Lora Scantling is an Oklahoma-based photographer who found artistic inspiration after her stepfather was diagnosed with lung cancer. The disease made such an impact on Lora and her family that she decided to bring together three young girls — each diagnosed with a different type of cancer — for a very special photo shoot. In 2014, Lora and Christy Goodger's photos spread across the internet like wildfire.
Rheann, 6, Ainsley, 4, and Rylie, 3, posed together in beautiful dresses, pearls and flowers, the three girls locked in a close embrace. They had never met before the photo was taken. By the time the photo went viral, Ainsley and Rylie were in remission, but Rheann was not yet in the clear. The more people who saw the photo, the more prayers went out to Rheann and her health. Miraculously, Rheann's diagnosis took a turn for the better.
With all three girls in remission, Lora decided to get the trio back together, not once but twice — and wait until you see the results of their reunions…
[H/T: Lora Scantling / TODAY]
In 2014, a photo of three young Oklahoma girls — each with a different form a of cancer — took the internet by storm. You'd never even know it, but the girls didn’t even know each other before the photo was taken!
Two photographers, Lora Scantling and Christy Walker Goodger, got the girls together because they were inspired to combine their love of photography with their desire to spread awareness about cancer.
After Lora posted the gorgeous photos of Rylie, Ainsley and Rheann, they went viral. At the time, Ainsley and Rylie were in remission, but Rheann's health (pictured in the middle) was not yet in the clear. People all over the world began praying for Rheann.
Miraculously, just four months after the photo shoot, all three girls were in remission. Lora and Christy decided to reunite Rylie, Ainsley and Rheann and capture the magic once again.
The trio recreated the picture in the most stunning way. Rylie and Ainsley grew a few inches since the original, and you can see their hair started to grow back.
Earlier this year, Lora Scantling decided to reunite the girls and their families for a third time. The new photo shows Rylie, Ainsley and Rheann holding their original picture, smiling with pride. They have all come so far, and this photo is such a celebration of their journey.
"We decided to do it holding the original picture this year so everyone could see how much they have changed!" Scantling told TODAY.com. "All three girls are doing great and are still cancer free/in remission."
Ainsley Jane Maciula Peters was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2013. Though she has had to relearn everything at such a young age, she has come such a long way.
Ainsley's blood work is monitored on a monthly basis, and she remains in remission.
Rylie Hughey is bubbly and adventurous. The youngest child in her family, Rylie was diagnosed with stage 5 bilateral Wilms tumors.
She gets scans every three months, but continues to get stronger.
Rheann, 8 years old, has a rare form of brain cancer called Mucoid Spindle Sarcom. She permanently lost her hair as a result of chemotherapy.
In an update she provided to TODAY.com, Scantling says Rheann loves to ride her bike, hang out with friends, and play with her sisters.
Since their very first photoshoot back in 2014, Rylie, Ainsley and Rheann have formed an unbreakable bond.
Together, these three brave girls continue to inspire people around the world with their strength and courage.
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