A friend emailed me a couple months ago and asked if I would donate a session to a fundraiser for someone she knows. She told me the dad had Stage 4 breast cancer and they were raising money to help the family. I donated a session and then offered to do a session for the family.
I am so happy I had the opportunity to meet the Ryff’s, they were such a nice family. There was such a peaceful way about them, like they are used to comforting and reassuring others. They broke the ice about Chris’s cancer, he was really cold (it was very cold out) and Bobbi Jo joked about him having no fat and hair anymore to keep him warm, their playfulness was very sweet. I had the chance to talk alone with Chris for a couple of minute while he watched his wife and son play, and I photographed them. It was a moment that will stay with me always. He is a very faithful man. I really enjoyed my afternoon with them and would love to have the opportunity to photograph them again!
Chris found out he had cancer shortly after they were married in 2007, he went through the therapies and once he was in remission they decided to have a baby. After their son was born he was told the cancer was back and it was Stage 4.
“Chris Ryff is a father of a 2 year old boy, a devoted husband, a much loved son, a loyal brother and a good friend to so many. He is also fighting a battle against stage IV breast cancer in which time is not on his side. Chris has identified a potentially life saving treatment called Personalized Gene Targeted Therapy at the Burzynski Clinic http://www.burzynskiclinic.com/ in Texas, which he believes is his best option at this stage of the disease. We estimate that the cost of treatments, travel to the clinic and lost wages during this time could be around $60,000.
Click here if you would like to help Chris and his family. http://chrisryff.blogspot.com/
Wendy says
Beautiful Photos! So glad you could give them these!
Dannielle says
These are precious! You have captured special moments for this family!
Joyce Rivera says
These are beautiful images and what a fantastic job you did. What a beautiful family and I’m sure they will love these images.
Holly C says
Such lovely work, what a blessing for them!
Tanzyn Ambrose says
Gorgeous images!:)
AshleyS says
bless you for blessing them with your talent and gift. these images will be treasured for lifetimes!
Amber says
Beautiful pictures! ♥
Tiffany Hendrickson says
These are great! I love the jumping one! Beautiful images!
Samantha Sinchek Photography | Cincinnati Photographer says
What a special gift you were able to give them, these images are perfect. I wish him all the luck in the world!!
robin says
Beautiful session and I love the location too!
Carrie says
The dad and son pics are so sweet! Love their feet. It was very generous of you to offer the session for donation and for the family – I know they will be so appreciative!
Jessica says
These are beautiful! Just beautiful!
Jennifer says
Very sweet. the family is going to cherish these for years.
Karen Cox says
What a wonderful session and I am happy you shared his story. I just participated in the Susan G. Komen 3Day this past weekend and I have to say that awareness for men having breast cancer is gaining speed. I pray for this family and these images will be cherished.
jill says
love these images – beautiful work!
Jane says
these images will be cherished. Lovely work, and beautiful family.
Marilyn says
What a great session!! Love them all.
Narelle says
Love these images. I bet they will treasure them.
Lisa Manchester says
What a priceless gift these are. I love all of them!