Laura Winslow Photography {phoenix's modern photographer}

 {Read on for all the ways that you can help Broxton + sign up for The Run for Broxton}

Meet Broxton.

A darling just-turned two year old, completely and utterly adored by his family. Soft, whispy dark blonde hair, long eyelashes and an innate sweetness about him.  You can’t help but want to hold him.

The amazing bond between Broxton and his big brother is so incredible to witness, full of sweet tenderness and protection.

Broxton is a special gem in this world.  His sweet soul is full of life, but his small little body is hurting.

Broxton has Batten Disease and has recently been put on Hospice care.

Batten Disease is a rare genetic disorder in which affected children suffer mental impairment, worsening seizures, and progressive loss of sight and motor skills.  Eventually, children with Batten Disease become blind, bedridden, and unable to communicate, and it is presently always fatal.  The Infantile form of Batten Disease begins between the ages of 6 months and 2 years and progresses rapidly.  Affected children fail to thrive, have abnormally small heads, and typically have short, sharp muscle contractions.  Initial signs of this disorder include delayed psycho-motor development with progressive deterioration, other motor disorders, or seizures,  The infantile form has the most rapid progression and children live into their mid-childhood years. 

{source | the Batten Disease Support and Research Foundation web site}

You can read about Broxton and the Taylor family’s journey on their Caringbridge site HERE.

Imagine for a moment (because unless you have gone through this, we will never really fully understand beyond imagining) as a parent, having a little one year old full of life–walking, talking and smiling. Then, one day things begin to change and suddenly that child loses the ability to walk, to talk, to smile, to eat…this is the world that the Taylor family lives in. Just this past June, Broxton was diagnosed with Batten Disease, and in the just over six months since, their whole universe has changed.

Wouldn’t you do everything in your power to help your child? Knowing the raw love that comes with being a parent, doesn’t your heart hurt? Don’t you want to do everything you can–big or small–to help this family? To help little Broxton? To help other little ones suffering from this horrible disease?

The Run for Broxton is an event that will take place in Gilbert at Freestone park in just a few short weeks on Sunday, February 12, 2012. We would LOVE you to help this family with medical bills, with the cost of care and also help other little ones that have Batten Disease.

Simply CLICK HERE to sign up for the run. It would be such a show of community support if you did. The price is so reasonable–$15 for a 1 mile walk/run or $25 for a 5K.

Can’t make the race but want to donate? Simply CLICK HERE to take you to the direct donation site.

Ways You can Help Broxton:

~ Sign up for the Run for Broxton

~Donate directly to Broxton

~Share this blog post via Facebook or Email

~Leave words of encouragement to the Taylor family on this blog post

~Pray and/or send positive thoughts to the Taylor family

I urge you to help in any way you can, even if it is just to share this blog post to spread the word or to learn more, or to leave sweet words of encouragement. Thank you, thank you!!

Special Child

You weren’t like other children,

And God was well aware,

You’d need a caring family,

With love enough to share.

And so He sent you to us,

And much to our surprise,

You haven’t been a challenge,

But a blessing in disguise.

Your winning smiles and laughter,

The pleasures you impact,

Far outweigh your special needs,

And melt the coldest heart.

We’re proud that we’ve been chosen,

To help you learn and grow,

The job that you have brought us,

Is more than you can know.

A precious gift from Heaven,

A treasure from above,

A child who’s taught us many things,

But most of all – “Real Love”.

~sharon harris

xoxo,

laura