A Littlest Hero: Maggie

Maggie and I met in May, and the first time she saw me she came running at me full speed to give me a ginormous hug! It was heartwarming to be accepted so quickly and without a second thought. Maggie and her sister Ella joined their parents as a family for this Littlest Heroes Project session. For more information on this amazing organization, check out their website

In the fall of 2004 Maggie's family learned that she has a rare genetic disorder, a deletion in her 15th chromosone. Maggie has Angelman Syndrome. AS, as it is commonly referred to, is associated with serious, lifelong disabilities.

These are words from Maggie's mom: "It has been difficult for us to match the profoundly sad reality of AS, with our loving, happy little girl. Maggie is much more than her diagnosis. We are still caught by moments of heartache for our little girl, but it is impossible to stay down when you are around Maggie." I couldn't agree more! Maggie has a way of exploring her world and embracing life with a vigour that attracts you. From the short time I spent with her I could tell that smiling is one of Maggie's favourite things to do!

The Littlest Heroes Project

I haven't told you about the Littlest Heroes Project yet. An amazing idea, and a wonderful organization, the Littlest Heroes Project matches photographers from a team of volunteers worldwide to the world's 'littlest heroes'. They define 'littlest heroes' as 'children who sometimes feel forgotten because of their illnesses'.

Their mission:

Our mission at The Littlest Heroes Project is to help provide and capture memories for families who are dealing with hectic schedules due to having a child who is suffering from a serious illness or life altering disability. We understand that in the midst of being thrown a diagnosis and having to switch from a “normal” life to a life that is totally different, and often scary, things like getting photos taken is sometimes a huge challenge and is one of the last things families are thinking about. But when everything is done, and either the child has reached the end of their battle, or has proven the odds against it many wish they had more time to stop, and capture the journey that they lived through for so long. Through Littlest Heroes our photographers understand each and every case, and cater it to fit and honor each child and family. Our photographers are on hand to travel to homes, hospitals, clinics, fundraisers, and benefits to help capture your child’s journey in a “Day in the life” sort of style and work personally one on one with your child and entire family to get those special family photos and moments that you can cherish for years to come.



I signed up to be a photographer with the Littlest Heroes Project back in January, and was quickly matched with not just one, but with two families!

Tomorrow I meet with Maggie for a day outside (we are hoping the skies are blue for us!) playing, making new friends, and living life the way it should be lived. Oh, and I'll take some photos too!

I can't wait to meet her and her family.