Some of the most meaningful photos I’ve ever taken started with a chance meeting in Mexico.

At the Cancun hotel check-in in 2017, my husband and I met Paige and Andy, a couple from Indiana. We instantly became friends.

In 2018, we took our first trip to Indiana. I photographed an announcement that Paige was expecting a baby girl. I was too at the time, and we ended up having our daughters born just two weeks apart. Our long-distance friendship continued to grow into something really special.

Sweet little Warner was born in 2020.

Over the years we’ve made it a point to stay connected and meet up whenever we can. Finding ways to make memories together.

In 2022, Warner was diagnosed with INAD, an ultra-rare and terminal disease. Inspired by Paige and Andy’s strength and their group called Warriors4Warner, I started Smiles4Warner to help spread awareness for INAD. Thank you to everyone who continues to support and share. It truly means more than you know.

Smiles4Warner is an annual event in March.

Mini sessions are offered in exchange for a small donation to Warner’s family to support his journey and help spread awareness.