Kids with cancer see dreams realized in book

Kids with cancer see dreams realized in book

(Jonathan Diaz)


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SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah photographer has captured beautiful photographs based off the dreams of 21 pediatric cancer patients in hopes of raising awareness and inspiring others.

Photographer Jonathan Diaz said it was great creating lasting memories for people as he took wedding and family photos, but he wanted to use his talent to help others and be more creative.

Drawn to the imagination and optimism of children, Diaz decided to bring these kids' dreams to life through photography and to publish a book of the photos.

The Anything Can Be project aims to create lasting hope and raise awareness one dream and one photograph at a time, Diaz said.

The book, titled "True Heroes," includes the photos paired with original short stories written by authors such as Shannon Hale and Brandon Mull.

"I don't know of any book that takes actual kids who are fighting real battles, such as cancer, creating their dreams into photography and then also writing stories about those dreams and about the kids specifically in their dreams," Diaz said.

Initially, Diaz met with each child and found out more about their interests and dreams. He then took pictures of the children that illustrate that dream.

Diaz said every photo shoot was a special experience, and the first one he did has a special place in his heart.

Braelyn Oliver, 5, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia two years ago and will finish treatment in January, her mother, Kristin Oliver, said.

Braelyn, the superhero (Photo: Jonathan Diaz)
Braelyn, the superhero (Photo: Jonathan Diaz)

Though Braelyn is considered very high risk, her mother said she has responded to her treatment very well and has a good prognosis.

In January 2014, Diaz photographed Braelyn as she was in the midst of some rough treatments and couldn't leave the house. Kristin Oliver said the photo shoot helped Braelyn forget about cancer for a minute, and she stares at the large portrait framed in her bedroom.

Written by Peggy Eddleman, Braelyn's story, "Braelyn and the Speeding Train," details the 5-year-old superhero saving her stuffed animals from some train tracks.

Kristin Oliver said they love her story and it fits Braelyn perfectly.

"We love 'Anything Can Be,' it's super close to our hearts," Kristin Oliver said.

The book is dedicated to Millie Flamm, who died from cancer in 2013. Diaz said Millie's mother, Amanda Flamm, contacted him with a lot of the families involved in the project.


My hope is that someday, no matter what situation they're in, that either the legacy goes on through the book and affects people's lives, or these kids … that do survive and that do go on, that they will know that they can do anything and they become incredible people and do awesome things in their lives.

–Jonathan Diaz


Throughout the book, Diaz used images of hummingbirds, which represent Millie, because of the hummingbird whistle dance she used to do to cheer up her friend, Cami, who is featured in "True Heroes."

Diaz said he hopes the book can help people escape the hardships of fighting cancer.

"My hope is that someday, no matter what situation they're in, that either the legacy goes on through the book and affects people's lives, or these kids … that do survive and that do go on, that they will know that they can do anything and they become incredible people and do awesome things in their lives," Diaz said.

"True Heroes" will be officially released Sept. 8, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. A launch party will take place at the Provo City Library Sept. 12. at 3 p.m.

The launch party will include a panel with Diaz and some of the authors and a book signing. Many of the authors and children featured in the books will be there.

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