These Two Brothers

Posted on December 31, 2019 by Lindsey

A few months ago, Laura reached out to me. She had a special request for a portrait session. She wanted to celebrate a one year anniversary. A year since one of her sons saved the other one’s life through bone marrow donation.

Rather than posting a few teasers on my Facebook page, I thought these boys and this family needed their story told. And Laura very kindly obliged, when I asked her to tell their tale.

Blake got sick out of the blue on Easter Sunday 2018. Before all of this he was a completely healthy kid. He was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis. He probably got a virus and his body went crazy and started attacking his liver. About 6 months later whatever was attacking his liver started attacking his bone marrow. He was diagnosed with hepatitis induced aplastic anemia and had to have a bone marrow transplant. He needed to have a sibling match in order to go that route. Both his twin sister and younger brother were tested and his brother was a complete match. There is about a 25% chance for a sibling match. Jack was more than ready and willing to do this. On December 10, 2018 Jack came to the hospital for the bone marrow harvest and Blake got his cells that day. Blake is now 1 year post transplant and is doing wonderful! We see more and more of Blake’s normal personality every day.

I wanted to have these pictures done to show the significance of what Jack did for Blake and to truly capture the bond they will forever have. We also surprised our family with the pictures and gave it to them at a party to celebrate Blake’s one year anniversary.

When I arrived for their portrait session, I was greeted by three smiling kiddos: Super Hero and bone marrow donor, Jack; curly-haired, big brother to Jack, twin to Ashlyn, marrow recipient, and Survivor, Blake; and Ashlyn, Jack’s big sister and Blake’s twin. All three were ready for their close-ups (even Ashlyn, who was fresh from her soccer game.)

Super Hero, Jack

Super Survivor, Blake

We had a few giggles and made a whole bunch of awesome.

b (5) b (6) b (7)

This was one of those wonderful days.

-Lindsey

Meet John.

Posted on November 9, 2019 by Lindsey

John is Jill’s father.

And Jill is a dear friend of mine. Jill and I met many years ago at the Asian Food Festival (she is a FANTASTIC henna artist, you should check her out -> Jaiswal Designs.) We came together over the years to collaborate on our Henna for Heroines project (you should also check that out.)

But this isn’t about us. This is about John.

I met John this past week, down on his farm in Butler, Kentucky. I was invited down to capture some images of John on his farm, hanging out with family members, showing off some farm equipment, and introducing me to some farm animals. If you’ve ever seen “A Dog’s Purpose” or “A Dog’s Journey,” John even has his own “Boss Dog.”

“John Acton, age 82 is a two-time cancer survivor. He has been a farmer all of his life. Born and raised on a farm in Butler, Kentucky, he went on to buy his own farm of 120 acres in the same town. For 30 years he also worked all over the country for AT&T and served 30 years in the Army Reserve retiring as a First Sergeant. He has spent his retirement working his farm of cows, horses, ducks, chickens, donkeys and goats. He still lives with four generations of his family in his 150 year old farmhouse house that he rehabbed himself. Although he recently lost his wife of 55 years, he is the father of four, grandfather of six and great-grandfather of ten. He still likes to spend his days driving around on his farm on his beloved John Deere Tractor or riding around his hills on his gator with his great-grandkids and his favorite dog, Sydney, riding shotgun.”

-Jill, the farmer’s daughter

Natalie.

Posted on September 30, 2017 by Lindsey

quin·ce·a·ñe·ra

ˌkinsāənˈyerə/

noun

(in Latin America and among Latinos) a celebration of a girl’s fifteenth birthday and her transition from childhood to adulthood, typically involving a mass followed by a party.

My neighbor turned 15 this week.

When I think back on previous birthdays, I cannot recall my 15th. I remember my yearbook picture from that year. I can remember the music I was listening to and the movies I was watching. But I cannot recall the event of my actual birthday (sorry Mom.) Now, my 16th… that one I remember. But I digress.

My neighbor, Natalie turned 15 this week. And this milestone is one that stick around in her memory for quite some time. Her 15th is wrapped in Latin American traditions and celebrated with one heck of a party.

On Thursday evening, friends and family gathered to honor the birthday girl and celebrate Natalie’s quinceañera at the Marmalade Lily, in Loveland, Ohio. Guests dined on Puerto Rican cuisine and birthday cake; raised their glasses to several heartfelt and anecdotal toasts from family members; and bore witness to the changing of her shoes. She had a close-knit court of friends, one gorgeous gown, and let me tell you about her Chucks!

The father-daughter dance was followed by a “Happy Birthday” singalong, a beautifully delivered speech from Natalie, and a choreographed number performed by her court. Oh! and another rendition of “Happy Birthday” for Natalie’s fellow court member/bestie that shares the same date. It was a fun time for all.

Happy Birthday Natalie! Please enjoy!

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A Collaboration for an Extra Special Crown

Posted on August 24, 2014 by Lindsey

2 years ago, while covering the Asian Food Fest in Cincinnati, I met Jill Jaiswal. Jill is a henna artist with Jaiswal Design, and like myself, she enjoys donating her talents throughout the community.

On several occasions, Jill and I discussed joining forces to reach out to cancer patients within our communities. Inspired by similar organizations, we’d hoped to provide portrait sessions to patients that would capture beauty during a not so beautiful moment in their lives. Alongside the picture taking, Jill would provide a therapeutic henna session, featuring henna designs and applications at the individual’s discretion.

This is Ira. (Ira happens to be friends with Jill.)

Ira was diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer on February 26th, 2014.

And Ira agreed to be the face of our “Henna for Heroines” project!

So, on a sunny Sunday in May, a bunch of people met in historic downtown Milford, at The Picture Party Place studio. Alongside myself, Jill, and Ira, we were joined by photographer and owner of The Picture Party Place, Caroline; make-up artist, Kendall; videographer and founder of Charity Media Cincinnati, Mike; and Gillian, Ira’s teenage daughter. Everyone gathered to volunteer up their time, and donate their talents to bring our very first “Henna for Heroines” portrait session together. The day was simply awesome.

And so here she is!

www.eclecticallyforyou.com/henna

So now we are putting this collaboration out there to hopefully bring more people in. And at the very least, to inspire…

To nominate a survivor for a “Henna for Heroines” session, please click here.

If you are planning to walk at this year’s Race for the Cure on September 14th, please make sure to stop by my booth, say “Hi!” to my grandma, and maybe get a bit of henna art from Jill. And make sure to watch for Ira and her posse, as she takes part in her first Komen walk. *If you haven’t registered yet, make sure to use coupon code: Eclectically2014 to save $10.

“Thank You!”
-to Jill for your amazing artistry and wonderful nature.
-to Caroline for opening up your studio and keeping my pregnant butt company (ice cream and all.)
-to Mike for documenting the day and talking lenses with me.
-to Kendall for making a beautiful woman feel even more beautiful.
-to Ira for sharing her story and her beauty.