Sometimes a great story comes along and it reinforces my belief that I'm part of a noble profession. To be able to share real stories about real people. Last week I was assigned to photograph the heart warming story of two-and-a-half-year-old Maddox Flynn and his adoring parents who just wanted the best life for their child. Maddox was born with a rare lymphatic disorder called cystic hygroma on the left side of his face. His mother Nicole told me that she loves him for who he is but has already seen how other children react to him.

The family has found a doctor in New York city who may have the answer that Canadian doctors have not been able to solve. According to the Edmonton Journal story Maddox may now get the treatment he needs due to the incredible support and donations from Canadians.

                               

I spent some time a few days ago with Leslie Miller and her husband Dougald
who was the victim of a brutal beating in 2002. Since then, Leslie has
become an advocate for victims rights.

I'm always surprised by people's willingness to put up the good fight. Both Leslie and her husband are fighting their own battles. It seems that at every turn, Leslie had to find a way around the bureaucrats to get funding for victims of violent crimes. But she's doing it.

When I first met her and Dougald, I felt a bit hesitant because I didn't want to be imposing. But they both welcomed me. Dougald can't talk but he does make different sounds when he can to communicate. But really, I was helping them get their message out and they wanted people to know what they are going through.