Heaven gained a beautiful soul - Saskatoon photography

A few short months ago I was asked by my sister in law to donate to a fundraiser that was very near to her heart.  One of her best friends, Tracy Dinh, had been diagnosed with stage 4 small cell cervical cancer (SCCC), which is a rare and aggressive form of cancer with poor prognosis.  Tracy, at the age of 25, had just undergone 4 months of intense chemo treatments, which were devastatingly unsuccessful.    Her friends and family rallied together in hopes of raising some money so she was able to complete a wish list, and start a charity in her name.  The event was a huge success.  It was amazing to see so much support from so many local businesses.  We donated a photobooth at the event, but something that will stay with me forever was what we donated to the silent auction. 

I really wanted to donate something more than just a gift certificate, when I thought it would be a wonderful idea if I donated a photo shoot WITH Tracy.  Luckily Tracy thought it was a wonderful idea too.  Eight of Tracy's closest friends all pitched in and won the gift certificate. 

The day of the session was something that will be with me, but more importantly Tracy's eight closest friends forever.  The girls all talked, laughed, ate, and reminisced, all while I clicked away.  The girls made some new memories that day, and now have the photos to remind them of that day forever.  A week after our shoot Tracy went to Maui to cross one thing off her wish list.  She had the trip of a lifetime with her family and the love of her life. 

Only a few short weeks after her return, Tracy passed away.  Cancer took another young, beautiful, vibrant life.  Here on earth, we lost another beautiful soul, while heaven gained one.  I am both honored to have met Tracy, and so grateful to have had her gorgeous smile in front of my camera.  The gift I've given her closest friends is something far greater than you or I can even begin to understand.  They now have these amazing memories that they can take with them forever.  Although I know Tracy will always be in their hearts, these images will remind them of the beautiful friend they had the pleasure of knowing.                

Although her battle with cancer ended May 13, 2012, her dream to help others did not.  The PinkWig foundation is the charity that has been started in honor of Tracy and strives to increase awareness about this devastating disease.  Donations made to the PinkWig Foundation will go towards helping cancer patients and their families by providing funds to cover their living and medical expenses.  My sister in law and the love of Tracy's life are the executive directors of the PinkWig foundation and all donations may be made through them.  To make a donation, contact Jaycee at tulips_@hotmail.com or Cory at cwking1@hotmail.com.

Tracy is the beautiful young women in these photos with the scarf tied around her head.  My deepest condolences go out to Tracy's family and friends.  I know she touched many hearts in her short time on earth.