02/05/2026
MEET Asher!
“When I first heard the words Down syndrome, I couldn’t even say them out loud. I didn’t want to admit it was happening to me. I was scared of what it would mean for his life… and for ours. Then Asher came into the world bright red hair flaring and every fearful thought melted away.
He was beautiful. He was mine and I knew I would do everything in my power to give him the best life and every opportunity possible.
I advocated for him in the NICU, and I still advocate for him every single day. I am often exhausted. Sometimes overwhelmed. But I would carry the hard parts for both of my children if it meant they would always feel loved, seen, and supported. The ache is there. But the joy overwhelms the fear.
Every milestone. His personality. His endless love. His laugh. His resilience to push through it all. It’s miraculous to witness. What surprises me most is the way the world responds to him.
The dignity I once feared might not be there… is there.
People see him. They smile at him. They are drawn to him.
They feel something in his presence — a light, a kindness, a love. I believe they’re seeing a glimpse of God’s love through him, even if they can’t quite name what it is that draws them in.
Being Asher’s mother has changed me forever.
There is pain, yes. But there is deeper joy.
And I would choose him exactly as he is every time”.
-Krystal
✨ Project BRAVE ✨
is a passion project created to showcase the beauty of disability and the special needs community. It highlights the joy, love, and companionship our family members with special needs bring into our lives while helping to break the stigmas surrounding what it means to have an atypical family member.
These families are filled with strength, resilience, and pure joy—and I strive to capture that in every photograph. Through these images, my hope is to bring awareness, acceptance, and a stronger voice of advocacy as we celebrate these beautiful souls.
BRAVE:
B – Beautiful
R – Resilient
A – Able
V – Vibrant
E – Empowered
– Kristi, OKAPE Photography
