Little Collin…

February 24, 2009 on 7:49 pm | In Information, Miracle Children, The Look | 2 Comments

We were so blessed to be able to photograph little Collin a few days ago. His story, and others like him are the reason for this project. Here is part of his story, told by his mom:

“At my 30 week OB visit we found out that I had no amniotic fluid, and the baby was measuring barely over a pound. When we were told that he would have to be delivered because it was too dangerous to continue to carry him with no fluid, all we could do was pray for a miracle. Collin was born October 29, 2008 weighing 1lb. 6oz. and was 13 in. long. When we heard his first little tiny cry we knew that he was a fighter and had hope that our prayer would be answered. We were so blessed to receive care from two hospitals that are affiliated with the Children’s Miracle Network. First at MUSC where Collin was delivered and treated the first three weeks of his life and then at McLeod Regional Medical Center NICU after he was stable enough to be transferred back to Florence. The care that he received from both facilities was exceptional. From the advanced medical equipment and professional staff to the overall caring support we received, we knew that he was receiving the best care possible. Words cannot describe the emotional roller coaster of seeing your fragile tiny child fight for his life. It seemed as though he would take one step forward and then two steps back as he slowly overcame huge obstacles that preemies face, but we knew that he was in God’s hands and that He had an amazing plan for this little life. He is already showing BIG personality in that little body of his. He is finally home and every day with him and his big brothers Caleb and Kaden is a gift. We have truly been blessed with a miracle and we are so thankful for the care that Collin received at MUSC and McLeod with the help of the Children’s Miracle Network.”

Jeffery and Dori Allen

The $100 Portrait Project is creating beautiful portraits for only $100! And at least 50% of the revenue generated goes to save lives with the Children’s Miracle Network. This has become a passion of mine (Collin M. Smith) to give back, not only to the families of Florence, but to a great organization that saves sweet little lives.

These portraits are of Collin at age 3 months, he is ONLY 5 pounds. Think about that for a minute. THREE months. Just FIVE pounds. My children were full term and at birth weighed 6lb 8oz!!! I thank God everyday for my babies and am so thankful that they are healthy, like so many of our children are. That is why I wanted to try and help, because we are not all blessed with healthy babies. We feel so blessed to have met and photographed Collin. This baby boy is a Fighter! We look forward to watching you grow up, Baby Collin!