MUSKEGO — A picture is worth a thousand words, but the impact doesn’t have to stop there.
Take it from Melissa Treba. Based in Franklin, she owns Melmarie Photography, capturing people’s special moments across Southeast Wisconsin.
But life isn’t always picture perfect.
A family friend, Kolton Buchan, was diagnosed with Leukemia in May.
“It was shocking, very shocking. Sort of scary. I never expected me out of all kids to have it for how healthy and active I was,” Kolton said.
The 10-year-old from Muskego loves to play basketball, football, and wrestling. His diagnosis meant he had to put those things on pause.
“There was a soda can-sized growth pushing on his heart,” Treba explained.
“If this were my daughter, what would I do? Wouldn’t I want somebody to help me the same way?”
Treba grabbed her camera and started offering mini photo sessions where the proceeds went directly to help Kolton.
Through the fundraiser, she was able to raise $1795 for Kolton and his family.
“People just kept messaging me saying ‘I want to do this for Kolt. I want to do this for Kolt’,” Treba recalled.
The support hasn’t stopped there. Hundreds in the Muskego area and beyond have rallied behind Kolton, like at a fundraiser at Tail Spin Bar and Grill.
Dozens of businesses, friends, and community members were there to show their support.
“You really see the good that comes out of the community and the good in people,” Matt Buchan, Kolton’s dad, said.
“Family, friends, businesses, people you don’t even know, they’re all here donating their time and services.”
After a scan came back cancer-free, Kolton is now in remission and will continue treatment for the time being.
“I’m thankful for the nice community I have,” Kolton smiled.
“I want other kids to know that if you have it, you can get through it. It’s just like a normal life, but you’re special. You’re going to get through it.”
Watch: See how much money community members have raised to help support Kolt.
Treba is currently booking for Boho Mini Sessions where part of the proceeds will go to Kolt Buchan and his fight against Leukemia.
For more information, you canvisit her website.
It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.
Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.
