Westfall Photography featured on CBS 5 representing NILMDTS

We were honor to work with Thuy Vu from CBS 5 and Christina Andreson, mother of Zoey Eoff in this heartwarming piece. As the area coordinator for NILMDTS one of my main goal is to build community awareness of the organization so that families know that we offer this service as well as getting more volunteers to help out. For those of you that don't know my involvement with NILMDTS, the charitable organization Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS) provides bereavement images of children for families across the United States. I’m so proud to be a part of this wonderful organization that helps grieving families through the agonizing pain of losing a child.

The CBS 5 segment aired today during the 6:00pm news. Below is the copy that was written by CBS 5 and the link to the story and video.

CBS Story featuring Westfall Photography and Zoey Eoff

Bay Photographer Documents Terminally Ill Infants

Reporting Thuy Vu (CBS 5)

It's one of the saddest things a parent could ever face-- the death of an infant. But a new Bay Area group is helping to ease the pain by providing a service the families can hang on to forever. Christina Andresen and her boyfriend were thrilled when they found out they were having a baby girl. But five months into the pregnancy, Andreson learned the baby would likely die soon after birth. "We found out she has trisomy 13, which is a chromosomal defect," said Andreson. So the family is clinging to hope, but also, confronting reality. "We've already talked with funeral homes and stuff like that," said Andreson. Helping them through their emotional journey is Jessica Westfall, a professional photographer in San Jose. Her portraits have won awards, but the Andresen family has won her heart. Westfall is part of a national organization that volunteers to take photos of families whose babies are terminally ill. The services are completely free, provided by photographers who know that through their camera, every image of every little foot, every little hand, is a lasting one. "Your memory will fade over time," said Westfall. "I create these images because I know the family will have these to treasure." Westfall is starting a Bay Area chapter of the group, called Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. "It's hard," said Westfall. "Especially the first few sessions I had. I came home crying. It was heartbreaking." Heartbreaking - yet heartwarming - to be there for the families. Shortly after Andreson gave birth to baby Zoe, Westfall was there, capturing memories. Experts used to warn parents not to bond with babies who wouldn't survive for long-- the pain would be too hard. But looking at the photos, Andreson believes they're a way to heal. "They just make it to where a horrible situation comes out beautiful," said Andreson. "It's more of some way to cherish her." For more information, contact Jessica Westfall at (408) 998-3342 or visit nowilaymedowntosleep.org. (© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)"

NILMDTS on the Today Show

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My involvement with NILMDTS for the past 2 years has been such a blessing. Each family that I serve holds a special place in my heart. The charitable organization Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS) provides bereavement images of children for families across the United States. I’m so proud to be a part of this wonderful organization that helps grieving families through the agonizing pain of losing a child.

NILMDTS was featured on the NBC Today show on March 5 in the 8:30 am portion of the show. If you missed the broadcast, are interested in seeing what NILMDTS photographers do or would like to see just one of the hundreds of true stories like this that happen every day, here is the streaming video link to the story that helps illustrate how valuable these photos are. NILMDTS- Today Show Or if you would like to forward the website to a family in need or to make contributions, please visit the organization’s website at www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org.

Angel Jacob

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Beautiful baby Jacob was born at 23 weeks gestation. I am honor to have been able to meet him and be with him during his brief time on Earth. The family truly touched my heart and I will pray for them. I am thankful to be part of 'Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS)' and that we are able to provide our services to the families.

I joined and volunteer to be the area coordinator for the San Jose region of NILMDTS after having my first daughter Daniella. My daughter has been such a gift in my life and I am so blessed to have her. Family is the most important thing in my life and as a parent I realized how much these little people tug at your heart. As a photographer I have been given a gift that allows me to capture moments in life that may be lost as a faded memory otherwise. I am honor that the families that I have work with have allowed me to capture the memories of their children so that they may look back at the images and remember how beautiful their child was. Even though their time on Earth may have been brief, they largely impact many people including myself. I pray for all the families and thank you again for letting me part of your families' memories.