MY CONNECTION TO SICKKIDS AND CHILDHOOD CANCER
OUR FAMILY'S STORY
Benjamin's cancer diagnosis came in January of 2022, just days before I was set to return to the corporate world after maternity leave following the birth of our daughter, Ella. My workplace was supportive, allowing me to delay my start date. However, I eventually decided to resign to fully focus on Benjamin’s care and our family.
The next 12 months were a whirlwind of surgeries, 25 rounds of chemotherapy, numerous medications, and a myriad of side effects. It was a challenging and ever-changing schedule, but we faced it together.
In January 2023 we received the news we’d been longing for: Benjamin was cancer-free! At his 1-year scan in January 2024 we were grateful to learn that Benjamin’s remission had continued. With his 2-year scans just around the corner, we are cautiously optimistic that the results will once again show NED (No Evidence of Disease).
UPDATE: We are over the moon to share that the results of Benjamin's 2-year scans show that he continues to be cancer-free!
GALLERIES FOR GOLD
With our kids in school full-time and Benjamin’s healthcare schedule becoming less demanding and more predictable, I’ve had time to focus on my 2 passions: photography and childhood cancer advocacy. In 2025 I will be donating 10% of all of my session fees to SickKids in support of childhood cancer, which remains massively underfunded.
Beyond fundraising, my goal is to raise awareness about childhood cancer and provide various ways for people to contribute, both financially and otherwise.
Ansel Adams once said, "A good photograph is knowing where to stand." I stand with childhood cancer.
Please follow @kaitlinblackphotography on Instagram for continued updates about this initiative.
WHY GOLD
Gold is the universal colour used to represent childhood cancer. The story goes that many colours were considered, but gold being the most precious metal, was chosen because children are the most precious thing in our lives. It was a natural fit.
If you’re interested in following Benjamin’s story please visit @benjaminthebrave.ca on Instagram.
