STORY OF HOPE AND RESILIENCE FROM HEATHER

Beyond creating beautiful dresses in which to celebrate the magic of childhood, we delight in creating meaningful bonds with families. Over the years we have met the most wonderful families. Each one is unique and each one has a story to tell. That of Heather is one of resilience, perseverance, hope and faith. May it inspire you and remind to cherish the gift of health.

Hi, I’m Heather, proud mom of three amazing children : Cruz, Collins, and River. Our family has been blessed beyond measure.

My husband, Chance, and I married in 2015, shortly after he was medically discharged from the Marine Corps due to a brain tumor. We didn’t initially expect to have children, but life surprised us in the best possible way.

However after our youngest was born, our world was shaken when our middle child, Collins, was diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening condition called idiopathic aplastic anemia. In addition, she developed four autoimmune issues following her bone marrow transplant, which required us to spend 262 nights in the hospital.

Collins endured chemotherapy, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant. She had to relearn basic skills like walking, talking, and eating—it was an incredibly challenging journey, but her strength and resilience continue to inspire us every day.

To all the mums facing challenges, whether big or small, health related or not, there will be days when you feel that you can’t go on but remember that God’s grace is sufficient for you. In your weakest moments, HE will give you the strength you need. Trust in HIS timing, even when it’s hard to understand, and cling to the hope that HE has a plan for you and your family.

How I discovered Charlotte sy Dimby : One of my dear friend, Rebecca Cleaves kindly gifted a dress to Collins. The day on which she made this generous gesture happened to be the one year celebration of Colli's successful bone marrow transplant! She was not aware of it at the time but I believe an angel whispered it to her heart! 

The smile on Collin's face as she opened her present said it all! She felt so proud and happy twirling in it, a true princess moment! I am most grateful.

The greatest lesson I’ve learned from motherhood : I discovered a strength within myself that I never knew existed. Watching my baby girl fight for her life for over two years required a level of mental and physical strength I didn’t realize I possessed. The reality is that we are as strong as we have to be.

The most important values I wish to pass down to my children are :
        •       Love, both within our family and for Jesus
        •       Kindness, both towards oneself and others. One cannot pour from an empty well.
        •       Honesty, staying true to who we are.

Our favorite saying to each other : “You are my sunshine.” It’s a song I sang to Collins as a baby, and it has become a daily expression of love.

The best advice I ever received : Live every moment like it’s your last, but always plan for the future as if you’ll live another hundred years.

A dream : We haven’t been to Paris yet, but we dream of visiting to see the Eiffel Tower and indulge in croissants and macarons.

Follow Heather on Instagram @heatherma3