After seeing Talia in such great spirits and health last week I was definitely shocked to receive a call from Desiree yesterday informing me that Talia was getting admitted back into the hospital. Desiree let me know that she brought Talia to the emergency room after she began running a high fever. Once at the hospital she ran a temperature over 105 so she was admitted for testing. I instantly came to wonder how in the world this energetic child could suddenly begin feeling this badly. Desiree reminded me that this was not an uncommon occurrence with cancer patients. The last 2+ years they have come to expect that moments like this may happen.

After speaking with Desiree again this morning I decided to take a trip to Arnold Palmer to visit with Talia & Desiree. Since yesterday Talia’s been on antibiotics, which are helping her feel a little better. Though she definitely wasn’t her typical spunky self, by the time I arrived she seemed to be feeling a little better than the day prior. On my way to visit her I made sure to pick up a few of Talia’s favorite candy, blow pops, which seems to have cheered her up a bit.

This is the first time I’ve visited Talia in the hospital since last fall and I have to admit I’m glad to see she’s much more comfortable with me taking pictures of her, even when she’s not feeling the best. She’s come to understand that by sharing her story she’s not only helping herself but she’s helping so many others who may also be struggling with neuroblastoma. So I brought my camera to the hospital to take pictures of her, just as hesitantly as last fall, but thankful that she was such a great sport. We spent some time talking about some her hopes and aspirations – typical dreams to hear from a child. She was excited to tell Desiree and I how her and her friends wanted to start a band someday and how she had already written two songs.

While I was visiting Talia a candy artist stopped by to make Talia handmade candy. This lady works at Epcot making candy but volunteers occasionally to make candy for the kids in the hospital. Talia was not able to attend the event in the hospital when she was making candy for all the other children because of her fever so the lady was kind enough to stop by her room to make Talia candy. This Japanese Candy artist is believed to be the only woman candy artist and one of only 15 Japanese candy artists who make this type of candy. She spun candy with her hands and then shaped it with her hands and scissors. The candy temperature is over 200 degrees and so we were told that overtime her fingerprints have completely worn off of her hands. It was amazing to watch the candy creation in person. She let Talia choose from a variety of flowers and animals – Talia asked her to make a Zebra candy.

Why a Zebra? Yeah, that’s what I wondered. Of all the flowers and creatures Talia chose a Zebra. After the candy artist left the room Desiree told me all about Talia’s interest in zebras. She reminded me that even her room was decorated with some zebra decor. Desiree informed me that when she first learned Talia had cancer not only was she in shock but the doctors were also quite surprised. Neuroblastoma is a very rare type of cancer and is usually diagnosed in very young children – often in the first couple years of life. Talia was diagnosed at age 7 which doctors said made her case that much more uncommon. It’s been reassuring to see Talia making such a strong recovery, and is even said to again be cancer free, but we know there’s still so much to remain concerned about. According the Magic Water project:

There is no known cure for relapsed neuroblastoma. When neuroblastoma has spread at diagnosis and a child is over the age of 2, there is less than a 30% chance of survival.

Desiree said that the doctors told her that seeing Talia with neuroblastoma at the age of 7 was like running into a zebra. Aside from being at a zoo – how often does the typical person run into a zebra? Not often, right? I imagine this special connection she has with zebras certainly will keep us all believing that she will continue to beat the odds.

During my visit with Talia she had a few visits from nurses in the brief time I was there. She is currently under IV fluids and antibiotics which are being fed through her access line in her chest. She told me while I was there that the IV line was so cold – she kept curling up her pajamas to help keep the cold IV wires from touching her skin.

Before I left the hospital staff came into weigh Talia. She weighed in at 50lbs 6oz. She’s lost a few ounces in the last day, which considering how she’s been feeling isn’t too terrible.

Talia also proudly shared her access line. She’s been under treatments so often between medications and chemotherapy that she requires an access line in her chest that provides a stable way for her to receive treatment.

Desiree mentioned that so long as her fever is gone and doesn’t return by tomorrow that Talia should be home for the 4th of July. My fingers are crossed that Talia will get to enjoy independence day and fireworks away from the hospital tomorrow!

Last week when I visited with Talia, Desiree shared with me the video from her dance recital that she performed in a little over a month ago. Thanks to her step father, Larry, we have this awesome video of her dance recital performance to share. Talia and her friends were pretty impressive in their dance where they performed to Janet Jackson and the Black Eyed Peas. You’ll notice that Talia stepped up to lead the dance a few times, and I’m confident you all will be stunned by her amazing dance moves in the last minute of this video.

Last week when I visited Desiree took a few videos of the girls that I thought you all might enjoy.

And if you’ve never been tortured by the presence of my camera, I’m sure you will see how Talia and my own children likely feel a little tortured at times by my paparazzi ways – though I must admit that I think the girls really enjoyed the attention of having their photos taken last week.

I spoke with Desiree this evening and she mentioned Talia would be returning to Arnold Palmer for the entire week of July 6th and that she’d begin chemo treatments again. We’ll just have to remain hopeful that she continues to fight this cancer – I think we all agree we enjoy seeing all these happy memorable moments much more!

I suppose the fact that it’s been over two months since I last saw Talia is a good sign. Of course busy times in life have made it tough for me to visit Talia lately. I’ve remained in touch with Talia’s mother Desiree and have been reassured to hear she’s doing quite well. Tonight I was glad to squeeze in some time tonight to visit with Talia. I admit I was anxious to finally catch up with Desiree and Talia – our visit with one another has been way over due. When I arrived at Talia’s home I was thrilled to see Talia having so much fun with two of her friends as they sang and danced to Hannah Montana.

I made sure that Talia’s sister, Matia, didn’t escape without allowing me to take a photo with her in it too.

Talia also shared with me yesterday’s newspaper where she was featured on the front page of the local section of the Orlando Sentinel. Talia and her sister Matia were featured in the article written about Arnold Palmer’s expansion of its cancer center. (The article is also available online to read.)

I’m glad to see Talia remains energetic around my camera, she certainly isn’t camera shy. I think my camera was pointed at her half the time during my visit with her and she made sure to pose for me several times.

One of the things I enjoyed most about my visit was seeing the happiness that comes with the great friendships surrounding Talia. The girls were cute as could be. Her friends seemed to enjoy having their pictures taken just as much as Talia. I was relieved they all enjoyed being followed around by me as I photographed some fun moments with the girls.

Seeing all the happiness earlier this evening certainly made me think that this amazing child must be surrounded by angels to beat the odds with cancer. Since meeting her last fall she’s made a significant recovery. In fact, Desiree told me this evening that the latest tests indicate that she’s cancer free. Of course there are still chances that her cancer could return like it did last year – but for now all we can do is just pray that the worst is over. During my visit Talia shared with me her collection of angels. Last year when she was sick she decided to begin collecting angels. She showed me several shelves in her room filled with angels – every angel special to her. She showed me her favorite angel, also her first angel, that she was given to her by her mother.

She numbered rocks that were placed beside each angel she had and even gave each angel a name. She showed me the angel I had given her last fall on the first day I met her. Talia asked me to guess what she named her. I asked, “What???”. She tells me to look down to the left. As I did I saw my daughter, Hope, standing beside me. All I could do was smile as she told me she named the angel Hope.

It was nice to also finally meet Talia’s puppy Bella. This squirmy little pup was a challenge to photograph but as you can see in the photos – she’s just as precious as Talia.

It was very promising to see Talia in such great spirits this evening. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that Talia remains just as energetic and resilient as she was this evening.

I’m happy to share with you all that Talia was recently asked to be the spokes model for the Central Florida Blood Center. You’ll likely begin seeing Talia’s face with advertisements for the Central Florida Blood Centers in an effort to increase awareness about the high need for blood donations. Talia’s battle with cancer is a great example of the strong need for blood and platelet donations. I thought I’d share with you all this first release from the Central Florida Blood Center.

LOCAL HEROES. SAVING LIVES.

Talia Castellano may be nine years old and 80 pounds, but she commands attention. The face of the little girl with very short hair lights up when she talks about her new puppy. She loves hanging out with friends and texting her network of supporters. Unfortunately, Talia also spends a good part of her time receiving platelets transfusions fighting a childhood cancer called neuroblastoma.

Heroic blood donors like you supply those platelets to Talia. Within two to three days of donation, platelets are transfused into cancer patients. Lives are saved everyday thanks to donors who give without knowing whose life they may be saving.

Talia’s story is just one of many. Everyday in our community, businesses, companies and organizations conduct blood drives, which provide lifesaving products to people like Talia. These blood drives are critical to the health and welfare of our community and are essential in saving the lives of patients in need. Come out to your company drive and be a hero to someone in your community.

This past Friday I participated in Relay for Life at Timber Creek High School in support of Talia and others whose lives have been affected by cancer. The night was filled with many reflections as I stayed up through the night walking about 15 miles in support of those like Talia who have battled cancer. I admit that it’s been very reassuring to see Talia rebounding and recovering from cancer, however, I certainly can’t forget the struggles I’ve seen and heard she’s endured just in the short time I’ve known her. Over the last few months I have come to admire her spirit and resilience in spite of the challenges she’s faced during her battle with cancer. Attending Relay for Life has helped me remain reassured that there is hope that Talia will beat her fight with neuroblastoma.

Stay strong Talia!

You can read more about my relay experience on my blog.

I received word last week that Talia has a new puppy! I haven’t had an opportunity to meet with her since the Celebrity Stroll but Desiree managed to send me a few photos for me to share with everyone.

Desiree shared with me a bit about the newest member of their family. Talia’s new puppy, Bella, is a toy poodle about four months old. Bella was donated to Talia by the Puppy Stop in Orlando, Florida. Desiree mentioned that over the last several months she and Talia would stop at the Puppy Stop on the way home from Talia’s cancer treatments. Like most kids, seeing puppies certainly helped raise Talia’s spirits. After recognizing Talia’s fight with cancer, the Puppy Stop’s owner, Charles, recently offered Talia the puppy. As you can see, Talia is in love with her new puppy Bella.

Thanks to Desiree for sharing these cute photos. My fingers are crossed that Bella helps keep Talia’s spirits lifted as she is suppose to be beginning chemo again this week.

On April 5th I had the opportunity to spend some time with Talia at Florida Hospital annual Celebrity Stroll fundraising event that benefits cancer programs at Florida Hospital. Talia has participated in this event in the past and again this year she was given the opportunity to walk along side other cancer survivors and celebrities on the runway in the Celebrity Stroll’s annual fashion show. I had the pleasure of capturing quite a few amazing moments with Talia during the Celebrity Stroll.

Behind stage after Talia had gotten ready she chatted with another cancer survivor. They discussed their battle wounds cancer has left behind, here Talia points out her access line.

During the fashion show Talia walked beside LPGA golfer, Annika Sorenstam.

We took quite a few shots after the show, including Talia’s family and friends.

We were all humored by Talia’s enthusiasm and enjoyed watching her as she walked the runway many more times after Celebrity Stroll had ended. We all agreed she has an amazing stage presence.

Talia spoke with many after the Celebrity Stroll, including WFTV’s Barbara West.

She also had the chance to meet Jayde from XL106.7 again.

The Celebrity Stroll proved to be a very memorable night for Talia. I admit that it’s always reassuring getting to see Talia in such great spirits. My fingers are crossed that her health continues to show positive signs of recovery.

You can view many more photos from the Celebrity Stroll event in flickr.

A little over a week ago I had the opportunity to meet with Talia for a photoshoot that Encore Productions was having with Talia and a few others. Talia was asked to model for photos to be used for the non-profit organization, My Harmony, which supports children as Talia who are struggling with childhood cancer. My Harmony will be holding an event this coming fall called La Vie where children such as Talia will be given an opportunity to perform and live out some of their childhood dreams.

I thought I’d share a few photos from my visit with Talia. The first is in the midst of her getting ready – she made sure to smile every time she noticed my camera pointed toward her.

And I must admit I was humored by the fact that Talia insisted on putting on a lot of her own makeup. Ironically Talia’s mother, Desiree use to work as a make up artist, however, Talia was very reluctant to allow her mother help her much with her make up.

Though I’ve been photographing Talia since this past October, this was the first time I’ve been with Talia where another photographer was present. Encore production had a dedicated photographer committed to capturing specific promotional shots. and they definitely enjoyed Talia’s stage presence. I found myself taking several shots of their interaction with her, rather than photographing her directly at first so that I wouldn’t cause any confusion for Talia as to what camera she should be looking at.

I did manage to take a few shots of her posing as I stood at different angles from the other photographer. As you can see, Talia did a remarkable job modeling for photos.

Of course, I enjoy capturing the true moments with Talia, which include the silly moments.

Talia had Jordan Koo and Quynn Gillan join her later in the photoshoot for more promotional shots.

The girls clearly enjoyed themselves as we took photos.

The founders of My harmony (Laura Sutphin, Jennifer Gillan, Jayme Koo, Marian Gillan) joined in one last shot with Talia and the girls.

Once I learn more details about My Harmony and La Vie I’ll be sure to share them with you all. After seeing Talia during this photoshoot I’m convinced that she not only would enjoy performing but she’s clearly an adorable girl with not only an amazing spirit but with big dreams.

Late last week I had the opportunity to visit Talia for the first time since January. Talia has recently underwent some low dose chemo and though she wasn’t feeling the best the weekend before I met with her I must admit that she seemed to be in great spirits when I saw her last week. Because I hadn’t seen her in a while I must admit I was in awe to see how much of her beautiful hair has grown back. Here’s one of the first photos I took of her last week:

I first met with Talia at the clinic where she underwent more bloodwork for tests.

The primary reason I took a trip to meet with Talia last Thursday was to be present during her big trip to see Dr. G, the chief medical examiner of Orange County. Yes, the same Dr. G on the discovery channel! I must admit that with my busy schedule I don’t get many opportunities to watch much TV so I wasn’t as familiar with who Dr. G was. However, Talia knew her quite well from watching her television show. One of the nurses at the clinic managed to arrange a meeting so Talia could meet her in person.

I have to admit that Talia isn’t very shy around my camera now I admired how fearful she looked in this photo as we waited for Dr. G., though Talia really was quite excited.

During our visit we got to meet with Dr. G in her office. She gave Talia a mug and a picture she autographed as we all chatted with her about a variety of topics.

During our visit Desiree and Talia chatted with Dr. G a bit about Talia’s history.They made sure to tell Dr. G how it’s been just over two years since Talia was first diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Dr. G seemed pretty impressed with Talia’s spirit, despite her tough battle with cancer.

Dr. G openly answered many questions for Talia. The conversed about quite a few of the episodes of Dr G medical examiner that Talia has seen on the Discovery channel. Talia seemed most excited to chat with Dr. G about the “chompers” she’s seen used in the show.

Afterwards Dr. G took us downstairs to where parts of the show are filmed – the morgue. Talia was very excited. She quickly put on rubber gloves so she could hold the “chompers” she’s seen used in the show.

I must admit that the experience was fun and I have to extend a huge thanks to Dr. G for taking time out of her extremely busy schedule to meet with Talia. I’ve heard nothing but great things from many others in regards to Dr. G’s ability to reach out to help those she can around her challenging schedule.

Once we returned from our visit we went back to the clinic and met with some of the staff who see Talia fairly regularly. They all seemed very excited to hear abut Talia’s visit.

At the end of our visit Talia, Desiree and Matia let me take one last photo, here it is:

For the first time in close to two months I got the opportunity to meet with Talia and her mother, Desiree. Just before Thanksgiving she had taken a trip to New York where she underwent more tests and treatments, including chemo, as well as visiting family. She was pretty sick for a while and has recently started to make another turn around. This morning I got the opportunity to visit her at the clinic where she routinely undergoes tests to check on various levels in her body, such as her level of platelets. Instantly when I arrived in the room I was greeted by Talia’s amazing spirit, and her wonderful smile – something I was glad to see so much of this morning.

As they waited for test results to return it was nice to catch up with Desiree and Talia. She’s gained 3 pounds – which is a great sign! Her hair is also starting to grow back. While I was there she showed me her access line, which makes it easier for her to receive medication or treatments.

I imagine one of the challenges of having so many treatments and appointments such as the one at the clinic today is playing the waiting game. As they waited about an hour for lab results, Talia brought out countless bottles of nail polish and set up her own little nail salon. She offered to paint any one’s nails who wanted to take a moment with her.

One of the things that moved me today was seeing how amazingly awesome the staff was at the clinic. Several nurses, nurse practioners, and even a volunteer stopped by to spend some time with Talia. The spirit of those who are surrounded by many children who are also battling cancer was certainly touching to see. I can only imagine how it must wear on the emotions to see so many young children suffering, so to see how they were able to make Talia feel special today certainly was a moment which touched me personally. In the case of Jenny, she’s a volunteer who has been volunteering with the clinic for over 19 years (since 1989!) – she was the first to step into Talia’s make shift clinic nail shop. It didn’t take long before others were in line to have their nails painted.

THE MOMENTS THE CAMERA NEVER CAPTURED
I was also moved by moments I never captured on camera. In the best interest of the privacy of other patients I chose to just save these moments in my mind. It was so reassuring to see Talia in such great spirits today. She happened to be one of many children at the clinic this morning – all of which are battling various forms of cancer. It broke my heart to see so many of them challenged, just as Talia is. But I was amazed to see how resilient the spirit of each child was. Although I’ve already determined that Talia is a special individual, seeing her today reminded me of what an amazing spirit she has. Though she’s fighting her own battles, she took time today to spend with another patient to paint her nails. It was a great moment seeing how she was able to make this little girl’s day. She even loaned some nail polish to a mother of another little girl who was in quarantine due to her own illness.

REMOVING THE LINE
Talia found out today that many of her counts were on the rise, which is an excellent sign. It means that soon she’ll be able to have another round of chemo, which she needs to fight the cancer. It also means that she will likely get to return to school next week, something I’m sure she’s looking forward to. Though her platelets have dropped since the last test earlier this week, they are hopeful they’ll rise by early next week in order for her to start her next round of chemo. So she’ll get a bit of a break from any treatments for a little longer. Because of this they removed the access line, which can only be in place for seven days. Though I’m sure the line was a little uncomfortable, I have this feeling that removing the tape was more discomforting.

As we left the clinic I asked if I could take a few photos of Desiree and Talia.

After taking the first photo, Talia asked me if I wanted her to take her hat off. I told her it was up to her. Today she was willing to show off her adorable head which is finally starting to grow hair again.

Of course I also had to capture a few more shots outside which reflected her amazing spirit today.

Before we finally left, I asked for one last photo of her & I to include in my 365 photo challenge.

I hope to be in touch with Talia & Desiree next week, which is when she’ll likely begin chemo again. My fingers are crossed for you Talia! Stay strong – and NEVER lose that amazing spirit!