illness, including extreme thirst and vomiting, Tye was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, a non-preventable autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas.  The most severe form of diabetes, it strikes children and adults suddenly, leaving them insulin dependent for life.   Insulin is not a cure, nor does it prevent complications which may include kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke, nerve damage and amputation.  His parents were heartbroken and devastated, but determined to learn as much as they could to support their little boy.

“He is strong,” say his parents.  “He is our hero and our angel.”

Story By Amber Grant

Madison's Story

Images Captured by D4 Photography

Meet Tiny Light Madison, a two year old girl with an inspiring smile and a love for singing and dancing.  She loves to spend her time playing with her pet bunny, learning new words, reading with Mommy and Daddy and playing at the park. 
At only nine days of age, Madison was diagnosed with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (also known as CAH or 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency).  People with CAH are missing an enzyme the adrenal glands use to make cortisol and aldosterone.  Both of these hormones are very important for survival. Cortisol is produced in times of stress; without it, people go into shock very easily.  This is referred to as an Adrenal Crisis.  This condition can be managed but becomes a problem in times of sickness and injury because our bodies would normally produce extra amounts of these hormones. 
Madison’s parents were terrified upon hearing the diagnosis.  They had never heard of CAH, and it all seemed so overwhelming.  “The thought of having to keep up with these medications and not messing them up was so scary. We were scared to tell anybody, we thought nobody would understand.  We were also scared about our daughter's future.”  However, Madison has responded very well to her daily treatments and is thriving.  But as the parents explain, “the hardest part has been the constant fear of Madison getting sick or hurt and having an Adrenal Crisis.  Although she has not had one yet, it is inevitable that one day she will and we always need to be prepared for it.”
The future looks bright for this Tiny Light, as she should be able to lead a healthy, happy life with the help of medication and careful treatment of illness and injury.  As long as she is careful, Madison will be able to accomplish whatever she puts her mind to.  Her parents dream of Madison growing into a very happy, well-rounded person, who goes for what she wants in life.

Story written by Amber Grant

Jack's Story

Images Captured by Haley Lorraine

Meet Tiny Light Jack.  This three-year-old is a huge ‘Bob the Builder’ fan who loves going walks, playing and running in the park, listening to music, and, most of all, being in the company of others.


Jack was diagnosed at 18 months of age with Autism after his parents noticed that he was not responding to his name, was losing motor skills, and did not seem aware of the people and activities happening around him.  His parents, Allison and Craig, struggled with “not knowing how severe it may get....not knowing if ever he would be able to ride a bike, have friends and play like any other child his age... to still live in uncertainty as to his outcome.”  But they keep hope alive, take the good days with the bad, and have learned much about “patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control...but ultimately true love.”


In their efforts to support Jack as best they can, his parents have learned so much, such as surrounding themselves with positive people, keeping hopeful, and never giving up.  They hope for Jack to have a chance at doing everything that other kids his age get to experience, such as going to school and having positive relationships with others.  Allison and Craig are inspired in their daily lives by a quote: “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”