Dance In The Rain

In 2013, Fotolanthropy teamed with Seniorologie to select an inspiring teen Fotostory to create its next Fotolanthropy film. After many nominations from all over the country, we selected Bayleigh Phillips’ story. Bayleigh and her story touched us the moment we read her nomination!  Bayleigh’s story is one that no child should ever experience, but despite her circumstances, Bayleigh lives life with spunk, pizzazz and a constant smile on her face.  The Fotolanthropy team journeyed to Alabama to document her story and welcomed a new film crew to the team, Christopher Bartelski & David Nobles of the Reason.

Bayleigh’s story began in 2006 when she was just 9 years old.  She told her parents, “I see two mommies and two daddies.”  Her parents took her to the doctor and were told that inoperable brain tumor was putting pressure on her eyes causing her to see double.  It was a diagnosis that would forever change Bayleigh and her family’s life.   At just 9 years old, Bayleigh had brain surgery to relieve the pressure so she could see, and the fluid in her brain was redirected with a stint that lead to her stomach.  Radiation and chemotherapy would soon follow.

Bayleigh continued her journey traveling to Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham which is about 45 minutes from her home where she received her treatments.  Her family was always by her side, and Bayleigh built fast friendships and quickly inspired other children at the hospital.

Since her initial diagnosis, Bayleigh has endured 7 surgeries, over 150 weeks of chemotherapy and 5 ½ weeks of radiation and the deaths of several friends that also walked the road of cancer.

This film has been titled, “Dance In The Rain” to honor Bayleigh’s favorite quote that she lives by. “Live simply, love deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to God. Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain”

Thank you Bayliegh for being such a light in this world even though you have endured so much. Your perseverance, faith and courage are truly an inspiration!

Want to learn more about how you can directly help Bayleigh? Check out the “How to help” icon below.

Sponsored by: Fotostrap

Film by: The Reason, Christopher Bartelski & David Nobles

Photography by: Seniorologie, Leslie Kerrigan

Clothes provided by: Altar’d State

Makeup by: L’Unique Makeup Artistry

Hair By: Tonie Armstrong Gilmer

Thank you Alana Rose for allowing our team to use your studio for interviews!

Make a difference with us by visiting:  http://fotostrap.com/getinvolved

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