As ‘Artist-in-Residence’ for the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation for 2012, I spent the entire 12 months embedded in the hospital. I was given unprecedented access to virtually every department and clinic in the building. Emergency, oncology, surgery, intensive care, neurology, cardiology, imaging, home visits, etc. were all part of my daily life. I was completely and totally immersed. And i will never be the same. The effect was so great that I decided to continue at the hospital and now work 2 shifts per week as a play therapy volunteer in the emergency department.
I have been an international photojournalist for 40 years and this past year has been the most rewarding professional and personal experience of my life. I have seen things no one should see. I have heard things no one should hear. I attempted to block out my emotions and not get involved, but I have failed.
The Sydney Children’s Hospital is a magnificent institution, but it can be a place of immense stress on most who enter. Every day is a battle between dedicated staff and the circumstances that afflict our sons and daughters. Every day I entered I was humbled by the fortitude and dignity of our precious children and their parents.
My goal was for ‘outsiders’ to see what i see. To be able to feel the depth of emotion that never lets go. So you, the general public, can have a higher understanding of what your families and friends go through when they enter this world. And then to be able to better support them during their often harrowing journey.
Hundreds of people supported me during the year – children, parents, staff, friends and family. I thank them all profusely for their trust in me. It was not easy.
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