I don't have words myself so I am grateful to my friend Destiny for having all of them.

Today, I want to share the story of Shana, one of the strongest women I’ve ever had the privilege to meet. Just a couple of years ago, Shana’s world was shattered when her husband tragically took his own life. Left to pick up the pieces, she’s been raising their four young boys alone, navigating the unimaginable pain of loss while trying to provide love and stability for her children.

It’s hard to imagine the mental and emotional toll she’s endured—the grief, the unanswered questions, the sheer weight of being both mom and dad to four little boys who’ve lost their father far too soon. And now, as if that weren’t enough, Shana has been dealt another devastating blow. Her skin cancer, which she fought years ago, has returned and spread to other parts of her body.

Yet, in the face of it all, Shana is pulling life up by the bootstrings. She told me she is not afraid to die, but she is determined to fight. She’s fighting for her boys, for more moments like these, for more time to laugh, hug, and make memories.

I was humbled to offer Shana and her boys this session to capture their bond and love before she heads into surgery and begins chemo. These portraits are a testament to her resilience and the unbreakable connection she shares with her children.

Please, I ask all of you to lift Shana in your thoughts and prayers. Pray for strength, for healing, and for more time—time for her to continue being the amazing mom her boys need. If there’s a GoFundMe for Shana, I’ll post the link in the comments for those who want to support her and her family through this fight.

Shana, you are a warrior, and you inspire everyone who meets you. You’ve got this, and we’re all behind you every step of the way.

I ask that you all share her story to spread the word for more prayers.