Nomination: Drempelprijs 2018
Three years ago I received the news that my uncle had become terminally ill. I am embarrassed to admit this but out of fear of saying the wrong thing, I did nothing. I didn’t even send a card.
Sickness and death are a part of life. Sooner or later we all have to face this. However, many people find it hard to communicate with someone who is chronically or terminally ill. The confrontation with our own mortality comes very close.
To overcome this failed communication with my uncle, I forced myself to face the confrontation again. Through Buddy Network I got to know the chronically ill Denise. She has a severe form of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Because of this she lost her mobility and spends most of her days inside.
As a volunteer, I visit Denise once a week to help her with practical matters, but mostly for the social contact and support. I tried to capture Denise’s story and our relationship through documentary photography.
Next time I’ll be there, will you?
