Choosing Happiness...Another Victory for Victor

One of our studio families recently added another dimension to the love of family...in the form of an iPhone/ iPad app!
While some folks denounce newer technologies, saying that they are keeping us from old fashioned friendships and conversations, the Pauca family embraces these latest developments to improve on the way they communicate. Their son, Victor, has a rare genetic disorder, Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome that causes cognitive and physical impairments and other medical issues. His father, Paul, (along with a team of programming engineers) developed an application named "Verbal Victor" for the iPhone/Ipad that matches images with phrases so a person who has speech limitations can communicate their thoughts and wishes.
We met the Pauca family in 2006 when it was time for the newest member of their family, Victor, to have his first "real" portrait session. His sisters, Francesca & Sofia came along to be included in some of the portraits. They were so excited about their new brother and played with him like he was their favorite baby doll!

At that time, the family didn't know anything about Victor's condition, but soon after, his developmental delays led them to his diagnosis at age 2.
It is hard to imagine how difficult it was when they found out their child has an incurable condition that would profoundly affect him and the family, but the Pauca family is defined more by faith, love and happy times than a medical condition.

His sisters adore Victor and appreciate the joy he brings

Victor at age 4

In this article from Wake Forest University Magazine that tells more about Victor's condition and the iPhone/iPad app , Victor's mom, Theresa says “It helped us realize that happiness is a choice we make. We could choose to be bitter or to be better. We chose to be better.” That is the real victory for Victor and can inspire us all to make the same choice.

Proud grandparents from mom's side of the family...the Plemmons

Victor is now a pretty big boy, 6 years old in August and has just lost his two front teeth, so his smile has changed somewhat, but as you can see from these images, there is a lot to smile about with generations of love in this family!

3 generations of "Victors"

Sally's Angels...Meet Sally at Hip Chics on March 12!

Our next client story is one of those that comes from a difficult time that blossomed into an organization to help others in a similar situations.
Our "Baby's First Year" program is designed to show distinct developmental stages in portraits.Since Sally spent the the better part of her first couple of years of life in a hospital, we extended her Baby Plan to create a portrait history of those important milestones, no matter when they happened. This is not unusual for our babies with special needs.
What was unusual is that out of those struggles that the whole family went through with Sally's medical problems, they wanted to give back to others in appreciation for those who helped them so much ...so "Sally's Angels" became a reality.
As quoted in this month's Forsyth Family Magazine:
"Sally's Angels is a wonderful charity that was formed in 2006 in response to the need a group of women observed when Sally was born and spent most of her first year in the hospital. Seeing the needs of parents who have a sick child and the financial challenges they face, they founded Sally’s Angels. The charity has dedicated its mission to helping families with critically and chronically ill children through their journey.
Since their first year, they have raised and contributed over $100,000,with funds going to support families of children at Brenner Children’s Hospital, Forsyth Medical Center, the Ronald McDonald House of W-S and other local organizations."
Now that Sally is 6 yrs old, she one "hip chick", but tomorrow she will make an appearance at the Sally's Angels fundraiser that is being held in conjunction with Hip Chics 4th birthday celebration. There will be a live radio show with Truth Talk Live Station and even free pizza from Donato's Pizza! There are many more fun activities planned, but the best part is that during this event,  for every $50 spent, $5 will go directly to Sally’s Angels. If you spend $100, then $10 will go to the charity. Each donation will be written on pink Angel Wings to be displayed around the store! We are proud to support Sally's Angels and now, tomorrow, it will be even more fun! See you at Hip Chics in Clemmons!

We Love Our Buddies!

Despite some rainy weather, the Anne Grant Photography Crew got together with the Piedmont Downs Syndrome Support Network and participated in the 2008 Buddy Walk! This event raises money to support children with Downs Syndrome. Anne & Nolan even brought our studio mascots, Cooper & Otis, and wheeled them around Tanglewood in a wagon! They were outfitted with the latest in Buddy Walk gear - their own personal t-shirts!

Almost the whole Anne Grant team was there (Kirsten couldn't make it due to her childrens' affinity for soccer), and spouses and kids came too! Denise & Anne designed cool t-shirts for us, and even though they are a wee bit girly, Nolan and Ben wore them with pride!

and the sweet babies...