As you may know, I write for Great News Publishing each month.  I received an email from the publisher a couple weeks ago asking if I would be interested in visiting Amie and her family.  This was a very special photo shoot and I would like to share a bit of her story with you.

Amie and Dave have three beautiful girls, ages 13, 9 and 4.  The family of 5 moved to Calgary from the North of England in 2014.  They all fell in love with Alberta and were so excited to start their new life here.

In June of 2015, Amie discovered a lump under her armpit within her left breast.  A mammogram and ultrasound confirmed her worst fears-breast cancer.  Further tests confirmed it to be a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer, HER2 triple negative.  Amie began treatment in July of chemotherapy and herceptin every 3 weeks for 6 rounds.  Once complete, she had a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.  Amie struggled with the day to day activities of a young mother and the demands that come with the circumstance.

Amie and David's relief was short lived when a lump was discovered on Amie's collarbone in January of 2016, once again it was stage 4.  Amie resumed chemo treatments and has added natural treatments to go alongside them.

One effect the medication has had recently has been repeated seizures, preventing her from driving.

When I walked into the home of Amie and David, I was greeted with 5 big smiles.  The house is filled with love, including the wall full of pictures in yellow frames in the living room.  Photos also decorate the modern looking dining room, which is a very clean white with orange accents.  The girls have pet fish which they promised to take care of (though cleaning often falls on mom and dad).  The family love living in Arbour Lake.  They moved out of the area for a short time but missed the lake access too much and moved right back.  Amie said she was prepared for the dreaded Canadian winter but told me it hasn't been as bad as they expected.  They are all very happy to be in Calgary and wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

Amie feels very fortunate to have had her Alberta Heathcare go through just in time.  Unfortunately the insurance does not cover all the financial burden the cancer has left this family.  If you are able, I encourage you to donate to Amie's gofundme page.  Proceeds go towards her treatments.  Please visit http://www.gofundme.com/8wsn6524

I feel very honored to be asked to capture the love of this amazingly strong family.  I will be visiting them every few months and will keep updating the blog.  Thank you David, Amie, McKenzie, Imogen & Kennedy for inviting me into your lovely home.  I look forward to seeing you all very soon!