Indianapolis Family Photographer | Raw Sugar Photography

It is always so exciting to get a newborn inquiry from my website, I seriously get giddy and squeal every. single. time. But, what’s even more exciting is when I get a newborn inquiry and it also happens to be from my new neighbors AND it’s for twins. You may remember sweet Nora and Harrison from their newborn session back in November, but what I didn’t know at the time was the story that lead up to their birth.

Two years ago, when Kristine and Daniel were just 26 years old, Daniel received a scary diagnosis from his doctor – he had stage 3 colon cancer. According to a survey released just last year by JAMA Surgery, colon cancer is on the rise in men ages 20-49. The good news for the couple was that colon cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer. So, despite the unfortunate news, Kristine and Daniel decided to move forward with their previously planned European vacation and deal with that cancer business when they got back. Of course, my next question was, “how in the world did you enjoy your vacation with that weighing in the back of your mind??” Both of them looked at each other and smiled and then told me they were too busy enjoying themselves to give it much thought. Optimism is such a wonderful thing.

When they returned, Daniel had to undergo surgery and receive 28 radiation treatments to remove the cancer. Unfortunately, the radiation left Daniel unable to conceive naturally at that point. Daniel’s radiation doctor recommended they visit with Midwest Fertility Specialists, but having heard only horror stories about fertility treatments, they were hesitant. Kristine turned to friends who were in the process of going through fertility treatments themselves, and it was their encouragement and support that gave Kristine and Daniel the confidence they needed to pursue their dream of becoming parents. They began the process in December 2013, and in November 2014 darling Nora and Harrison were born. Their story is another testament to just how incredible science is. 40 years ago, the Swanks would likely not have been able to have children, and here they are today with two perfect little blessings.

Daniel has been in remission for almost 3 years now, after 5 years he’ll be considered “cured.” He stresses the importance of preventative care and seeing a doctor for anything out of the usual. He says it’s what saved his life. At this point, they don’t know what the future holds in terms of their fertility struggles, but they continue to have an onward and upward outlook and see this as just a small part of their history together.

Kristine and Daniel opened up their home to me this past weekend for a lifestyle session with 4-month old Nora and Harrison. I got plenty of smiles from each of them, and it’s obvious they’re best friends already. The two were happiest when they were next to each other, and I even caught them holding each other’s hands and looking at one another on several occasions. I can’t imagine there’s another bond in the world quite as unique as twins.

Raw Sugar Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, child, family, couples, and engagement photography in Indianapolis, Indiana and surrounding areas, including but not limited to, Fishers and Carmel.