Courtney Fries, Welcome to Newport Beach!

Congrats Courtney! Julie and I had such a hard time because there were so many great entries. We felt connected to Courtney for some reason and feel that we made the right choice! I can't even imagine going through what Courtney and many others who emailed have gone through! You all are saints and have big rewards in heaven! I have a special discount that I want to offer to any of the mom's who emailed me previously. If you email me (mike@mikecolon.com) I'll give you the coupon code. I have a few more seats open so this will be a first come first serve. It's the least I can do for all of you who took the time to tell me your stories!

Here's Courtney's email:

Hello Mike :) I am writing to you about the "mom" post you made on your blog. What a generous offering...truly all mom's are blessed to know that you think so highly of their efforts. My name is Courtney Fries. I am a mother to a beautiful little 3 year-old named Piper. Piper is an amazing child. Despite being born with Cystic Fibrosis, a degenerative genetic lung disorder, she has fought her disease strongly and without trepidation. Shortly after her birth, my now ex-husband, upon learning of her diagnosis at merely 2 weeks old decided that the road was too long and winding to make a go of it. He decided to take another path and leave the two of us to figure this thing out together and we've made a go of it, regardless of how trying it has been at times. Piper's daily regimen is comprised of early risings, chest physical therapy, nebulizer treatments and 9 different oral medications...this all before she takes a bite of breakfast and then a repeat of this regimen at lunch and again at dinner. Her strength and ability to smile through her misfortune makes every moment worth it. I find the most difficult part wanting to take her pain away...wishing that her 4 hour coughing fits at 3 am would end just so she could get a moment's peace. My photography offers me an immense amount of solace. I feel that through my photography I have been blessed enough to capture those moments that don't have "CF" stamped on them. It is most definitely a balancing act between CF Therapy, just being a mom to a beautiful kiddo and being a photographer all at the same time. I have to divide my day into hours...a schedule of sorts just to get it all done and not feel horrible that I am neglecting either aspect of my life. My photography is our livelihood, but in turn I am Piper's livelihood. I spend several nights a week at my computer until 3 am finishing sessions just so I will have more freedom during the day to be with my child. I wake up with bags under my eyes, but she's never the wiser...she has me there with her and that's all she knows. At the end of the day I know that's what matters...she may not live to be much older than the forecasted age of 35, but at least I know I devoted what I could to her and gave her all of myself. I have admired your work for so long and upon reading your blog I had to rub my eyes to make sure I was reading your post correctly haha. An opportunity to attend your workshop...to step outside of my daily regimen and do something AMAZING is something I could only dream of. I have an amazing man in my life now that is rooting me on...two thumbs up, willing to watch Piper if I'm given the chance to attend this once in a lifetime opportunity. I felt compelled to reply to your amazingly generous offer and it was merely with the hope of sharing my story and possibly having that "moment" where someone else could envision walking in my shoes. If anything, it has helped me to speak outloud what I have only been thinking to myself. I am sure my story falls in a long line of others that have been down long and winding roads. I only hope to stand out from the rest, even if only a small amount. I would make it my personal goal to see that my attendance to your workshop was one of the best "investments" you have ever made. My website is www.zoombugphotography.com I thank you for listening, most certainly!
God Bless~
Courtney Fries