TORONTO – A unique photo project is offering cancer patients a moment to distract them from their illness – even if for one second.
“You immediately stop being carefree when you learn that you’re ill,” said one of the participants in the clip. “And believe me, I was really carefree. I lived life to the fullest. I wish I could still do that. For now, that’s not possible.”
Fabienne:
Developed by Belgian charity The Mimi Foundation, the project “If Only for a Second” was split into two stages.
In the first stage, 20 patients diagnosed with cancer were invited to a studio. After their hair and makeup are done, participants were asked to sit in front of a one-way mirror with their eyes closed.
READ MORE: Breast cancer survivor documents chemo treatment in inspirational time-lapse video
Behind the mirror, photographer Vincent Dixon waits for participants to open their eyes where, upon seeing their reflection, Dixon captures their reactions—or their moment of being carefree.
Ariane:
In the second stage of the project, a photo exhibition was organized for the families of the patients where the photographs were revealed for the first time.
To date, the video already has more than 10 million views on YouTube.
Patrick:
The collection of photos can be found in a book for purchase here where the entire sales price is donated to the Mimi Foundation.
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