***The Ouimet Family*** October 1st in San Francisco***October 2nd in Antioch

Introducing the Ouimet Family.  Magnificent Molly (daughter), Matthew (wonder baby!) Patrick (the rockstar!) Mom Kristi & Dad Kelly. They are a very special family and as you read on, you will know why. I never know what to write on my blog. Writing is not my creative ability however, I am about to write a true story for you and how this photo session and blog post came about. Kristi and I went to school together when we were kids and graduated high school together as well. 20 years ago...class of 1992. We had lost touch after senior year. Next came facebook and we reconnected! I love fb! I watched and commented on her pregnancy. How exciting for her to have a baby! After Matthew was born, I found out (via facebook) that he has a genetic condition called hyperoxyluria type 1 (PH1 or oxyluria for short. Oh God did I pray as I read her status updates about baby Matthew. When I heard that there would be a fundraiser, I could not offer money. I offered pictures. I wanted to help but really couldn't give financially. Kelly and Kristi are carriers and there is a 50% chance that their children will be a carrier. There is a 25% chance that they will be diagnosed with the condition and a 25% chance that they will not have any part of this disease.  Molly has it and Matthew has it. Patrick does not. The liver does not have an enzyme that eats up the oxylate in the system so there is oxylate deposits everywhere in the body. The oxylate attaches to calcium and forms kidney stones (a lot of them.) Kidneys are the first organs to be effected / damaged. Almost everyone with this condition must have a liver / kidney transplant to survive. Baby Matthew went into kidney failure at four months old. He needs dialysis 6 days a week for three and a half hours a day to clear out oxylate and waste from his system. He needs to be twenty two pounds to receive a liver / kidney transplant from a child donor. The donor? Deceased. He is on several medications to control his high blood pressure and to maintain his electrolytes. They also need to make sure that he does not pass any stones. Molly has not gone into kidney failure yet and they pray that she does not. They are prepared for whatever comes their way. Molly presented at three years old by passing a kidney stone. It was so large that she needed to have surgery to remove it. The whole painful process took six long excruciating weeks. Molly has since passed several on her own and has had about twelve surgeries to get the others. This condition is like a time bomb that will go off at any time. Molly forms so many, so fast.  God....poor baby! Molly is currently functioning at 50% kidney function.  This condition is very rare. One in a million will be diagnosed with it. It is still under research and nothing can prevent it. The medical scientists know about the gene and a dna test can determine if you are a carrier. Being a carrier only matters if you have a child with another carrier.

Kristi is such a strong Mother and Wife. I cannot even begin to imagine what she must go through on a daily basis.

Jessica (Step Daughter to Kristi) flew out from Arkansas to surprise her Father Kelly.

                                                                           The men!

You can help the Ouimet family by making a donation at any Wells Fargo bank. All you have to do is mention Matthew Ouimet. Can you imagine what they must be going through financially? Life is priceless! Antioch Community Federal Credit Union at 301 G street sells bracelets for Matthew.
How can you help?