Gracelyn
Welcome to Gracelyn’s Winter Wonderland!
Our fourth Ray of Hope Portraits session was a magical Winter Wonderland with four-year-old, Gracelyn. This beautiful princess has been fighting B cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia for the last year. It was an absolute joy to put together a session that would help her and her family forget about all the hard things that have become normal and just shower her with love.
Before putting on her beautiful snow princess dress, Gracelyn enjoyed some glam time with the incredible Katie Cusick. To help her settle in, she got to snuggle the most darling princess doll from Dr. Angela Mooney of Wilma Jean Creations.
Then came the gorgeous blue dress, completed by the perfect faux fur wrap and sparkly, white headband.
Gracelyn twirled and posed gracefully in front of a beautifully designed wintery set with balloons, snowflakes, and even a snow machine. So much fun!
After we finished the first half, she changed into her personalized t-shirt from Jessica at Hood & Pine Boutique with perfectly matching sparkle leggings. She showed off her strength and charm in front of our Inspirational Words backdrop.
Next, she got to play with a darling ice cream cart and “dish up” ice cream cones for her brothers. The cherry on top? Enjoying real ice cream cones with her brothers.
It was such a joy to see Gracelyn’s family enjoy the experience as well. Gracelyn’s mom Megan shared with us, “From the moment we walked into the room I knew this day was about to be amazing. You made it so special for Gracelyn! From the glam session, to the beautiful dress, to the photos and creativity that went behind it. Gracelyn’s smile lit up the room and I can’t thank you enough for that!”
Her older brother, especially, kept careful watch over his little sister and barely left her side throughout the session. Towards the end of the session, Gracelyn’s grandparents joined us too for some sweet time and special pictures. This little warrior has the best support system.
We ended the session by gathering the volunteers around the family and praying for them. What a gift to have the opportunity to lift them up in prayer. It was a powerful, emotional, joyful and sacred day.
If you would like to follow Gracelyn’s ALL journey, you can request to join her Facebook group here.
Special thanks to…
The volunteers were an incredible group of loving ladies who took advantage of every single opportunity to serve and love Gracelyn and her entire family. Again, what a gift.
Many thanks to Melissa Andrew, Kelly Bates, Katie Cusick, Nancy Finsaas, Allison Foxworthy, Jamie Gallagher, Kristina Gershom, Kathi Hammer, Chelsea Hungate, Liz Long, Laura Rojas, Hillary Steffan, and Kari Timmerman.
