I had the honor and pleasure to photograph Ms. Keeley this past weekend!  She is an absolute sweetheart and a beauty!  I know her mama through my moms group and have been following her story since she was born.

Keeley was born with a Congenital Heart Defect, which so far has required several surgeries and hospital procedures, including open heart surgery in September of 2013.  She spent several months in the CICU at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh but was able to finally go home in January.  She is expected to make a full recovery but will require her feeding tube and vent for the next year or more as she grows and recovers.

After all she has been through, it feels like an absolute celebration to be visiting her in her home, where, aside from the medical gear in her room, it felt like a normal portrait session with an adorable baby and a fun and inquisitive toddler.

Keeley’s brother logan is 2 1/2 and is a gentle and loving soul like his sister.  He wanted to help me with everything camera related (future ‘tog?) and is so patient and tender with Keeley.

Keeley showed off just a few of her beads that she received from the Beads of Courage program at Childen’s Hospital.  Through this program, children receive a bead for every procedure or hospital stay.  As you can imagine, Keeley has built up quite a collection–here you can see just a couple of strands, but mom has a whole box full of them.

If you look closely you can see Keeley’s scars from her many surgeries, but they have visibly faded for the most part. 

Follow Keeley’s journey here on the Keeley’s Courage Facebook page.  To donate, visit this page.

Thank you Kos family for allowing me into your home to photograph Keeley & Logan!

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Missy Timko is a family, baby, and child portrait photographer in Pittsburgh, PA with charitable giving interests in children with medical needs.  Contact Missy for information on contributing to or fundraising for your organization that helps children with mental or physical health needs.