Sunday 17th July 2011
by bitna
Justice was born with a disease called Biliary Atresia, which impairs liver function. When he was barely six months old, he received his liver transplant. According to his mom Sheryl, “everything Justice has done from that point on is by the grace of God and because of His gift of life. His team of docs told us there was no way he would see his first birthday without a transplant. That would have meant no first tooth, no first words, and no first steps or first haircut…instead, we got it all. Every precious moment for the past nine years.”
When I arrived at the park for the photo session, Justice and his little brother Thomas greeted me with rosy cheeks and eagerness to talk to me about…well, everything! Little Thomas couldn’t wait to show off his ninja moves–apparently, Power Rangers is popular again. Justice is now nine and a half years old, and seems to enjoy everything about being a boy. He knew every nook and cranny of the park, and he was an awesome guide as we explored the park. I loved photographing Justice’s shy smile and confident eyes, and Thomas’ infectious giggles. The boys were promised slurpees for their cooperation, and I hope the boys went home with the Big Gulp in their hands.
Tags: boys, Donate Life Northwest, kids, portrait, Second Chances Project