Smith Family in Fort Worth, TX | Team Liam & End NF Feature | August 2015
This is Liam.
Brown eyes, sun kissed curls. Like his sisters, he is a beautiful combination of his parents.
Quiet but curious, in his 2 years Liam has seen a lot.
Born healthy and strong, a gift born on his Daddy’s birthday, just over 2 years ago.
Baby coos. Smiles. Healthy appetite… all until 4 months of age.
Then, without warning, illness after illness. Weight decline. No explanation.
Like all attentive parents, for 3 months, Cole & Durande sought answers. None came.
At 7 months, Cooks Children’s Hospital in Forth Worth tried to test for cystic fibrosis.
Liam was so dehydrated, they were unable to perform the tests.
Preparing to return home, an urgent call came in from one of the ER doctors.
A call that saved his life.
Liam spent the next 10 days in in the ICU receiving life-saving care.
… and finally… a diagnosis: Neurofibromatosis or “NF.”
Neurofibromatosis is a condition which
causes tumors to grow on the end of nerve cells.
Liam has NF¹ – which occurs in 1/3000 people.
Cole said his diagnosis was determined based on 3 things.
First, Liam was covered in what appeared to be brown moles, which are actually Neurofibromas, or benign growths.
Second, he had flat, Café-au-lait pigmented spots, named for their light tan color.
Lastly, Liam had an MRI which revealed a small brain lesion.
This is just one piece to Liam’s story.
He exhibits quiet strength and a deep knowing. This boy is made for greatness.
Daily life is shared with 2 adoring sisters, Eleyse and Nalayla.
He loves Eleyse’s arms and Nalayla’s smiles.
Elmo’s world. Bubbles… and smelling flowers. Liam, is a gentle and loving 2 year old boy.
I’m slightly obsessed with his curls:).
Daddy’s boy, 100%!
Cole and Durande have 3 of the most stunning children I’ve ever photographed.
Nalayla stood in front of the sun – and it kissed her hair.
These 2.
I’m just getting to know them… but their character and strength is remarkable.
I first noticed Cole on our neighborhood community Facebook page, of all places.
Admittedly, I don’t pay a lot of attention to it (sorry H.R. peeps:), but I kept seeing posts from Cole.
Someone was sick, she was coordinating donations for a gift basket.
A Mom has a new baby, she’s coordinating food delivery.
A neighbor’s birthday, she’s organizing a celebration.
Someone is discouraged, she comes with chocolates, hugs and a team of girlfriends to lift spirits.
This is who she is. She is a caregiver. A fighter. A survivor.
… and half the reason that Liam is made of such great stuff.
What God brings together, is so beautiful.
This beautiful family is spreading awareness about NF and fighting back by raising funds to find a cure.
You can help by donating, or participating in this year’s Children’s Tumor Foundation walk taking place in Dallas, TX, on October 3, 2015.
Consider joining them or supporting this worthy cause by visiting “Team Liam’s” page.
Because prayer is important to me, here are some things you can pray for:
in Cole’s words…
“He has monthly hospital appointments with oncologists, neurologists, GI ,
Ophthalmology and genetics doctors.
The oncologist is monitoring Liam’s white blood count for juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML).
The neurologist is following a tumor that Liam has growing on his left eye nerve.
It was growing at a slow rate, his 4th MRI this year in July showed the tumor is stable.
This allowed us to avoid chemo to stop it growing anymore and affecting vision.
In addition to all of this the NF has created delays for Liam.
He finally started walking a month before his 2nd birthday thanks to weekly physical therapy.
He has a speech and occupational therapist who assist Liam with his eating challenges.“
Prayer changes things. Action does too. The Smith family has decided that challenges are opportunities.
They are holding the gifts life gives… as precious. And making a difference, moment by moment.
I’m honored to share your story, Smith family.
And am grateful for the difference you are making.
With deep gratitude,
Kate
