When I was pregnant, my daughter Ellie was diagnosed with Down syndrome and duodenal atresia. I'd heard of the first, but not the second.

About a year later, I was in touch with another mom, pregnant with a little boy with Down syndrome and duodenal atresia. I was able to share Ellie's story with her, and hear about little Alex.

Later, Alex was diagnosed with leukemia. Having lost a childhood friend to leukemia, this broke my heart for Alex and spurred me on to cheer for him. I wanted to take remission photos for Alex, because I care deeply for him and our whole Down syndrome community, and in honor of my old friend William.

Alex is a little warrior, and so is his mama. This session brought me so much joy, and I as cliche as it sounds, I am so blessed to be able to capture these moments.

Wire and Honey, a shirt shop I love, provided the black "I Rise" t-shirt. Capitol Maker created the "Done With Chemo" sign.

The shirt saying comes from a poem by Maya Angelou. While the poem is about the strength of a Black woman, it seems to have the perfect line for Alex. (And did you know that the disability rights movement stands on the shoulders of the civil rights movement?)

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear

I rise

Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear

I rise

Alex, we are sending you love and prayers and hopes for a wonderful, not-too-medical summer!