the littlest heroes project

When we were finally able to take Chloe home from the NICU, we were pretty much on lockdown for a good four months (until her open heart surgery). It was during cold/flu season, so Chloe received the RSV shot every month and it was recommended to keep her indoors and away from basically everyone. We unfortunately missed Thanksgiving and Christmas with our extended family, but we had each other and that was more than enough. Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing and don't regret a single moment. There is one thing, however, that I wish we could have done....and that is get professional newborn portraits taken of Chloe. It is so sweet to see 2 week old babies all curled up on soft blankets or sleeping in a cool & trendy sling! Even if we were "allowed" to take her out to a portrait studio, the tubes and monitors may have been an issue. Below is info on photographers all around the world who dedicate their time to take photos of children with life threatening birth defects, diseases, illnesses and/or disabilities. Wish I found out about them sooner! :)



The Littlest Heroes Project is a non-profit based organization founded in January 2008, made up of professional photographers nationwide that provide free photo sessions to our nations Littlest Heroes. This is our way of giving back and taking a stand for these children who sometimes feel forgotten because of their illnesses. We are here to let them know that they are heroes to many, and to share their inspirational stories and photos with the world.

The mission at The Littlest Heroes Project is to help provide and capture memories for families who are dealing with hectic schedules due to having a child who is suffering from a serious illness or life altering disability. They understand that in the midst of being thrown a diagnosis and having to switch from a “normal” life to a life that is totally different, and often scary, things like getting photos taken is sometimes a huge challenge and is one of the last things families are thinking about. But when everything is done, and either the child has reached the end of their battle, or has proven the odds against it many wish they had more time to stop, and capture the journey that they lived through for so long. Through Littlest Heroes the photographers understand each and every case, and cater it to fit and honor each child and family. The photographers are on hand to travel to homes, hospitals, clinics, fundraisers, and benefits to help capture your child’s journey in a “Day in the life” sort of style and work personally one on one with your child and entire family to get those special family photos and moments that you can cherish for years to come.

If you have a child or young adult (infant to age 21) that is currently fighting, has fought or currently suffers from one of the following conditions, you may qualify for this project: Autism, Alopecia, AIDS, Bell's Palsy, Cancer, Chiari Malformation, Cystic Fibrosis, Cerebral Palsy, CHD, Childhood Stroke, Severe Diabetes, Down Syndrome, HIV, Immune System Disorders/Diseases, Kidny Disease, Muscular Dystrophy, Neurocutaneous Syndromes, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Shaken Baby Syndrome, Sickle Cell Anemia, Spina Bifida, Tay-Sachs Disease, and other serious childhood illnesses and life altering disabilities.

To read the FAQ's or apply for this program, click here.