Wilton-based nonprofit Circle of Care provides comprehensive peer support to families of children with cancer. In a new way to bring attention to pediatric cancer, the organization is launching a statewide traveling exhibit called, “There Is…Life Within The Journey.”
The exhibit is a stunningly emotional and intimate look at children with cancer and the characteristics that comprise the authentic journey through pediatric cancer treatment. The compelling show offers an alternative view of childhood cancer and features more than 20 images of children from communities across CT.
The exhibit debuts at New Canaan’s Sorelle Gallery on Thursday, April 30 at 6 p.m., a fitting locale as the exhibit was conceived and shot by photographer Jeanna Shepard, a New Canaan resident and former Circle of Care board member.
“So much of what we see about pediatric cancer doesn’t tell the real story,” said Liz Salguero, Circle of Care’s co-founder and board president. “Children are more than their cancer, and their journey through treatment is about more than IV poles and chemotherapy. There are so many assumptions and a great deal of confusion about pediatric cancer. This exhibit beautifully illuminates the life within the journey and changes the narrative around pediatric cancer to highlight the strength and character of each child. Childhood cancer can be an isolating experience. We hope through this exhibit that we can break down the barriers and enable the community to come closer to these children and families who need our support and care.”
“These images provide an opportunity for people to look past the cancer, and into the children for who they are as they go through this journey,” added Shepard. “Children are wonderful to photograph because they open themselves emotionally and by shooting these images in the hospital where the children receive treatment, we were able to capture a very intimate look at pediatric cancer.”
Following the opening event at Sorelle Gallery, the portraits will remain on exhibit through Sunday, May 3. Circle of Care plans to bring “There Is…Life Within The Journey” to at least nine different communities throughout the state over the course of the next year, primarily in public galleries.
Wilton residents Christine Baer, a Circle of Care board member, and Ashley Kineon and Lisa Schneider, volunteers, have been instrumental in bringing the exhibit to life. Jeff Salguero served as a key partner with Shepard on the creative concept, design and execution of the project.
New Canaan resident and fellow photographer Christine Simmons assisted Shepard on the shoots.
Circle of Care worked with local businesses to create the exhibit prints, including Photographic Solutions in Norwalk for the portrait prints, and Rockwell Art and Framing in New Canaan for the framing.
The children featured in the exhibit all receive treatment at Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital. To find out about having the exhibit featured in a local community, email Circle of Care. To learn more about Circle of Care and “There Is…Life Within The Journey,” please visit their website.