I am reposting this entry from March, 2010.
A few days ago on March 5, 2011, just about a year after these photos were taken, little Zachary passed away from complications of his relasped Leukemia and his Bone Marrow Transplant. Zachary was 6 and a half years old and had been battling Leukemia for the last three years.
I had been keeping track of Zachary via the hospital CarePages blog his parents updated regularly through Children's Hospital Boston. He was home over the holidays and even into January seemed be be doing rather well and weaning off the countless drugs and testing and regiments he had to undergo daily, weekly. Recently his #s were off and fevers spiked ... (and much more in-depth medical situations than I feel confident in correctly describing) ... and he was back at CHB. Instead of their "regular" ward, they went from ER to ICU and that is where Zachary passed away last weekend.
Even though I only met this little boy for 2 hours a year ago, he has been in my thoughts ever since. My thoughts and prayers are with Zachary's family now. He is in Heaven, looking down over all those who loved him and prayed for his family and recovery.
RIP Zachary.
I am honored to have met you.
Meet Zachary.
And his family.
They are ALL heroes.
I had the ultimate pleasure in meeting my first Littlest Heroes family last weekend.
I was contacted a few weeks ago about photographing this little boy, 5 1/2 year old Zachary, who is battling and brave like no other little boy I know. Zachary was diagnosed with leukemia three years ago and underwent extensive treatments & chemotherapy for two years. In January of 2010 he had a relapse of his leukemia after being off treatments for only 7 months and is now awaiting a bone marrow transplant next week.
During the week, most weeks anyway, Zachary and his mom live at Boston Children's Hospital while his Dad and little brother Liam are at home in southern New Hampshire.
This week Zachary and his Mom are back at home for a few days before returning to Boston to prepare for the transplant. A new and big battle ahead. I met with them on a sunny, blue skies Sunday morning.
We did some photos inside but the boys were too excited to get out and enjoy the (chilly) sunshine and show me their little stream behind the house, their scooters and swings.
We had a fun time chasing the boys and watching them enjoy all things outdoor -- and all things BOY, which included throwing rocks into the stream and rolling down their hill!
Both Zachary and Liam are busy and energetic little boys - they are brothers and friends - and so obviously make their Mom & Dad smile and as proud as can be.
My last shot of the morning.
Such an extraordinary family.
Zachary, YOU are a hero.
No doubt about it.
It was my humble pleasure to meet you and your family.
I will be thinking about you in the coming weeks ... and for a long time to come.
My best thoughts and wishes are with you all.
