Caption: After receiving her tickets to meet Toby Keith Mary Kimmel, 8, sits in her wheel chair in front of her family’s home north east of Nunn. Mary has Rett syndrome a neurodevelopment disorder that strikes only girls and can lead to an early death.
Mary Kimmel was born with Rett Syndrome. The neurodevelopment disorder prevents her from maturing like a normal child her age. She can walk with help but spends most of her time in a wheel chair or her own miniature recliner. The disease means Mary will need care and assistance for the rest of her life, which can last any where from 18-50 years.
I shoot a ton of pictures in a week and frankly a lot of the people I meet don’t make an indelible impression on me. Mary and her family on the other hand will stay with me for ever. Being a new father I think the story had more impact on me as I imagined how well I would do if my daughter had Rett Syndrome.
Her family is amazing. They take Mary to school everyday, take her on camping and fishing trips and interact with her like any other member of the family. I know that is how it is supposed to be, but imagine having an eight-year-old that behaves like an infant. I find an infant who behaves like an infant challenging enough.
Please enjoy the photos and let me know what you think…
