This past weekend, I had the honor of photographing The Astorga Family. They were nominated by another client, for a Free Session. I would like to share their story with you... Please send your well wishes to this beautiful family. They radiate love and courage.
"Around the end of May and into the first week of June 2011, wildfires broke out in Montgomery Texas with many loosing their homes and belongings. The smoke traveled to Houston impacting many with asthma. The Astorga family (Jason, Leticia and their daughter Iza (5) resides in Cypress Texas. Leticia suffered a major asthma attack and shortly thereafter experienced a heart attack. Lee was hospitalized for weeks where she was diagnosed with a disease called Takayasu Arteritis.
The doctors explained the cause of this disease is unknown with treatment being experimental due to the rareness. Due to the disease being a chronic inflammation of the large blood vessels that distribute blood from the heart, including the aorta and its main branches she was informed if she experienced another heart attack she could die. Placement of a stint or bypass is not an option due to the inflammation. Doctors recommended chemo and other medications in hopes the inflammation would decrease. After months of leave and treatment Lee was forced to resign from her job leaving Jason as soul supporter.
With Lee requiring assistance Jason took a leave of absence utilizing his accrued time and then some in order to transport her to the doctors and to see his daughters care. He realized he had to return to work with the medical expenses steadily increasing and the fear of loosing their home. You see Lee hates the hospital and wants to be at home in order to spend as much time as possible with their daughter. She is strong and determined to fight this disease and prays everyday god will grant her time and a miracle. To look at her you would never know she was ill its only those that know her can tell how this disease has taken a toll on her. She is proud and believed she could continue life as she knew it. When she realized the medication was draining her strength and taking away her independence and knew Jason had to return to work and she finally agreed to have her parents assist.
This October, Jason was traveling to work on Fry Rd. a dump truck carrying a backhoe came unhitched, traveled into on coming traffic at a rate of 50mph struck Jason. A nurse arrived at the scene and called 911 she stayed with Jason until an ambulance arrived. Jason was pinned in the car with his left arm almost sheared off. The wrecker driver walked up and Jason ask him to call his wife and let her know he was in an accident but not to tell her how bad for he was afraid she would experience a fatal heart attack.
Jason was released after 4 days in the hospital, his vision is impacted (glass fragments) and continues to experience issues with his arm. Jason was released and returned to work 3 weeks after his accident only to receive a call from Lee letting him know the inflammation had spread to her brain. She now suffers from periodic black outs. Doctors have recommended additional medications that the insurance company just approved to pay. Their one and only goal is to make sure Iza sees everyone for who they are and not to judge them but love them. This family has been through so much this past year yet they stay strong, positive and fill their days with God, family and friends for they know time is precious.
Lee is truly one of the most unselfish people I have ever met. She continues to give what she can instead of keeping for herself. I do not know if they have taken family pictures in the last few years since Iza was a baby. I would love for her to be able to win a session for her and her family to capture memories that will last them a lifetime."
