Smiles for Scarlette

As I sat writing my blog posts for this week I stared at the blank page with Tipton at the top wondering what to write.  This post is raw and from the heart as my heart is so heavy for this family.  This is not what I wanted to write about - I prayed so hard it would be different but its not....

I met Simone when she was all of 2 years old!  She was the most beautiful little girl in my Sunday School class and so funny!  We had to ditch the lesson once because at story time Simone told us all she had Beauty and the Beast panties and showed us! (sorry Simone!)  Then all the little girls in the circle had to share what panties they had on. I panicked a little at the though of what was happening.  What if, when asked after class by their parents what they learned, they all said what kind of panties everyone had on!  That's why I have always loved Simone!  She is strong, she is beautiful and she is funny!

Last November I did Simone's maternity shoot in San Juan Capistrano.  I was so excited for Matt and Simone to be having a little girl!  We had so much fun - laughed and joked a lot that day.  We joked at the end that Scarlette could be my first Tiny Footprints Project baby to shoot.  (Tiny Footprints does complementary photo sessions for families with babies in the NICU)  Since Kayden their son had come early and Scartlete was threatening to follow in her brothers footsteps it was a possibility.  That was a Saturday and Simone was in the hospital Monday in labor at 31 weeks.    

So I did all I knew how to do - I prayed.

Big brother Kayden

In and out of the hospital for the next few weeks but they managed to keep her cooking another month.  Somehow I knew something wasn't right.  I waited a day or so and contacted Catherine Simones mom to see if everything was ok...the answers were vague as to her condition but she had something wrong with her arm.    

So I did all I knew how to do  - I prayed.

Five months have passed and Scarlette has had several surgeries.  She was born with a large tumor in her arm and back.  The past 5 months have been a roller coaster ride for the family.  Scarlette has spent more time in the hospital than out in her short 5 months.  Things were looking up with the last surgery.  They were able to remove much of the tumor in her back and for the first time since birth she had a normal back.  Last week Matt and Simone got news no parent should have to hear especially with a 5 month old - the tumor was malignant - Sarcoma of some sort.  Another vague answer.  Her condition is so rare that the doctors say there will be books written about her.

Sheltraw girls visiting (photo credit Tom Sheltraw)

Praying without ceasing - I am doing all I know how to do.  I have had many sleepless nights praying for this sweet smiling baby!  While my heart breaks for Matt and Simone and the family, I know they are strong.  I know that their faith will carry them on this long road.  

If you would like to help the family on this journey please visit their website on Youcaring.com.  You can also follow their Facebook page here Smiles With Scarlette.  Please share their story as they are praying someone out there may have answers.  The internet can be awesome like that!

Simone's blog can be found here.

Praying without ceasing......