{ashtyn | utah childhood cancer photographer}

This is Ashtyn and I am blessed and lucky to call her my friend. I have known her since she was born. My husband and I met her parents when we moved next door into our first apartment as newlyweds. 14 years ago! We became bosom friends. When Ashtyn and her 2 siblings were babies and toddlers they filled up a big hole in our hearts caused by infertility. We loved them like our own children. Years have passed and life is busy, distance in miles has come between us, we have had 4 children of our own (hole in heart is gone thank you to the heavens!) – but we will ALWAys have a special place in our heart for these children. When Ashtyn was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia this past February, our hearts were broken and humbled in prayer for this sweet girl. The things Ashtyn at 12 years old has endured will be more than many of us endure and overcome in a lifetime. Her current health and continued life has only come about with modern medicine and lots and lots and lots of prayers and faith. If you want to be inspired and strengthened, read her story in her own and her mother’s heartfelt words at Ashtyn’s Army.

Ashtyn was recovering from her chemo and bone marrow transplant and was barely home from the hospital when she asked me to capture her in photographs. I really have never felt more honored as a photographer. Not honored that I was asked, but honored that I had the privilege of spending time with her and photographing her at this significant moment in her life. She had beat cancer. Overcome the odds. Was living proof of miracles. When I was alone with her in the room I really felt like I was with an angel. I know that’s what an angel would be like. I asked her to write a few things on paper. She couldn’t write so I wrote for her. After all the pain, grief, and trial she’s endured, she told me to write, “God is Good.” What an example. She walked into my studio as feeble as a 95 year old lady. She had her throw up bag next to her the whole time. We took lots of breaks for rest. In the picture by the tree we were cheering and screaming “you beat cancer!!” – it took her all the energy she could muster to lift her arms up high. It was the middle of Summer and she was shivering with cold and needed a blanket. Yet! Yet here is this 12 year old girl, with a smile on her face and a true sparkle in her eyes. Angel Sparkle!! Like I said, lucky to know her, lucky to spend the evening with her.

I love you Ashtyn. You have made more of an impact on my life than you could ever know. Now you go girl and travel many more roads and watch many more sunsets! You Are Strong.