I was first introduced to Kassi's Instagram by Ashley during a conversation we were having about genuine motherhood. She had recently begun following Kassi's feed and though Ashley didn't have any kiddos at the time, found herself encouraged by the things that Kassi shared. In no time I too, enjoyed her witty and sometimes brutally honest yet simultaneously grace-filled comments often accompanied by a lovely image of herself and one of her five children.
Kassi has had a significant following for a few years but after one of her twin babies was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis just over two years ago, her Instagram community widened and in many different ways came together to support the Bacquets and their little boy Trax. Within weeks their medical bills were significantly decreased and a #pray4trax necklace had been created by a mother in Australia with all proceeds donated to ease the financial burden (the necklaces are still being made and typically sell out within 15 minutes of re-stocking). The #pray4trax hashtag is a collection of precious portraits of Trax receiving treatment but also enjoying every day life as a two year-old, alongside a slew of other individuals fighting CF and living life to the fullest. Their story gives a glimpse of the good that social media can bring : to raise awareness, to relieve burden and to encourage genuine community.
I had the lovely opportunity to photograph Kassi+Daniel and their kiddos in their home on the Central Coast and upon entering, was welcomed like we'd known each other for years. Their home feels like real life in all the best ways -- loud, rambunctious, playful and full of grace and love.
same profiles right?! Love that squishy nose and big grin on mama+baby.
if you're cute enough I'll let you take my picture, too.
You can learn more about CF in this short documentary with the Bacquets.
Follow Kassi on instagram for an honest, refreshing, lovely look at motherhood and marriage with a large family and : @kassibacquet
Learn about the history behind the #pray4trax necklace.
And keep up to date with Trax and the ways you can donate, pray for and support the Bacquets : http://www.gofundme.com/38gcjs