connolly family- photo session give away

A few months back I offered a family photo session give away to a deserving family. I read many beautiful letters, but there was something about Courtney's letter that got to me. We have a been touched by cancer one way or another. A few weeks ago I had the honour of meeting the amazing Connolly family. Here is the letter and a few from our fun shoot.

I’m not sure where to begin with my explanation of the family I believe deserves this beautiful gift. 

The Connolly family has been an integral part of my life since before I was born.  Heather (whom I affectionately refer to at Mom#2) has been best friends with my Mom for over 25 years.  Together with her husband Tim, Heather had two beautiful children Sarah and Shauna who I played with as a child, and would grow to call each two of my very best friends.  The Connolly household was always one of fun and fanfare; with a beautiful back yard and a keen knack for entertaining, summer and wintertime get togethers alike were always spent at the Connolly’s.  And I’m not just talking my family, The Connolly’s opened their home to anyone of their girls friends; I’m sure Sarah and Shauna’s friends shared more secrets and tears with Heather and Tim than they did to their own families!!  The Connolly’s house felt like home to anyone who stepped foot in the front door.  What's more is that their continued love and acceptance of all was never at a cost to the close relationships and bonds fostered between each of them in the immediate family; from a skinned knee to a broken heart, The Connolly family came together to support each other, and somehow lift the pain away.

Less than 12 months ago, Tim was diagnosed with Cancer.  At first it appeared as a small shadow on his Liver which they immediately identified as a tumor, then to all of our relief, the doctors remitted their diagnosis and claimed the shadow to be mere blood vessels; however this relief did not last long, it was shortly thereafter that the Doctors realized their mistake, and the Chemo Therapy began. 

To anyone that has had a loved one battle cancer, and seen the results of how Chemo Therapy truly assaults your body…you can only imagine how this affected their lives.  But in true Connolly fashion, the family turned inwards, and supported each other and Tim on every step of this journey. 

As of today, the tumor has shrunk enough and Tim will soon be added to the Liver Transplant list. All positive things, but still not a cure.

The hard reality of this situation is that Tim doesn’t have an unlimited amount of time to watch his new Grandson (Evan Timothy born October 2011) grow.  And his loving and amazing family do not have an unlimited amount of time to spend with Tim.  This is why today I am submitting The Connolly family as candidates for your amazing gift.  I have experienced firsthand the beauty that is your photography; I have experienced the fun involved spending a few hours with you capturing still beauty.  I want them to have not only the gift of these beautiful photographs that can be looked back on for years to come; but also the gift of the memories that will be created in their minds spending a day of smiles, with you on the other side of a lens.

Courtney xo