A brighter day for families dealing with childhood cancer - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

One local woman and a photographer brought smiles to faces of families that have been dealing with an overwhelmingly challenging issue.

Kele Pallitta has dealt with one of the worst tragedies one could imagine.  She told us, "Four and a half years ago, we lost a son to a brain tumor.  He was only seven months old.  It was very unexpected, we only knew seven hours before he passed away.  It kind of jilted our life and we never actually got the treatment."

Kele, along with photographer Christi Jo Guhn, teamed up and spent the day serving families dealing with childhood cancer.

"It's called Comfort Pictures," Kele said.  "It's a free photo session for anyone with a child going through cancer treatment, or has been diagnosed with cancer, or any family who has lost a child due to cancer."

After the photos are taken, the families receive prints and also digital copies.

The Bonawitt family had only had informal photos taken in the past.  Brittnee, the mother of Brycen (5) and Aubree (3) said, "photos, but not actual family photos before, so this is a neat thing to do."

Doctors told them that Aubree has stage four neuroblastoma.

"She had symptoms for a year, and then was diagnosed in December of last year," Brittnee said.  "She has been through 8 rounds of chemotherapy, she's had her tumor removed. She's been through 2 stem cell harvests in Chicago."

Despite the challenges, Comfort Pictures gave them a great reason to smile - as a family.

"We don't let everything get to us. We just take it one day at a time, that's all you can do, and lots of prayer," Brittnee added.

Kele's organization, Elias Adin's Comforting Hearts, often sends hospital care packages to families who spend lots of time dealing with childhood cancer.

They will be involved with the Fall Festival at the Country Lane Tree Farm next Saturday.