Photography by Kels: Lethbridge, Alberta Newborn, Family and Childrens Photography

I have been so excited about this shoot! I met Jolene and Brad when I did Anne of Green Gables. I was Brads teacher, Miss Stacy in the play and honestly he is one of the nicest, sweetest, and yes most charming boys I have ever met. And Jolene.. Oh my goodness she truly is a gem. One of the strongest women I have ever met in my life. I asked her to put together a little write up of Brads story. What a strong, courageous kid! Our little community was a ball of emotions (yes, I did say “our community” – no matter what I am always a Cardston girl). Anyway Brad pulled through and his parents were by his side every single step of the way. I, along with everyone that knows the Wynders was so inspired by their commitment and love for each other and so amazed of there strength- emotionally, spiritually and in Brads case, physically.

In the beginning of December Bradley got an extremely rare form of strep infection in his blood, because of his pre-existing heart condition, the bacteria attacked his heart, the infection formed in sort of like clumps of bacteria that started to eat away at the valves of his heart, the clumps of bacteria also spread in to his spleen and they also found pieces in his brain. He was at extremely high risk of having a stroke among other very scary possibilities. There was no guarantees that we would even still have him at Christmas.  Bradley was blessed with miracles and protection beyond our comprehension. They were able to do extensive Open Heart Surgery to repair his heart on Valentines Day (he loves to say that he got his broken Heart fixed on Valentines Day!!!)He was in the Children’s hospitals in Calgary & Edmonton from the beginning of December and was able to come home the beginning of March.

SOOOOO…… After being on IV for 16 weeks with a central line from Dec until May, 3 months in the hospital, open heart surgery, spleen abscess, 2 brain aneurysms, 2 central lines (emergency gallbladder surgery& kidney stones caused by the high doses of medications) Stomach ulcers, getting down to 73lbs. and 4 1/2 months off school. WE HAVE OUR BOY BACK!!!!! And we are so grateful for every single blessing in our lives!!!!