Beating Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Father and Daughter’s Strength

Sarah in April 2010, before her father says they “found out she was sick.”
(Credit: EuTu Photography Studio)

This Father’s Day, we look to the courageous and creative efforts of one dad: Mark Cox. In 2010, Cox’s family discovered that their 11-year-old daughter, Sarah, had acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). The years to follow would be tumultuous, challenging and surprising — filled not only with pain but also with strength and grace. With a camera in hand, Cox decided to document his daughter’s journey through cancer in his ArtPrize 2013 photo series, “Strong.”

Mary Jo and Mark Cox family visits Silver Lake dunes in July 2013 with their children, Sarah, 13, and Liam, 7.
(Credit: mlive.com)

As with any cancer diagnosis, Sarah’s came as a shock – here was a girl that was extremely active in her community of Grand Rapids, Michigan. In fact, right before receiving her diagnosis, Sarah ran a 5K. But as those with serious illnesses know, sometimes the diagnosis makes no sense. Sometimes it feels like cancer rears its head out of the blue for both those who’ve smoked like a chimney and those who’ve lived in perfect health. Lymphocytic leukemia was no exception for the Cox family – but they were determined to win in the fight against it.

Mark Cox is a musician and professor at Central Michigan University, who sees his passion for photography as a natural extension of his love for music: “I find that creating meaningful photos is very similar to performing meaningful concerts. It needs to be great, unique, inspiring and creative.” Taking photos remained a hobby during Cox’s college years. But “with much support from my wife and family,” he says, “I [finally] started working seriously on my photography.”

“It’s to inspire people, especially those having to deal with cancer in their kids – to see an end in sight.”

–Mark Cox on daughter Sarah

“We were eating dinner here in January 2011 and Sarah was really cold, so she wrapped my bathrobe around her body and head,” said Cox.
(Credit: EuTu Photography Studio)

“I just wanted to show that even with her hair gone, even with chemotherapy, what a beautiful young lady she is,” he said. “It’s to inspire people, especially those having to deal with cancer in their kids – to see an end in sight.” Though Sarah’s cancer was in remission a month after her chemotherapy, she had to live through years of endless hospital visits, physical and mental pain, and the fear that the cancer would return. It’s a hard enough task for a grown man or woman, let alone a child. “The visits will get further and further apart,” says Cox about Sarah’s current status. “It’s a seven-year process total until she is declared cancer-free.”

Cox snapped Sarah in candid situations at every stage of the treatment process. As a photographer, Cox saw the opportunity to create series of photos that could give others strength. As a father, he saw the possibility to share the strength and light that his daughter exuded under such formidable circumstances.

“We were wrapping up the chemo and she’s starting to look healthier,” says Cox.
(Credit: EuTu Photography Studio)

That’s probably the best part about Cox’s photos: they do not indulge in letting one’s spirit sink. In each photo, Sarah’s personality shines through – and it’s clear that even though she’s ill, she won’t let her illness define her.

What do you think of Sarah’s father’s efforts? We look forward to your comments below.

You may enjoy:

• Teenage Youtube Makeup Star Talia Joy Castellano Dies From Cancer
• One Man’s Photography of His Wife’s Battle Against Cancer
• What to Cook for Those Who Have Cancer or Are Terminally Ill