Sweet Nectar Society

 

PHOTOGRAPHY WITH A PURPOSE

KHAMILLE :: TRISOMY 18

Meet Khamille!
Khamille is our very first Sweetie of 2019! This Sweetie’s smile and curly locks are sure to start your year off right! Khamille was born with Trisomy 18, also known as Edwards Syndrome.
Trisomy 18 condition occurs when there is an extra 18th chromosome which causes developmental delays and many complications that will usually take place in utero or soon after the baby is born. If babies are able to go home after their stay in the NICU they can enjoy many years with their loved ones.
It is easy to see that Khamille is a happy and very loved little girl. We love her joyful smile!
Please join Sweet Nectar Society in cheering on Khamille!

Thank you N. Godinez Photography for donating Khamille’s Sweet Session!

Kaleb :: Prune Belly Syndrome

“Kaleb was born with a very rare syndrome called Prune Belly syndrome. This means he was born with no abdominal muscles. Prune Belly often causes kidney disease and the inability to cough sufficiently. Kaleb has had to go through so much, but you would never know it when you see him. He is the happiest kid I have ever seen and he is sure to give you a smile no matter what. He is determined and has a fight in him to keep pushing through whatever life throws at him. He is our hero and we love him like crazy. We are thankful to call Kaleb ours. His life is a blessing.”

Photography donated by Carrie Anne Miranda 

Mateo :: Down syndrome

Meet Mateo!
This smiley stud muffin is just about the sweetest little guy around!
“Mateo is a very kind hearted boy who love his brothers. He loves his daily rides on his bicycle to pick up his brothers and playing outside. Mateo has not let his diagnosis hold him back from accomplishing any of his milestones. He is very determined and strong willed. That is what we love the most about him.”

Photography donated by Amanda Alvares Photography • Merced, CA

Teegan :: Down syndrome

Meet Teegan!!!
“Teegan is a beautiful, bright eyed and energetic little girl! We learned of her diagnosis when she was born and had a stay of 6 days in the NICU for jaundice, low sugars, irregular heartbeat and chromosome testing. As I was wheeled out of the NICU I held this sweet fragile baby and the doctor approached me and said it’s confirmed Teegan has Trisomy 21. At that moment I felt worried and excited all at the same time not knowing the adventures or struggles we would face. Teegan is the 3rd child in our family and is loved by all immensely. No one looks at her different and her brothers believe she is the coolest little girl ever! Teegan loves to be outdoors and especially loves painting, lotion and lipstick. Teegan is very limited on what she can say but she signs her needs and still always finds a way to tell everyone what she wants. We are blessed that overall Teegan has had a somewhat healthy life and we pray it stays that way.”

Photography donated by Brittany Wilbur

Deklan :: Bilateral Microtia & Atresia

Meet Deklan!
“Deklan was born in China and, due to his deformity, was abandoned at two weeks old. Deklan lived in an orphanage until he was adopted at 4 /12. He has been a part of our family for almost two years. In this time he has made leaps and bounds (from fully becoming potty trained to learning how to sign and hear (with the help of a hearing aid) to finding comfort and rest in the love and provision of a family (not an easy task when raised in an atmosphere of survival). Deklan has had three surgeries since being home, but he has been brave through each one. He was recently diagnosed with a PDA (hole in his heart), but he is strong and resilient. Deklan loves to ride his scooter, play with his siblings and friends, swim, eat popcorn at the movies and take the dog for a walk. Deklan is a bundle of joy and laughter. He can easily get the giggles and finds comedy in almost everything. He is a champion when it comes to therapy and practice at home. There is a long road ahead of him, but he works hard at learning how to pronounce words- we are very proud of him. Deklan is definitely a warrior- he has survived so much in his few years and is thriving. We love him dearly and are so thankful to be his mommy and daddy.”
Join us in cheering on Sweet Deklan!

Photography donated by Brittany Wilbur

JACOB :: FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS

This sweet boy will forever be remembered by all who had the joy of meeting him. In just the short time our photographer spent with Jacob, he had won over her heart. She was able to capture his bright smile and spunky personality. Jacob was determined to hide his grin from the camera and they made a game of it. “Okay, bye Jacob. I am leaving now.” Jacob’s smile flashed. Quickly his photographer spun into action stealing the moments. This went on and on and he thought it was the funniest thing. Looking back on his session, it was perfect! We remember Jacob today and everyday as a bright light in our world.

Please join Sweet Nectar Society in wrapping his loved ones in love and encouragement.
Photography donated by Brittany Wilbur

NATHANIAL :: SPINA BIFIDA

Meet Nathanial!

Nathanial is adored by his family. During his session, his 5 year old brother gave him many hugs and each time sweetly shared how much he loves his brother.

Join Sweet Nectar Society in sending our new Sweetie Nathanial some extra love!

Photography donated by Brittany Wilbur

GRAYSON :: CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT

Meet Grayson!
“Grayson is an energetic and happy boy. He loves going to the beach, playing with trucks, and spending time with his two older brothers. Grayson’s latest obsession is The Hulk. He loves to walk around the house saying he is ” Hulk Mad” and growling. When Grayson was 2 months old we found out he had a heart murmur and was not gaining weight. Our drs office was suppose to refer us to valley childrens to be seen by a cardiologist. This referral was never made. When Grayson was 3 1/2 months old he developed a rattling in his chest and a very nasty cough but no mucus. After a trip to valley childrens er we were referred to cardio where we learned Grayson was in congestive heart failure, failure to thrive and had a enlarged heart. We learned Grayson had been born with congenital heart defects. He had open heart surgery immediately to patch a vsd and asd. At his one year post op appointment with cardio it was found Grayson had a dilated aortic root . At this time he is being monitored and may need another open heart surgery in the future. Grayson has also had numerous fever seizures and has central sleep apnea. He has always struggled with eating. He has gone through speech therapy and occupational therapy. He is just now starting to really come out of his shell. He is so loved by his family. He is our Hulk mad heart hero, Smashing Through Congenital heart defects.”

Sweet thanks to R Wedding House for allowing us to use their amazing space for our session! Photography donated by Brittany Wilbur

Session Info

SWEETIE SESSION

•A free photography session

•A digital gallery of images

•A keepsake book

•A platform to raise awareness

•Story shared for support

PATIENT SPOTLIGHT SESSION

Provides documentary type photography session to patients currently admitted to the hospital.

•A digital gallery of images

•A keepsake photo

FOCUS SESSION

Portrait session events designed to raise awareness to a specific diagnosis, build community, and celebrate Sweeties.

•A digital gallery of images

•A keepsake photo

(559)408.5969 | info@sweetnectarsociety.org

Sweetly rooted in California