Something I’ve learned over the last several years is that the world is truly much smaller than we think. Lives cross paths and because of the internet, we form relationships with people whom we may never see face to face. I’ve talked about this briefly before, but I want to share a bit about some really special people.
I was in 6th grade when my cousin Travis was diagnosed with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD). It’s a mouthful and the chances that you’ve heard of it might be slim to none. Basically it’s a terminal disease. It’s progressive and there isn’t a cure. Not much time passed before his younger brother Spencer was diagnosed with the same disease. It was such a shock for our family, and hard to believe that we’d eventually lose both boys. We were blessed to have Travis in our lives for 18 years and Spencer for 15. Even through their silence, those boys taught many life lessons … lessons that eventually shaped my own values as a parent.
Unfortunately, MLD is still being diagnosed in children today. Eliza Williams celebrates her sixth birthday today (March 4). I can’t say I’ve ever known a kinder person than her mom, Nikki. Take some time to look at Eliza’s site. Her family is doing awesome things to spread awareness, including libraries in doctors’ offices throughout Utah. Such an incredible family! Pop over to Facebook and wish her a Happy 6th Birthday!!
In a recent post on a photography forum, I learned that Nebraska photographer Amy Price’s two youngest children have also been diagnosed with MLD. Liviana is three and Giovanni is 1. You can read about their journey here. They are currently in Italy where Giovanni is undergoing experimental therapy to stop the progression of the disease. It involves chemotherapy and a long stay in the hospital. In the meantime, Liviana is receiving care but has progressed too far to undergo the same therapy as her baby brother. They also have two older children who are adapting to life in new place. I have four kids. Picking up and moving would be tough. Picking up and moving to a different country to seek medical care … I can’t really imagine.
One of Amy’s posts really got me thinking. How could I possibly help this family? Both parents have put their careers on hold and finances are tough to say the least. That’s where I come in. I’m just a designer, but surely I can put these skills to work for Giovanni and Liviana. Right? I just need your help and know that photographers like making their job a little easier by using templates for their clients.
I’ve created a set of five templates (value $50): the Giovanni, Liviana, Eliza, Travis and Spencer. It’s a mix but they’d be great for birth announcements, graduation, seniors or just everyday cards. All are designed for WHCC specs. They are the boutique cards but you can also print as a regular flat card. You can use these cards for your clients, sessions and/or personal use. I just ask that you give a minimum of a $10 donation to the Price family. The donate link below will take you to my Paypal address, but 100% of the proceeds will be sent to Amy and her family. I will send the link to download the templates when I receive your receipt. Keep in mind that I’m in the US in CST if it takes a bit to receive. If you aren’t interested in the templates but would like to help, the Price family has a button on their blog and the funds go directly to their account. I’m handling sending the templates because Amy is in the hospital with Giovanni and is a pretty busy mama!
MLD is something that has had an impact on my life and continues to affect families today. I’d be honored if you were able to help the Price family. If you have any questions feel free to email me at kim@madiludesigns.com. Please feel free to spread the word and link this post on your sites as well. Thank you so, so much from the bottom of my heart. To quote Amy, “Hug your babies!”
