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CHESTERFIELD, Missouri — With the snap of a camera, photographer Emily Lucarz captured the special moments of Cara Combs and her family at her studio last Thursday in Chesterfield.
Combs, a pregnant 38-year-old wife and mother of three, thought the photos were especially important. That's because she was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma in the first week of November. The news came 23 weeks into her pregnancy.
Combs refused treatment until she reached 28 weeks to give her baby the best chance of survival. On Saturday she went into labor, and baby Shaylin Renee was born. Her weight was just over 2 pounds, and photographer Lucarz was there to capture the delivery on camera.
"It's heartbreaking for me, because Combs put her baby before her own life, and it was amazing," said Lucarz.
Then tragedy struck. By Tuesday morning, Combs was gone. Family members say Combs' husband, Roy, and her children are devastated. Complications from the cancer that spread to her liver and the delivery made it impossible for her to recover. She was also just days away from starting a clinical trial in Texas. Relative Andrea Dean says the days have been tough.
"The NICU brought Shaylin to her, and she got to hold the baby. We got pictures of her holding the baby things like that," said Dean.
Combs' mother-in-law, Barbara Combs, says a GoFundMe* page was started to help the family with expenses. It's grown dramatically as thousands are sharing Combs' touching story online.
Welcome to the world baby Shaylin. "Shay". Arriving today 2 lbs, 1.2 oz, she is doing amazing. They are even going to...
Posted by Emily Lucarz Photography on Saturday, December 5, 2015
"The comments on that GoFundMe page are nothing but love, and that is so encouraging," said Combs Now the family is left to grieve and remember a special woman who left a very special gift. Lucarz is also planning to document the family until little baby Shaylin leaves the hospital.
Heaven gained a new Angel this morning. Cara was an amazing wife, mother, daughter and sister. She sacrificed...
Posted by Emily Lucarz Photography on Tuesday, December 8, 2015
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