Little Celia’s reaction to a photo taken almost a year ago is more touching than words can describe.

Celia, 5, who has Down syndrome, was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. With over two years of chemotherapy treatments, Celia’s image has changed. Mom said that her brave little girl is bouncing back. “A lot of her personality was put on hold for quite a few months, but like I said to someone the other day, ‘She’s back,'” said Furtado.

Photographer Laura Kilgus of Providence snapped photos of Furtado’s children in conjunction with the Down Syndrome Society of Rhode Island—something she said she does for a number of families in the area.

IMAGE SOURCE: IJREVIEW

“I have a nephew with Down syndrome and I wanted to do something to raise awareness.” Kilgus said. “I thought it would be cool to do a mini-shoot, so I contacted the director of the Down Syndrome Society of Rhode Island about it and the Furtados were one of the families that took us up on our offer.”

Kilgus then hosted a gallery for Down Syndrome Awareness Month at the where she displayed her photography, including shots of Celia and her sister Ava.

IMAGE SOURCE: FOX29

Luckily, Kilgus was on hand to take another photo of Celia just in time to capture her tear-jerking reaction while viewing a portrait of herself.

IMAGE SOURCE: IJREVIEW

Kilgus said, “She spotted herself right away, and she pointed and smiled.”

What a delightful gift to a family in need of a smile.

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