Hunter's Story

Images Captured by Plus One Photography

http://www.plusonephotography.com/

Tiny Light Hunter is a happy eight year old boy who constantly inspires his loved ones, especially his mother Rachel and sister Jade. Hunter's smile and laughter are contagious, as is his enthusiasm for life.

Hunter's challenges started as a newborn, when he was having as many as 20 seizures a day. At just eight weeks, he was diagnosed with a seizure disorder and placed in an induced coma to help control the seizures. Five weeks later he was released, with doctors delivering the heart-breaking news that he would never meet "normal" milestones.

For Hunter's mother Rachel, the prognosis left her in disbelief, and wondering, "Why me?" But over time, she has learned to take one day at a time and focus on Hunter's happiness. Despite having epilepsy and global developmental delay, Hunter can now crawl, sit on his own and walk with assistance. He loves swimming, going on a swing and watching fireworks.

Hunter is still non-verbal, unable to feed himself and requires a wheelchair. Fortunately, friends and family have rallied together in support of this Tiny Light. And with their ongoing help, Hunter's mom believes her son will remain happy and healthy, and continue to inspire everyone he meets.

written by Catherine Urquhart

Nolan's Story

Images captured by Lynne Williams Photography

www.lynnewilliamsphotography.ca

It’s not about limitations, it’s all about possibilities for Tiny Light Nolan and his parents. Nolan just turned 4 years old and he is thriving, proving all the doctors wrong with his determination and resilience.

Nolan was born premature at a wee 3 pounds 13 ounces. He spent more than six months in the NICU battling a number of complications including stop-breathing episodes, which required resuscitation. He has since been diagnosed with several conditions including Cerebral Palsy, low muscle tone, epilepsy and global developmental delay. This has meant four surgeries and countless medical appointments.

While it has been heartbreaking for Anna and John to see their son in pain, they focus on the small victories every day. “Nolan is our miracle baby. We do not define him by his diagnosis and truly believe he is meant to be as he is.” Although he can’t talk, this resourceful little boy has been able to find ways to communicate. He rolls his eyes away when he wants you to stop, a shoulder shrug means he’s full, and a cluck of the tongue is for a sip of water.

This Tiny Light is all smiles when enjoying a dance with mom or dad. He also loves the swings and playing in the water. No one knows what the future holds for Nolan, but this family is firmly focused in living in the present. “Take each day, one at a time, and be thankful for the little moments and little successes because when you look back, they may be the big ones.”

Carson's Story

Images Captured by Cormack Photography

That big beautiful smile hides a mischievous side of Tiny Light Carson.  Turns out this 6 year old is a thrill seeker who likes sledding and rides that spin.  And for his parents Ronan and Shyla, Carson’s journey has been a whirlwind too.


Three weeks before his due date, an ultrasound showed enlarged ventricles in Carson’s brain.  Shyla says, “The hardest time of our lives so far was when we were forced to contemplate what life would be like without our precious child while he fought to survive several life-threatening seizures and respiratory infections.”


It took four years and many genetic tests before doctors were able to diagnose his extremely rare condition.  Carson has 1q 44 terminal deletion, which means he is missing genetic material at the end of his 1^st chromosome.  He lives with a global developmental delay, a seizure disorder and a swallowing dysfunction that requires him to be fed through a tube.  


The family has not just survived, they have thrived.  Carson is loved by everyone who meets him and he serves as inspiration for the entire community.  This Tiny Light is making big strides – he just learned to walk in August.  His parents have big hopes for their affectionate son.  He now goes to school with his big brother…maybe they’ll graduate high school together down the road.  “We spent the first few years not daring to dream, but now we are strong and so is our vision for Carson’s future.”


Written by Elaine Yong