Tiny Light Alex

Images Captured By Lifestreet Photography

Tiny Light Alex is happiest when he is surrounded by people, whether at school or at home. Though he can’t talk, he can certainly communicate with smiles, laughter and lots of hugs.

Alex was diagnosed at one month of age with a rare genetic disorder called “mosaic ring chromosome 22q13 deletion”. This means he is missing part of his genetic material, causing both mental and physical development delays. Parents Sharon and Gerhard were stunned, and the news has been especially difficult for Alex’s older sister and brother Stephanie and Marcus to understand.

The tough journey has also brought so much joy to this family. 6-year old Alex loves wrestling with his dad and siblings. He could spend all day at the playground going down the slide and he is learning soccer moves from his brother. His new favourite toy is a special tricycle built by dad. Alex can say “mama” and “dada”, which is beautiful to hear.

Now, it’s impossible to imagine life without this Tiny Light. “Alex is exactly the way we are supposed to be. He does not care if you jump ahead of him in the lineup. You can be angry with him and the first thing he will want is a hug. Imagine this world if we could be even slightly like that. It would be like heaven wouldn’t it?”

Story By Elaine Yong

Meet tiny light Logan

Images Captured by Mercedes Leung Photography

From the moment he was born, Tiny Light Logan has been surprising everyone with his achievements. He wasn’t supposed to survive yet he has thrived. He wasn’t supposed to see yet he does. He wasn’t supposed to walk yet it’s now impossible to slow him down. This determined boy has shown everyone how each moment is so precious.

At 8 months of pregnancy, parents Renee and Alan found out their baby’s brain never fully developed in utero. Doctors urged them to terminate because they did not think the child would survive long after birth.  The family decided not to listen to that advice. Logan was born with a number of medical challenges, including a growth hormone deficiency called panhypopituitarism. He also had hydrocephalus – a buildup of fluid in the skull – and he was blind at birth.

Logan is now 12 years old and succeeding at school. He has mental and physical challenges, but he never gives up.  “He goes through his surgeries with such strength and hope. It teaches us such important lessons about life.” Logan also brings so much laughter to his family with his wicked sense of humour. This funny guy loves to use his imagination to play pretend, spend time outdoors and help out with chores.

The future is a great worry for Logan’s mom and dad. They hope their son leads a full life surrounded by happiness. Already, this Tiny Light is doing just that, one small success at a time.

Written by Elaine Yong