Photographer Julie Wilson’s sister, Dina, was born in 1975. She had Down syndrome. But Dina was lucky: her parents and sister always loved her, and she had a warm, strong and loving family who helped her in everything.
Dina managed to congratulate Julie on her wedding, which took place in 2009. Dina lived to be 35 – 33 years longer than doctors had predicted. After the death of her sister, Julie Wilson decided to do a special photo project in memory of her sister.
At Julie’s wedding, Dina sang a song to congratulate her beloved sister. When Dina died, her sister decided to immortalize her memory with an important work.
At that time, photography was just a hobby for Julie. But even then, she realized she wanted to take a series of photographs of the little ones with Down syndrome.
Not knowing where to find models for her photo project, Julie turned to Facebook – and immediately she was inundated with letters from parents whose little ones were born with Down syndrome.
Julia already knew what she was going to film. Clothing and accessories for the shoot were donated by Posh Peanut and Closet stores.
According to the photographer, she did this project for her own enjoyment, as well as to show people that little ones with Down syndrome can be a real blessing to the family.
Julie hoped this photo shoot would send a message to expectant parents who had been told their little one was going to be born with Down syndrome.
“I hope I can help at least one family who is thinking of terminating a pregnancy with a little one with Down syndrome, to say no and open their hearts to him,” she says.
“Although there are ups and downs in raising such a little one, you will love him a thousand times more than you can imagine, and his presence will be a real blessing to you,” says- she.
The photo shoot brought together 11 little ones with their families – about 30 people in total. According to Julie, she is more than delighted with the result.
