Northern Virginia Photographer - Superman!

Superman, the man of steal, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound... We all know the words, for many of us of they will be ingrained in our brains forever. I want to introduce you to my little Superman. Meet Dakin! Dakin was born the same month as my little girl in 2007. I met his mom on a Community Forum that consisted of moms that were all expecting babies in October of 2007. We called ourselves the Pumpkin Patch and we hit it off right away.

When Dakin was born everything seemed normal until he started having some issues right around 3 months old. It took FOREVER to get a diagnosis as to what was causing Dakin's problems and when the diagnosis was finally discovered, it was devastating. Dakin was diagnosed with SMARD, Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress. I am sure that would have knocked the wind out of any of us as it did Dakin's parents. If you are unfamiliar with SMA or SMARD, it is the number one genetic killer of children. Children are born healthy but within short order their bodies gradually begin to fail them. They can't walk, eat or breathe without some sort of assistance. 90% of children diagnosed with SMA die before their second birthday.

This has been quite the journey for Dakin and his parents. If you want to read more about his daily life and the struggles that they encounter, please check out their blog at www.ventsuperman.blogspot.com. The great news is that Dakin is now 2 years and three months old. See? Superman.

When I hear stories of children like that I want to help but don't often know how. Well, I have good news for you! It just so happens I have a very easy way for you to help Dakin and all his friends. Chase, as in Chase the big huge bank, has what they call Chase Community Giving. They are giving away 5 million dollars to five different charities and all you have to do is vote for one.

UPDATE: The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation came in 6th place so they were not awarded 1 million dollars. However they did receive $100,000 for the contest and we are very happy about that. Thank you to all of you who voted for Dakin and his friends who are fighting this tragic disease.

It just so happens I have some pictures of Dakin for you. He had his very own Professional Photosession done in his home town in Texas. BJane Photography came and took his pictures as a volunteer through the Littlest Heroes Project. Isn't he just so handsome?

And if you are heading over to Facebook, Why not become a Fan of Dorie Howell Photography at the same time?