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SPREAD DREAMS . LOVE . AWARENESS
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Hey there, I'm Janelle… A wife, mama, and photographer. Before all of these titles, I was a big sister to my little brother Michael who was born with special needs. I didn’t really know what special needs even meant until I was 5 years old and I found him having a seizure in his crib. He was only 6 months old and I had no clue what a seizure was. All I knew was his mouth had turned a blueish-purple color and his little body was shaking uncontrollably. I ran to get my dad from the next room and thankfully the paramedics were able to get there just in time.
Soon after, my parents explained to me what Michael’s special needs were. My brother has a not so common condition called Prader Willi Syndrome. Prader-Willi syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by deletion of a part of chromosome 15. The most common symptoms of this syndrome are behavior problems, intellectual disability, and constant hunger leading to obesity. Yes, these are some of the characteristics that he has, but he is so much more than just his syndrome.
Michael was a loving little boy who dreamt big. His wish was to be a Police Officer or an EMT because he sincerely cared about the well being of other people. If he met you once, he would get your life story and never forget it. He loved his Mariachi music, action movies, and playing Chinese checkers. Of course it wasn't always easy growing up with a brother with special needs. There were definitely tough times; tantrums (especially in public places), him running away, or trying to hurt himself. Our life was a constant roller coaster of emotions.
I'll never forget the toy that my parents bought me for saving my baby brothers life. The doctors said that if I hadn't found him during his seizure, he would have most likely died. From that day forward I made it my mission to always protect him. I soon realized that beyond the common health risks and conditions our special angels often suffer from, they must also endure the relentless torment that is society: laughing, pointing, mean words, a lingering stare at the park, school, or even just walking through the super market. I spent my whole childhood trying to defend my brother from being mistreated but he noticed all the looks…heard all the whispers…felt all the negative vibes. Sure, he looked different and he spoke different…. but he felt the same as everyone else, had the same emotions as everyone else, and hurt just like everyone else.
I finally realized that I can't fight the world. I can't force everyone to see him for the free spirit that we know and love. To realize that there is a real person behind the syndrome, with feelings, dreams, and aspirations. But I CAN help spread awareness!
My goal is to enlighten and educate others of the many types of conditions and syndromes around us. I want to photograph other free spirits like my brother who have stories to tell. Let’s highlight who they are, their dreams, and unique qualities. It could be anything, from loving to snuggle up on the couch under a favorite blanket to wanting to be an astronaut.
Maybe one day they'll get high fives instead of bumps, hello's instead of grunts, or at the very least smiles instead of stares.
If you would like to be a part of our movement by having your child photographed and featured, simply fill in the questions below and I'll get back to you with availability.
Soon after, my parents explained to me what Michael’s special needs were. My brother has a not so common condition called Prader Willi Syndrome. Prader-Willi syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by deletion of a part of chromosome 15. The most common symptoms of this syndrome are behavior problems, intellectual disability, and constant hunger leading to obesity. Yes, these are some of the characteristics that he has, but he is so much more than just his syndrome.
Michael was a loving little boy who dreamt big. His wish was to be a Police Officer or an EMT because he sincerely cared about the well being of other people. If he met you once, he would get your life story and never forget it. He loved his Mariachi music, action movies, and playing Chinese checkers. Of course it wasn't always easy growing up with a brother with special needs. There were definitely tough times; tantrums (especially in public places), him running away, or trying to hurt himself. Our life was a constant roller coaster of emotions.
I'll never forget the toy that my parents bought me for saving my baby brothers life. The doctors said that if I hadn't found him during his seizure, he would have most likely died. From that day forward I made it my mission to always protect him. I soon realized that beyond the common health risks and conditions our special angels often suffer from, they must also endure the relentless torment that is society: laughing, pointing, mean words, a lingering stare at the park, school, or even just walking through the super market. I spent my whole childhood trying to defend my brother from being mistreated but he noticed all the looks…heard all the whispers…felt all the negative vibes. Sure, he looked different and he spoke different…. but he felt the same as everyone else, had the same emotions as everyone else, and hurt just like everyone else.
I finally realized that I can't fight the world. I can't force everyone to see him for the free spirit that we know and love. To realize that there is a real person behind the syndrome, with feelings, dreams, and aspirations. But I CAN help spread awareness!
My goal is to enlighten and educate others of the many types of conditions and syndromes around us. I want to photograph other free spirits like my brother who have stories to tell. Let’s highlight who they are, their dreams, and unique qualities. It could be anything, from loving to snuggle up on the couch under a favorite blanket to wanting to be an astronaut.
Maybe one day they'll get high fives instead of bumps, hello's instead of grunts, or at the very least smiles instead of stares.
If you would like to be a part of our movement by having your child photographed and featured, simply fill in the questions below and I'll get back to you with availability.