PLEASE READ:
If you have been a fan of Hitlin Photography Inc. over the years, you may recognize this family. Alyssa and Rick have been photographed by us over 7 years through family events, their own wedding and the growth of their family. We typically do a family session with them each year, but this session had a very special meaning.
Their baby boy Barrett was born 13 days before his due date last year. As Barrett moved through his first year, his parents noticed things seemed not quite right. Growth milestones were being missed, he had low muscle tone, feeding difficulties and breathing abnormalities. After many trips to see specialists, they recently were given a diagnosis for Barrett: MECP2 Rett Related Spectrum Disorder. While they were relieved to finally put a name to what’s been plaguing their sweet baby, they became deeply saddened that this diagnosis wasn’t something that he would just “grow out of.” Rett Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that almost exclusively effects girls. In general, it’s symptoms can be more severe in boys. But, it is a spectrum disorder. They have been told by Barrett’s geneticist at Boston Children’s Hospital, he will show us what he needs and what he can do with time.
Alyssa and Rick are so blessed with so much support and love from their family and friends and even community. They still have long journey ahead of them with Barrett, and appreciate all the prayers for their little boy.
For his first birthday, his parents set up a donation page to help with his fight. Hitlin Photography Inc. is proud to have made a recent donation in Barrett’s name. Below is the link to the donation page if you are interested and willing to make a donation.
International Rett Syndrome Foundation: https://irsfpersonalpages.funraise.org/fundraiser/barrettsbattle?fbclid=IwAR0CpuR3vTd9j4KsXQTf6nCIlF7HbWRNZduRi_9nKBDB5Ns5rkhm-T5bw4k
Beautiful Boy
A wonderful family with 2 truly amazing parents
The best big siblings around who will protect their little brother
These are Alyssa’s parents and just one pair of AMAZING grandparents that Barrett has in his life. (they were in the neighborhood when we took pictures)
He’s a fighter!
