Photographers Laura Scantling and Christy Goodger had the opportunity to capture an unusual and touching photograph of three little girls from Oklahoma. Rian Franklin, six, Ashley Peters, four, and Riley Huey, three, were shown hugging each other like sisters in thin muslin dresses. All three babies had one thing in common: they all had cancer. It’s not surprising that the story and the heroines in this photograph did not leave anyone cold…

Everything about this photo shoot was special and very personal to Laura. Her stepfather died of lung cancer after a long battle, and Miss Scantling’s friend lost her newborn son to the disease. Laura took a new photo with the same three girls a year later. This time, all three eyes were open and looking directly into the lens, as if to symbolize their victory over the disease and the fact that they can now look forward without fear.

A year later, a third photograph appeared in which the girlfriends were holding their first portrait.… As a result, no one had any doubts about how the third anniversary of a healthy and fulfilling life should be celebrated. The golden ribbon in their hands is a pediatric oncology symbol. Regrettably, not all of the girls recovered without incident. Rian, the oldest of the three, has lost her hair for good, has a noticeable growth lag, and has developed kidney failure.

But she’s still alive and knows how to have fun like no one else… Laura herself has stated that she enjoys working with these little princesses because she believes that by doing so, she conveys an important message to people and forces them to consider what is often hidden in the shadows.