As the photographer for the Walls of Hope at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Lahey Clinic (two of my favorite projects ever!), I loved photographing mentors for the Asian Breast Cancer Project! This worthy group, which supports Asian women with breast cancer, is celebrating its outreach and is providing information at a special event at Tufts Medical Center on March 29, 6-9 p.m. The guest list features many members in the greater healthcare and Asian communities. I’ll be attending, and this photo will be on display at the entrance of the auditorium. http://abc12.eventbrite.com/
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Last month I spent a day at a Boston hospital photographing children who are battling serious diseases. These photos were sponsored by Flashes of Hope, a non-profit organization that provides families with portraits of their children who are undergoing treatment. Although the emotion that comes up in these sessions can be overwhelming, I found that the spirit emanating from these kids left me feeling buoyant and alive.
I am moved and thrilled that six of my photographs of cancer patients have been added to the Wall of Hope at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Cancer Center. The photos are beautifully framed with the patients’ stories, written by Louise Smith. You can see the exhibition at the Yawkey Building at MGH, 8th floor.
      Meet Jackie (a participant in the new Lahey Clinic Portraits of Inspiration wall I am working on), who has been battling carcinoid for 23 years. Here is her photo and and incredible story:
With our feet on the floor Just like my mother, who survived from 1967 to 1975 with carcinoid, I put my feet on the floor every day. As her caregiver, I lived through her story daily. After my diagnosis, I continued to work every day for twenty years as an account manager for a paper manufacturer until 2006. That’s when my co-workers, seeing my increasingly difficult struggle against pain and fatigue, said gently, “Jacklyn, it’s time to go.” I loved the teamwork of that job — in the office and with clients all over the country and abroad — and cried when I left. When I see healthy, laughing people, I wish I could be as healthy and carefree as they are. Yet whenever I do smile, in that moment I too feel healthier and more carefree. Now, in my twenty-third year of survival, I know that sharing stories with other patients helps me to fight both medically and mentally. When we share our experiences and feelings, we gain insights into each other’s mental being. We smile, put our feet on the floor, and keep on going with every ounce of our bodies — together. Jacklyn Nadeau I have been touched and honored to be chosen by the Lahey Clinic to photograph its patients who are coping with a cancer diagnosis and treatment. So far four pieces have been mounted on the wall at Lahey’s Gordon Cancer Center, and feature a portrait along with a story about how he or she is dealing with the process of healing.
The stories are elicited/written/edited by Louise Smith, and the pieces are framed by Kathy Skarvan of Ava Art. The wall is called “Portraits of Inspiration.” Below, meet Kristen, and read her moving story. ..
.  The kindness of others
“You have cancer”: these three words forever changed my life and the lives of my family. Who would take care of John and our two daughters, Olivia (5) and Ella (3)? “Don’t let the fear consume you,” advised my aunt, a breast cancer survivor. My friend Betsy, a cancer survivor herself, told me “It’s the toughest thing you’ll ever do, and you will do it.” She was right. I have a special memory from that time. When I was at Lahey awaiting my radiation treatments, I saw that a woman, Ginger, who regularly sat beside me for her own treatments, was knitting a shawl. One day I commented on how beautiful it was. “It’s for you,” she said. “When you feel down and alone, just wrap it around you, and you’ll feel the love and care.” The kindness of others kept my spirit, strength, and hope intact during a very difficult time. My doctors, family, and friends kept me strong and on track during my cancer, and they continue to do so. Cancer did take some things from me physically. But the life lessons I learned and people whom I would not otherwise have met are priceless. Kristen Here’s some news from my Dedham studio! For the month of October, 2008, I’ll be donating one-third of all portrait session fees to Flashes of Hope. This is a national organization that pairs volunteer photographers with chronically ill children for meaningful and uplifting portrait shoots. You can see some of the work I have done for this organization and others on this blog (just scroll down!). Deadline: October 31! Contact me by Oct. 31 to book a family/child/couple portrait photography sitting, and I will donate one-third of your session fee to Flashes of Hope! As thanks, I will provide you with an 8×10 print of your choice. Photography must be completed by November 30, 2008. Call the studio ar 781-461-9202 for more information! I look forward to photographing you and your family. Eight-year-old Keira has successfully completed treatment for lymphoma! Her sunny disposition helped her through the difficult process. We had a wonderful session at her family’s New Hampshire home. Children undergoing treatment at Mass General Hospital collect beads that give a visual representation of their experience.
  Keira’s sister Alicia joined our session!
 Keira’s Cavalier King Charles spaniel had mixed feelings about being a model…
 Here is the last session for the Flashes of Hope project. Thanks for visiting with these incredibly courageous children who are battling serious illness. If you feel inclined to support this wonderful endeavor, which connects photographers and critically ill children for in-hospital portraits, please visit flashesofhope.org. Our final “model” Jonathan was in the best mood! He just loved being photographed!
I loved Palmer’s expressions! He showed many sides of his personality during the session.
When his cousin joined the shoot, we got some great attitude!
Here is the seventh session for the Flashes of Hope project. Kylie had energy to burn, and a gorgeous smile!
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