written by Lois Pollard-Grant / Lasting Impressions Photography

I had a wonderful experience photographing a real life superhero, by the name of Flash Gordon. Some of you may remember the old British comic book superhero from the 1930’s with the same name, but the difference is, one is a cartoon character and the other is a real life superhero.  And for good reason, parents André and Ami Gordon decided to name their son after the famous comic book hero. 

Flash, who recently turned one, has been through more in his young life than most people will ever go through.  He was born with Trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome, and was born with a Congenital Heart Defect.  By the time he was three months old he had open-heart surgery.

For his first birthday celebration, Flash was dressed up in his superhero costume.  The cape that he wore sported a capital “F”  which was proudly displayed across the back of his cape.  His cape was provided by Heart Heroes Inc. and was specially made for Flash.  The capes are made for children with Congenital Heart Defects, and who require surgery or other complex medical intervention.  Ami says, it is meant to help empower these children as they deal with something that can be scary and traumatic for them.

Since his open-heart surgery, Flash has recovered very well.  Ami adds that she is very grateful to the people who saved his life and how lucky they are to be his parents.