Ilias is a happy boy. His optic nerve hypoplasia makes it impossible for him to see, but he doesn’t let his lack of sight stop his love for life. His love for music, especially his guitar, makes him one joyful boy. “The simple things in life are what we value most now,” explains Cecilia, Ilias mother. “He has really brought this family together.”

Ilias disabilities, (optic nerve hypoplasia, septo optic dysplasia and hormone deficiency), make it difficult for him to move around freely, but he sits up on his own. His father, Michael, has been a pillar of strength for him. He was the helpful hand that taught Illias how to conquer his latest feat.

As a family of four now, (Cecilia and Michael welcomed little Michael to their family recently), they tells us that it seems impossible to imagine life without Ilias.  He has tied them together and the bond of this family is definitely something special.

photography by brittany wilbur

bio by dominique james