To see the big picture we need to go back over 4 years ago when Katrina was violated by a man. Three months after the incident she learned she was pregnant. She choose to keep the baby and Liam was born. Katrina cites Liam as being the best gift she ever received. Yet despite his infectious smile, Liam came into this world with congenital heart disease. His first days of life were touch and go and required lots of hospitalization to diagnose and find a treatment plan. In addition, Liam was diagnosed with Autism. Katrina has spent lots of hours, days and weeks at doctors appointments and therapy sessions. Being a single mom, things became overwhelming and she struggled to make ends meet and found herself homeless.
For the last four years Katrina and Liam would live in and out of 7 different hotels or her car. Bouncing back and forth to whichever place had the cheapest rate. All while trying to care for her son and get him to his appointments. Many times they were in Orlando.
Katrina remained strong and didn't give up. There were many times she thought she had failed as a mom with the constant changes of where they would live and seeing the confusion of where are we going now on Liam's face. Was there an answer? Was there help out there for her?
After lots of tears, prayers and sleepless nights Katrina finally started to get help. She went to the county to ask for help. But that turned up to be lots of dead-ends and no answers. She then reached out to local politicians to help her with local agencies or churches. Finally she was able to obtain section 8 housing voucher to use towards rents. Then came the struggle to find a home to meet their needs in their budget. Finally a few weeks ago, she came upon the place they call home. A quaint duplex with 2 bedrooms and a backyard for Liam to run and play in.
Katrina never gave up fighting for her and Liam. She's had a lot of obstacles thrown her way but through it all God was with them. Liam is a sweet 4 year old boy with a big personality and smile that lights up and entire room. He has a mom that loves him beyond words and together they have everything they need. I am so happy they now have a home to call their own.
Katrina reached out to me to document this special time and I couldn't have been more honored to capture this moment for them. To share their story and to capture this moment for them is such a joy for me. One of the best parts of my job, is being able to share your story with others. May it give someone else hope, encouragement to keep fighting and joy to see their happiness. <3
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| Katrina wanted to thank all the people who helped her either in prayer, through donations via furniture, money or time and for all those who offered support during this time. |
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