Exhibit showcases extraordinary lives
WACO HILL AND THE “SURVIVORS: PORTRAITS OF HOPE.”
“Survivors: Portraits of Hope” is a photographic exhibit of cancer survivors created by photographer Waco Hill that showcases extraordinarily personal, moving portraits and thoughtful, concise stories of their lives, struggles and triumphs.
This year marks the 11th anniversary of the public exhibit displayed during the month of October at center court inside Hot Springs Mall, to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Cancer is a very scary proposition that most of us are not truly prepared to face, either as a patient, a family member or friend. Waco Hill, the exhibit creator, has far too much personal experience with family and close friends battling cancer, and he felt he came to understand the process that those diagnosed with cancer and those who love them go through. Hill’s mother, a breast cancer survivor and an inspiration for the exhibit, recently died from lymphoma. He says he created the exhibit as a way to share the unique and yet common ways that survivors cope when faced with cancer.
Often, people have no personal perspective or understanding of the best way to respond whether the diagnosis is to the self, or to a loved one. Hill said he believes there is strength in numbers and great benefit in discovering the experience of those who have been through the journey and helps to counteract the idea that cancer equals death both in the mind of those who might someday face diagnosis themselves, or be placed in the position of a caregiver.
“It’s fair to say that I hate cancer. Medicine is amazing. Doctors and nurses are amazing. They make strides each and every day that bring us closer and closer to a cure,” Hill said.
“I believe that someday we will get one, but I am an artist not a doctor. It’s highly unlikely that I will ever find the cure, but I have a strong belief that we should all do what we can, so I felt the greatest impact I could make is by telling the stories of these true heroes and heroines doing battle so that others could see it’s not impossible and they are not alone. I hope that by using photography I can shine a little light into the emotional darkness that cancer creates, and make it a little less overwhelming. The idea being that if this person can do that, then I can too.
“Most find the exhibit to be a beacon reminding us that there is always hope. You just have to open your heart and your mind to it. It may be hard to hear, but it is always there.”
With each October, and each new exhibit’s arrival, fresh stories are told. Like Haley’s. Sharon Gloria was photographed for the inaugural exhibit with her granddaughter, Haley. Since that time, Haley herself has battled cancer and she unveiled her photograph in 2016. Beverly Hill, photographed with her twin boys, shares how she was pregnant when she was diagnosed. Tina Sanders talks of how her faith in God saw her through. Ebony Carrigan-Cain tells us how much her family rallied and supported her through her journey. They are survivors, and the exhibit gives them all
a platform to share their stories of overcoming the shock and tragedy, surviving and thriving. These are just a few of the over 30 survivors stories that will be showcased this October.
The free exhibit will be on display at Center court around the fountain at Hot Springs Mall, 4501 Central Ave., in Hot Springs through the month of October.
Visit http://www.SurvivorsPortraitsofHope.com or call The Photo Finishers at 501-6244029 for more information.