CUTLINE: Alan May stands in his garage near a trike belonging to his son, Justin, 8, Friday, Dec. 4 in Pelham. Justin passed away in November after contracting the H1N1 virus. The family is not quite sure yet what happened medically, but Justin had cerebral palsy and asthma. The family has set up a fund as a memorial in his honor. “It’s a nice bike,” Alan said. “It’s too bad he was only able to ride it just once.”
THOUGHTS: Whenever someone loses a life, it’s always tough to photograph. However, in my mind, creating social awareness is always a way to make something positive of a negative event. When we can see the repercussions of something, espically H1N1, the newest strain of the flu, it’s that much more important to tell the world about it. Loss is never easy but it is a part of this world unfortunately. And even worse, it’s even harder when you know the victim went before their time. I pray for people like the May family, their story breaks my heart. Not to be an advocate or preachy, please get vaccinated if you have not done so. For Justin’s sake.
Tags: Alan, asthma, cerebral palsy, death, H1N1, Justin, May, Pelham
Camera data: 43mm, f/2.8, ISO 1600, 1/50 second
Date Taken: 04-Dec-2009 22:50:15