When Alan Lawrence’s fifth child, a son named Wil, was born with Down syndrome, the Utah dad wasn’t sure how his family’s life would change. Then he discovered that Wil could fly. Alan captures it all in a beautifully edited photo series, Wil Can Fly, and he shared some of his favorites with SheKnows in honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
Apples for apples
Alan has admitted that he wasn’t sure what life would have in store for him when they first learned that their fifth child had Down syndrome, but he quickly realized he had much to learn from his youngest son, saying, “What I thought was going to be a trial has become our biggest blessing.”
The coast
The Lawrence family traveled around the country, seeing the sites and taking a “flying” tour through beautiful landscapes.
Golden Gate
At the beach
So why is Wil flying? Well, two reasons. When Wil was a baby, his family noticed that he loved to lie on his stomach and lift his arms and legs. Alan has recounted, “We all said, ‘Look, he’s flying!'” That was how the idea was born. But Wil flies in another way too. Alan has said, “Even though our son has Down syndrome, we know he will be able to do anything he puts his mind to — Wil Can Fly!”
Grand Canyon
Alan, who is a photographer and blogger, has been capturing mesmerizing photos of his son soaring through incredible landscapes for months now, and the images were such a hit that the Lawrence family focused on how they could use the photos to raise awareness about Down syndrome. They chose to compile some of the breathtaking images into a calendar, available for $20 at WilCanFly.com.
Super sibling
Wil Can Fly in the tent
The harbor
Meeting Mickey
Half of all the profits from the calendar will go to two great places: Reece’s Rainbow, a foundation that supplies grants for Down syndrome adoptions, and Ruby’s Rainbow, which grants scholarships to individuals with Down syndrome who want to pursue higher education.
Monument Valley
Alan expresses his excitement for the project: “We hope this calendar will help bring change and inclusion for people with Down syndrome as these photos hang in homes or offices, illustrating the joy and worth people with Down syndrome have to offer the world.”
The Redwoods
To infinity … and beyond!
Wil Can Fly Yoda
Alan had a lot to learn when his son was born, and now he’s hoping other people can experience the joy he’s felt too: “Wil has brought a new dimension to our family and has helped us to look past the world’s preconceived notions of normal. We look forward to witnessing more of Wil’s unconditional love as he grows and we discover how to truly live life through him.”
Joshua Tree
Wil Can Fly Special Olympics
Athletes who compete in the Special Olympics can encourage every kid to take flight.
Bixby Bridge
The Redwoods
To infinity … and beyond!
An umbrella
Wil in orchard
Kids with Down syndrome deserve to know they have limitless potential.
California adventure
Can’t think of a better way to see the world!
Fun for everyone
Here’s the whole gang (minus Mom and Dad) together. Wil is lucky to have a great family and every opportunity he can handle. Other individuals with Down syndrome deserve that too, and you can help it happen for them by picking up a calendar of your own.
Leave a Comment