benefit for lauryn freundl - saturday may 3

Spaghetti Dinner/Silent Auction
Sat, May 3^rd, 2008 6-8pm
St. Mary’s School, Owatonna, MN

lauryn freundl is an amazing, beautiful girl who was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type I (or sma) on sept. 2007 when she was only 4 months old.

sma is a genetic disease characterized by the dramatic loss of spinal cord motor neurons which causes muscle weakness, atrophy, paralysis - and in the worst cases - the loss of the ability to swallow and breathe. it is not as rare of a disorder as many people might think. approximately 1 in 6000 babies born are affected, and about 1 in 40 people are genetic carriers. sma type I is the the leading genetic killer of children under the age of two.

lauryn had surgery to place a feeding tube and also sleeps with a breathing machine at night. her parents take turns working during the week so one of them can be at home to care for lauryn and her big sister, natalie. their home has needed to be renovated and they have needed to purchased a larger vehicle in order to accommodate lauryn’s needs. to help lauryn's family, her aunt april who was married last may , along with her family, have helped organize a benefit for lauryn and her family to help with these costs. as april says, "she continues to light up our lives with her smiles and giggles and we continue to pray for a miracle everyday!"

i am so fortunate that i was able to visit lauryn and her family at their home outside of des moines, iowa and see what a beautiful little girls she and her big sister natalie are and see how much love fills their home.

the sisters:

it was a pretty eventful day at their home as lauryn received a wheelchair that was custom to fit her size and mobility. here is her big sister helping her out:
lauryn was a little cautious of the stranger in her house with the big camera on such a busy day. here she is warming up a bit and flashing those beautiful brown eyes:

lauryn and her dad:

she adores elmo and her face just lights up when she sees that cute red guy:

natalie is a natural in front of the camera:

and catching some air:

watching her sister as she takes a nap in her room, fitted with the BiPAP breathing machine.

sisters being silly:

thanks for making me feel so welcome and letting me photograph such precious little girls. i look forward to seeing you this weekend! to read more about lauryn and see some more pictures, including her elmo-themed first birthday party, visit their caring bridge site:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/laurynfreundl

again, the benefit is this saturday may 30 in owatonna at saint mary's school located on 730 south cedar. donations are accepted and there also will be a silent auction. i will also be making a $20 donation for every children's portrait session that is booked in may to lauryn and her family.