When doctors tell parents of disabled children who have Trisomy 13 that their baby is “incompatible with life,” it’s the kind of statement that hurts to the core. Professional photographers Geoff and Cheyenne Schultz are hoping to show the humanity and dignity of one such baby.
They recently posted a blog about little baby Avonlea Powell, who has Trisomy 13. Avonlea’s parents, Melissa and Brian Powell, learned form their own doctors at six months into the pregnancy that their baby was supposedly “incompatible with life.”
After Avonlea’s birth, the Powells asked their photography friends to document Avonlea’s first days and the Schultz’s did so in a beautiful blog post and video.
This past Tuesday afternoon, living out our mission statement was taken to another level. I was so very blessed, honored and privileged to photograph the first few hours of the life of the most precious baby girl – Avonlea. I think it’s safe to say that my photography has never mattered more than it did on that day.
Avonlea is a very special baby. Around 6.5 months of pregnancy, Avonlea’s parents – Melissa and Brian Powell of Project Life Photography – were hit with the news. Avonlea was diagnosed with a chromosomal abnormality called Trisomy 13. Trisomy 13 has been described as “not compatible with life”, so you can imagine the devastation Melissa and Brian have been facing for these past months.
Sweet Avonlea, however, is very much alive. Thank you, God, for this baby. We can rest knowing that her life – no matter how long or how short it may be – will be used in incredible ways and will touch many people. I know that for me, I will forever be changed in knowing her.
