Cheap Shots

It has been 4 years, almost to the day, since I started working for the Gazette-Times and now it is time to say goodbye. I am writing this blog on my last day at the paper before I move up to Tualatin for a new job that takes me in a new direction and on a new adventure. While the life of a photojournalist can be difficult with long hours, a rough schedule and some very somber experiences, I wouldn’t change the last four years for anything. I have had the pleasure to work with some of the finest people around and met some of the most amazing individuals anyone could ever know because of what I do. This community has been a wonderful home for 14 years and I want to thank everyone for the experiences and stories we have shared.

One such story is that of Dylan Cain, the little boy who has gone through a lot in his few years. For those of you who don’t know, Dylan was oxygen-deprived at birth and later was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. He is legally blind and when I first met him, he had very limited motor skills. That was in September 2007. The amazing thing about Dylan is that he is almost always smiling and you can’t help but love him.

Dylan Cain in 2007

We have kept up with his progress over the years, including the recent stem cell infusion he recently received at the Duke University School of Medicine. This week, as I was preparing for my departure, I was thrilled to learn that Alex Paul and I had another chance to check in on the Cain’s and see how Dylan is doing.

The progress Dylan has made is amazing, but more importantly, his smile is still shining bright. He has more mobility, more cognitive ability and can now speak a few words. I can’t even begin to describe how amazed I was when he repeated his mother and was able to say my name. It was a great way for me to end my time at the Gazette-Times and he will always bring a smile to my face, though it’s nothing compared to his smile.

Be sure to check out Alex Paul’s story on Dylan’s progress coming soon and thank you everyone for a wonderful 4 years.

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