When I saw this image on my newsfeed by Kyla Rae Photography I felt goosebumps run up my arms. Many times it is hard to convey awareness for a cause and a family's personal journey when one of their children has Spina Bifida. In one single image, Kyla told Loxley's story and has raised awareness of Spina Bifida across the web to tens of thousands in just 24 hours.
Loxley's story...At their 20-week check-up appointment, the Berg family received some very exciting news, they were expecting another little boy but the exciting news was also accompanied by overshadowing news, their special little boy had Spina Bifida. The family now faced with the unimaginable had to make some choices quickly. They were given only 2-weeks before flying off to Philadelphia for fetal surgery. Mom and dad were forced to leave their jobs and their 4-year-old son was left behind with family for 4 long months. This journey was heartbreaking but the surgery and long stay in Philadelphia were necessary until the baby could be delivered via C-section. It was all a success and little Loxley made it until his delivery date on September 1st. He is beautiful and perfect in every way! Though he spent many weeks in the NICU and will most likely have many hurdles to overcome, he is doing wonderfully so far.
While Kristen (Loxley's mother) was spending her days in the hospital on bed rest, she came across an image that she wanted to be re-created of her precious boy. That is where Kyla Rae Photography stepped in to the story. The photography session was all set up by Loxley's aunt. She contacted Kyla via email with their story and the mothers request to celebrate her newborn and the journey it had taken their family on. The story touched Kyla's heart and she was honored to be considered.
While the image mom wanted was wonderful, Kyla wanted to create something unique to their journey as a family. Kyla spent weeks trying to imagine what she wanted this to look like but nothing felt right. It wasn't until the night before their session when it finally came to her, creativity swept into her soul. Kyla wanted to show the strength all 4 of them had shown through the journey of baby Loxley. With dad's lower hand as the foundation holding the weight of little Loxley and upper hand steadying him, mom's gentle hands cradling the newborn with love and protection, and big brother Stellan laying a soft hand of support. All these hands are symbolic of the Berg's journey together and the challenges they will continue to overcome.
This single one image tells the Spina Bifida journey of baby Loxley and his family to the world and what I found even more special was the addition of the bracelets worn by the Berg family represent Spina Bifida awareness.
For more information about Spina Bifida visit http://spinabifidaassociation.org/am/
http://spinabifidaassociation.org/about-sba/ribbon/
The Artist:
www.kylaraephotography.com
About the Artist: My name is Kyla and I own Kyla Rae Photography. I was born and raised here in North Dakota. I am married to the most amazing man. I truly believe that my husband awoke a spark in me the day I met him. I turned into a very optimistic person who sees beauty around every corner. Even at our worst, I am always remembering the things to be thankful for. My heart nearly explodes when I sit back and look at my life. We have a blended family of yours, mine, and ours with 7 kids. We have been called the modern day Brady bunch and it always makes us smile. When my husband and I got married in 2013, he pushed me to pursue my love of photography and turn it into a career. I have never regretted it!
My favorite phrase is “life is beautiful” and I mean it. I made it my mission to show others just how true that is through my photography. I also know that life is precious and I want to capture every moment of it for others. I grow every day in my work and I push myself to keep learning. I have come a long way in the last few years and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon. I keep pretty busy between the kids and my career but I have a husband who makes a pretty sweet sidekick in all of this!
Kyla Rae Photography has won the Parents' Choice Award by Beauty & Lifestyle Mommy Magazine and is a member of The Motherhood Society, a vetted & verified community of elite photographers nationwide.
More info: kylaraephotography.com
Loxley's Spina Bifida Journey
