Gallery 2 of 5
Support During Difficult Times
Care often becomes most visible during times of illness, disability, recovery, and uncertainty. These images document the strength, vulnerability, and love present during life's most difficult moments.
10 photographs
Catherine Shteynberg
My mom (L) and my sister (R) washing my hair after my first brain surgery for cancer in 2016. What seems ordinary—a hair wash—was a huge milestone after days in bed. Their gentle care shows how my family supported me throughout my diagnosis, carrying me, my husband, and son.
Ji Youn Yoo
Jin Tae Yoo and Ji Youn Yoo in 2018. In just six years, Dad has faced stroke, lung cancer, dementia, and prostate cancer. Our days changed: pills timed to alarms, a game to hold his memory. "One more move, Dad! That's good!" Much has changed, but not this: the warmth of a held hand, the word that steadies us—love. He is still our dad.
Lizzie Bowland
My same sex life partner became the primary caregiver for my mother after she fell, experienced paralysis and went to live in a nursing home. She spent hours with mom every day for years. At the end of her life mom finally accepted her as a member of our family. Whatever it takes.
Lori Messinger
These receipts represent team caregiving with my sister. As the on-site caregiver and medical power of attorney for our mother, she bought groceries, personal hygiene items, meds, etc. I was legal power of attorney and fiscal manager, paying mom's bills through her trust and reimbursing my sister for her expenses.
Jessica Fusaro
After my osteochondral allograft surgery and a nerve block complication that left me paralyzed from the hip down for three months, my dad cared for me endlessly. He carried me up the stairs every single day, showing his love and strength during one of the hardest times of my life.
Micheline Aubuchon
The night before my grandmother passed, I held her hand and cared for her through her final hours. Though she could not talk or see me, I believe she knew I was there. Caring for her that Christmas Eve was my final act of love and comfort towards her.
Gabriella Luppino
After my back surgery, my friends across the country showered me with gifts. They continuously lifted my spirits, making me feel loved and supported. This photo represents the power of care within friendships, even those that are miles and miles away. Their love helped me heal both physically and emotionally.
Susanna Donnelly
My sister, Maemie, in her first photo after we cut off her hair post-chemo treatment. We all sat in the kitchen together and did this with her, she was so relieved after and excited to move past her treatment! This photo shows her beauty inside and out.
Katherine Newnam
My grandmother loved wearing her pearls and it was important to me to provide this comfort in the end. I believe she felt the love in our presence and embrace….and of course the pearls around her neck.
Katherine Newnam
When babies are born and must stay in the intensive care unit, the stress on the family is immense. This example of family bonding supports my program of research and clinical focus as I engage and support families in the NICU.