Our Story

The service we provide through Johnathan's Journey is in remembrance of Johnathan Boyd Browning (June 22, 2003 - September 13, 2003) who was born with a genetic disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. (Read Johnathan's story on the SMA website). Founding members and the organization's volunteer staff include Cindi Broome (photographer), Nikki Browning ( Johnathan's mother) and Alicia Harper (friend).

All too often, parents who attempt to preserve the image of their beloved, terminally ill child are left with photos that include feeding tubes and IV's, medical beds and other unpleasant reminders of their childs final days. In contrast to that setting, photography arranged by Johnathan's Journey is done in a professional studio environment with attractive, creative settings – settings which result in beautiful images that can later be a comfort to family and friends. In the event that a child is too ill to come to the studio, Johnathan's Journey travels to the family for the photo session.

It is difficult for parents to focus on photography when faced with the impending loss of a child. However, the photos provided by Johnathan's Journey can play an important role when the family is faced with the finality of their child's funeral. Some families have used the enlarged, framed photograph at the head of the casket to show the beautiful image of a child whose suffering has ended. This often provides a sense of peace to parents, as well as lasting memories for family and friends in attendance.

Johnathan's Journey provides these free services because photography, photo development and framing are very expensive – especially for parents faced with the tremendous medical expenses of a terminally ill child. Funded through sponsorships and donations, Johnathan's Journey is able to help families begin the healing process by providing professional photography that preserves their child's image in a respectful, sensitive and beautiful manner.