Miss Hailey Gee’s skin may be described as fragile and weak. But I know first hand that her spirit can be described as the complete opposite! Hailey was born with a severe case of Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare, genetic disease that causes the skin to blister, even with the slightest rub. She lives every day similarly to that of a burn victim, but even worse because her internal organs are also affected. There is no cure for EB, so the focus of treatment is to promote the continuous healing of the skin. Please read all the details of EB and watch videos of Hailey on her website: www.healinghailey.com .

I am also hoping my wonderful readers will notice the Paypal Donate button on her website. Absolutely any dollar amount will help this courageous family. Paypal makes it safe, easy and fast and it’s completely tax deductible. If you live in Fallbrook or anywhere close to north county San Diego, I invite you to join me at a fundraiser for Hailey next Saturday, March 12 from 11am – 2pm. Hosted by my favorite place to be: Martial Art Concepts, 325 N. Brandon, Fallbrook, CA. There will be live music, the best ever pulled pork BBQ, Raffle, Silent Auction (hmmm, any expecting San Diego Mom’s wanting to bid on a newborn session??), a martial arts competition and demonstration (let me tell you now, there is amazing talent at this studio and I am staking out my front row seat the night before!) and last but not least, the chance to meet Hailey in person. Any local who donates $25 or more on or before March 12 will receive a rewards card good one month (any month of this year) of free classes for the entire family at Martial Art Concepts. This is an *insane* deal! For those of you who visit my Facebook wall, you may know that I have gotten in the best shape of my life this past year by taking Master Paulson’s Ta Kwon Do Fitness and Hapkido classes. By far, the most FUN and intense form of exercise I’ve ever done.

I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph Hailey on a warm winters day when she was feeling exceptionally well. Thank you, Hailey, for touching my life!

Thank you so much! All images © carrie sandoval