Beckett's Journey
One of the things I love to do with my photography is volunteering my time for good causes, and without looking I came across Elizabeth...Beckett's awesome momma. Volunteering my time is something, I will continue to do as long as I'm able.
My journey with Beckett started by a simple post I saw on Facebook, it was his amazing momma Elizabeth reaching out for help, asking for volunteers for an event to raise funds and bring awareness to a condition sweet Beckett was born with. However, it mentioned nothing of a photographer, but as a mom before a photographer I knew right away I could help. I immediately replied to the post with my business card so she wouldn't think it was a total scam lol! I mean you never know these days. It went like "Hi my name is Diana Valdez, I'm a photographer, I'd love to volunteer to capture the event." Thinking, or expecting nothing in return. Five days later I received a message thanking me and being very clear this would have to be volunteer work. I said "absolutely!" and she thanked me and let me know she had been praying a photographer would come along. She mentioned she saw I came from Artesia and mentioned she was in Artesia for work a while back as well, my mind was blown! I mean what are the chances that I meet someone else that has lived in the same little town in New Mexico as me. This was a sign for me and it made me so emotional, in that moment I thought back to a reel I had shared probably a week or two before I met her. I felt God intended for us to meet, I told her "I believe we've met for a reason and I'm here to help and support. Everything's gonna be ok, don't lose faith."
This week I met Beckett for the first time, and he's the cutest little man with a smile that will melt your heart. Beckett was born with genetic disease called Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). According to Mayo Clinic, this uncommon genetic disorder causes tumors to develop in many parts of the body. These tumors are not cancer. Noncancerous tumors, also called benign tumors. Unfortunately, currently there is no cure for tuberous sclerosis, and the course of the disorder and how bad it can get can't be predicted. But thankfully treatments are available to manage symptoms.
Beckett's battle with TSC started when he was just 5 weeks old, he started having uncontrollable seizures, and unfortunately was misdiagnosed along the way. Thankfully a neurologist was able to help and put him on the right path to getting the right help and diagnosis. Beckett underwent two brain surgeries at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, TX just a little over 2 months ago. For now, he's living his best life with two amazing parents that have and will continue to move mountains to get him the help and care he needs. Beckett has been seizure free, but this is a lifelong condition.
His parents are on a mission to bring awareness and help raise funds for TSC. They've partnered up with TSC Alliance; a non-profit organization that helps individuals with TSC reach their full potential, by providing them with resources and support. She's hosting a FREE walk at Shepherd University, in Shepherdstown, West Virginia on Saturday, May 11th at 10am. Step forward to cure TSC with us, please come out and support Beckett and his family, help us spread the word and share this race with your friends and family.
