Thank you all for reading and forwarding our contest to your friends. As I mentioned earlier last week, Chris and I have been touched by your stories and definitely know that you are not alone. We posted the little survey asking whether or not you knew a special needs family – and not one person said “no.” In fact, everyone but one has a direct friend that they know that’s impacted.

We know that there are TONS more deserving families out there that didn’t get nominated. But Chris and I secretly were glad that only two found their way to the blog….because how can we possibly pick between two deserving families? We can’t…but we can award both families with complimentary sittings!!!!! YEAH!!! You both deserve it SO much. We want to bless you with pictures that will caputre the spirit of your children – and help you share that wonder with all of your friends and family!!!!

So Christina and the Collier family, give me a call to set it up: 925-586-7145. Just ask for Sara

We have truly been blown away by the stories that you all have sent us. Thanks for sharing and helping us – and everyone else reading -understand what it’s like to be in your shoes. We really do admire you!

We know that there are lots more deserving families – so please nominate them! Chris and I don’t want this to just be about the contest, it’s about helping others understand the trials and challenges you bravely face each day. So the more stories, the better! Submit your nominations by posting a comment to this post.

And, if you are reading this wondering what you can do, why not donate a sitting? Chris and I will give the 30 image CD with the $200 price of a regular sitting. We’d love to have lots of winners! Send us an e-mail if you want to help out in that capacity.

Meet Jake.

Jake is a vibrant 2 year old. He loves to climb (anything), wrestle with his dad, and play with cars. Jake adores Sierra (their dog) but is even more adored by his mamma, one of my best friends, Danielle.

Jake is more than what his parents ever expected. Like all new parents, they were not expecting to feel such deep love, sleep so little, and endure so much for this tiny little baby. But their idea of what it meant to be parents had to change from what they expected in a different way as well. About 6 months ago, doctors determined that Jake is a child with autism. They weren’t expecting that.

The statistics have been front and center in the media these days. 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with this disorder. Yeah – that’s right – 1 in 150 children!!! But for me and Chris, it’s been much closer to home than that. Its our old high school friends. Its those that stood next to us the day we were wed. Its our own family members who have had the unexpected challenge of this diagnosis.

These parents are our heroes. They have all done whatever it took to bring to their children every available and necessary resource – be it battle insurance, fight for medical treatment, or keep the dream of potty training alive. I know from talking to Danielle that everyday is hard – and beautiful at the same time. And its those beautiful moments that let her come up for air – so she can go back under and fight again.

But what really broke my heart (call me shallow and superficial) was that getting professional portraits of Jake had been a nightmare. These were basically the first ones that really captured who he is – and those beautiful moments she craves. I can’t imagine.

So I’ve been thinking about what I can do to honor and support these families. And get ready for this… you guessed it! I want to take their pictures ☺ (You all saw that coming, though, didn’t you!) And then I thought – why don’t we use the kick off of our blog to do just that! So here’s the deal.

We want you to nominate a family with a special needs child (it doesn’t have to be autism) who would go bonkers over the opportunity to indulge their family with professional pictures. Pictures that, maybe, for the first time, would capture those beautiful moments. Then, on October 15 we’ll announce the winner. They’ll receive a free sitting with me and 30 images on a CD – something I never do for typical sittings but feel compelled to do for this special family!

I know you all know someone who deserves this. Just post a comment below letting me know who they are and why they deserve it. We can’t wait to hear their stories! And then be sure to subscribe to this blog and check back often so you can receive the updates on who has been selected! October 15 is just around the corner so post soon!!!