"65 Roses" is what some children with cystic fibrosis (CF) call their disease because the words are much easier for them to pronounce. - www.cff.org
Cystic fibrosis is a life-shortening inherited disease, affecting over 10,000 people in the UK. (www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk)
The median predicted survival for someone with cystic fibrosis currently stands at 41 years old. (www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk)
As someone with a family member who has cystic fibrosis, I have been moved to help make the condition a bit more visible to people who donít know much about it. My 7-year-old nephew Jake lives with cystic fibrosis and his experience is the focus of my work. I began photographing Jake because I feel a lot of people donít understand what cystic fibrosis is or that it can be life shortening. To be honest I didnít either at first. But Jakeís experience has had an impact on me, his auntie, and has helped me learn about the disease and, more than that, not to take life for granted. Photographing Jake has made me see him in a different way, one that I donít think I would have if I hadnít photographed him. My aim was always to see and photograph Jake as a normal little boy, not someone with a life-shortening condition. My photographs consist of his ëin between momentsí including time with family and friends and also moments by himself.
65 RosesÆ is a registered trademark of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Jake Lynch (Right) sits with his mum Jacqueline Lynch (left) his dad, Scott THompson, and a nurse during a hospital visit in Belfast. Jake gets very agitated when sitting for a long period of time.
Jake Lynch's dad Scott Thompson carries Jake to bed after he fell asleep in the living room.
Jake Lynch is home after a long day at school and football training. Jake always watches a film or football on his laptop before he falls asleep.
Jake Lynch at his annual check up in the Belfast Children's Hospital with his mummy Jacqueline Lynch.
During his break at school Jake loves to race with his friends. Here he is with his good friend Ruben Shipley and Emma Berwick.
Jake Lynch at one of the training classes that he takes three times a week. Jake needs regular exercise to help with his breathing. Here he tries to catch his breath.
Jake Lynch in class learning his numbers. Jake's teacher Cara Green says Jake is a great learner.
Jake Lynch deep in thought as he is on his way to school. Jake didn't feel great this day as the cold weather affects his lungs.
Jake Lynch looking lonely during his lunch break because his friends went for a race without him.
Jake Lynch plays a game with his brother Dale Lynch on Dale's phone.
Jake Lynch does his homework after school with his mum Jacqueline and his big brother Dale. The boys are not allowed out to play unless they do their homework first.
Jake Lynch plays with his brother Dale.
After arriving home from a football match, Jake Lynch watches the match of the day as he waits for his dinner.