History Through my Lens
Meet April
April Onstad is a Minnesota-based freelance photographer with a deep passion for both music and photography.
Her journey into the arts began early, influenced by her father's involvement in the music industry and her grandfather, who was a professional photographer. This familial connection led her to work for The Musicland Group as soon as she was of age, immersing herself in the world of music and arts as she lived in London. In 1999, April transitioned into freelance photography, a field where her enthusiasm has only grown over the years. Her work is characterized by a keen eye for detail and commitment to capturing authentic moments.
April's life took a profound turn when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. This challenging experience kept her bedridden for almost five years, during which she received immense support from her community. Grateful for the assistance she received, April made a personal vow to give back in any capacity she could.
Her journey through illness and recovery has deepened her empathy and commitment to helping others facing similar health challenges. April's resilience and dedication to supporting others on their paths to recovery have become integral aspects of her life and work.
Beyond her professional endevors, April is known for her creative pursuits,and her desire to help her community in any way that she can.
April's dedication to her craft and her ability to intertwine her love for photography, music and community have established her as a respected figure in the Minnesota arts community. Her work continues to inspire and resonate with a diverse audience, reflecting her unique persective and artistic versatility.
Her story is a testament to the power of community support and personal determination in overcoming adversity and making a positive impact on others' lives.
Daily Inspiration: Meet April Onstad - Voyage Minnesota Magazine
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Fine Tuned
In 2009, one year after my fourth son was born, I learned that I had a brain tumor the size of a baseball. I had been handed two options upon finding out, have brain surgery now, or pass away in a few weeks.
My first response was dropping to my knees with tears and just thanking God for helping me find what was going wrong with me for so terribly long.
I needed a 13-hour surgery, and I did not know if I would ever wake up. I stared endlessly into my one-year-olds sons eyes trying to leave a piece for him to remember.
As soon as I woke up, I wish that I hadn't. I was paralyzed on the right side of my entire body, deaf in one ear, wheelchair bound, and in the most excruciating pain known to man. Seven nerves in my face were now misfiring and I was diagnosed with what is called "the suicide disease " acute trigeminal neuralgia.
I had a misconception that if the tumor came out and I survived I would be back to normal. But my journey became that of finding a new normal.
I fought tooth and nail to be able to walk again. Years spent in physical therapy; I spent years going to a facial pain therapist to get my mouth moving again.
Years going to pain clinics only to catch Meningitis which was somehow worse than the tumor.
But then one faithful day the Mayo clinic offered me the chance of becoming patient #12 to receive a cortical brain implant to take the pain away. And the moment I woke up from another 13-hour brain surgery I was pain free.
Today my fight is against broken bones in my back that won't heal, and a tumor on my L5 that is mean. But I am not where I was once was.
The power of fighting is so very real. Speaking life when so many people have spoken the opposite. I have spent my new lease speaking hope, love and light whenever I am presented with the opportunity. Because hope is the spark that ignites the flame to belief.
I climbed a mountain in a rain forest this year. Who would have ever thought? For the girl they said would never walk again. (Photograph gallery below, not for the faint of heart. )
And a reminder that if I can, the least of these, you can too.
Finding Light in the Valley
If I were to survive this, it would be for a reason. So many people came to my side to help my family while I laid in bed for almost five years. Meals, cars, carpeting, anything we needed it just seemed to appear. Sometimes from people we knew, and sometimes nameless. I saw people acting as the church and I promised myself that I would do everything in my power to give in any capacity that I could as well. And as I got better that door opened up for me through my love for photography. I started by giving sessions away to everyone who helped me. Then my business seed was planted as I offered photography sessions in exchange for donations towards mission trips and free photography for health needs families. And from there, my new world.
Light in the Valley was found when my valley walking was dark and isolating. And it the light was delivered by faith and by the people who felt led.
I have a disease called NF2, it causes benign tumors to grow in my brain, spine, knees and arms. When the tumors cause me too much neve pain, they have to come out. At the moment while I still operate in as much full-time mode as possible, I suffer tremendous pain. I currently have a tumor in my spine that presses on some major nerves, and we are debating another surgery.
Every bit of pain leaves during every photoshoot. Just gone. It seems to be the one thing that completely takes my brain out of the pain. To me that is every indication that I am on the right path. I live each day so thankful for each experience, good and bad because that is how we learn and grow.
Photo to the left: Me photographing a three-year-old diagnosed with a brain tumor since birth. I gained so much strength from him.