“Our world was flipped upside down when I was diagnosed with cancer.”

This is Kirstie. She’s a wife to Steve, the love of her life, and a mom to two precious little boys, Lochlan and Kasen. She’s Australian-born, but she married a Canadian, where she lives today. She has beautiful blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and an infectious smile that would’ve given a younger Olivia Newton John a serious run for her money.

Last year, her life had never been better. She was home with a new baby, relishing in every minute of maternity leave.

That’s when she felt a lump in her throat.

And a doctor confirmed her worst fear: cancer.

“Timid and frightful, we clung desperately to each other and our boys. One day, in the heart of our fear, I realized that I needed a distraction or I just wouldn’t be able to keep going.”

In bed, at home, where she spent a lot of time scared and alone with nothing but time on her hands and worries on her mind, scrolling Instagram, she found Amy’s profile, then the Shooting & Editing Course — and enrolled.

Long before her diagnosis, Steve bought Kirstie a camera. But, like so many people who get a new camera, the excitement quickly waned as the confusion set in. It was just a lot harder and more complicated than it seemed. So, like so many people, she put her camera on the shelf, where it collected dust.

Kirstie started our course at the same time as cancer treatment.

She had two surgeries. She lost an organ. She started lifelong medication.

And she has the scar across her neck to prove it. That she’s a fighter, and a survivor. A cheerful warrior in the midst of the biggest, scariest battle of her life. In so many ways, the worst thing that’s ever happened to her. But, in her words, also the best thing that ever happened to her.

Because when she reached for the shelf, picked up her camera, and dusted it off, for the time first time in a long time, she was doing more than starting a new hobby. She was picking herself up, dusting herself off and committing to a new life.

“When I picked  up my camera and enrolled in your course, my life changed. I became vibrant, energetic, excited and stronger than ever! This course, and the wonderful teachers (that’s you!) brought me back to life and set me on a new path.”

At the bottom of her email, Kirstie told us that she was in remission. CANCER FREE!

Kirstie used her newfound skill to start taking pictures of her four year old  son dressed like a superhero. It was something fun for them to do together, and it made him feel so special. It was then that she realized she wanted to do the same for children battling cancer. She’s now donating her photography services to their local children’s hospital so that kids who are fighting so much can feel like a superhero too. Talk about an amazing “why!!”

To celebrate this new season of their life, she and Steve planned a trip to Arizona for a much-needed vacation, and asked if we would be able to take their photos in the desert. To represent the valley they walked through, the mountain they climbed… and the sweet victory they’ve now claimed.

The moment we met them, they radiated so much warmth and joy, and we loved every second of our time together.

Kirstie and Steve, we don’t deserve any of the praise or credit you’ve given us, but we humbly accept it. Thank you for all of your kind and generous words. We’re truly honored and humbled that God weaved us into your story, even though we didn’t know it.

You are effervescence personified. Keep sparkling. Keep shining. The world could use a whole lot more of your joy of it these days.