Wolfson Children’s Hospital photo selected for new national photo exhibit that helps kids thrive

A photograph of a patient, her sister and a Child Life specialist at Wolfson Children’s Hospital of Jacksonville by Tammy Czigan was selected for inclusion in the biennial Children’s Hospitals Photo Exhibit—the result of a national competition administered by the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA).

The new exhibit of 50 winning photographs was curated by a panel of distinguished judges including renowned photographer and author Anne Geddes. Showcasing the ways children’s hospitals help all children thrive, the online exhibit includes stories behind the photos, allowing viewers to read first-hand accounts from patients, parents, doctors and other health care providers.

“We’re thrilled that a photograph depicting our patients’ experience in Wolfson Children’s Hospital was selected for this unique exhibit,” said Michael D. Aubin, Wolfson Children’s Hospital president. “While there aren’t that many children’s hospitals in the country, our collective work benefits the lives of all children. The exhibit helps tell that important story.”

Czigan’s photo was chosen from more than 370 images submitted by nearly 60 children’s hospitals. Joining Geddes on the judging panel were Sandy Adams, photojournalist and officer, The Exposure Group; Lily Francesca Alt, photo director, PARENTS magazine; Lori Epstein. photo director, National Geographic Kids Books; and Eric Gapsch, graphic designer, CHA.

View the online exhibit at http://www.childrenshospitals.org/photos.

Story behind the Wolfson Children’s Hospital photo (high-res photo available upon request):
See photo here

Christine Licsko, child life specialist for Wolfson Children’s Hospital, is holding Isabella “Bella” Gray while her twin sister Emmalee “Emma” dances down the hall. Bella has a rare genetic disorder called Diamond Blackfan anemia and requires transfusions every two to three weeks. Her parents and family drive from their Tallahassee home to Wolfson Children’s in Jacksonville, a six-hour round trip, to get the care Bella needs. The photo was taken on Feb. 12, 2018, the day Bella got what she calls her second heart – her port to allow her to get her transfusions more easily. Bella has been a patient at Wolfson Children’s since she was four months old. She and Emma were 6 years old when this photo was taken. Their family says Bella is an affectionate, loving tiny warrior, while sister Emma is a spunky and lively sweetheart that takes on the role of a protective big sister more than a twin.