This photographer creates heartwarming images where pediatric cancer patients can live out their lifelong dreams
Diaz first started this project with his own children, building scenes out of their imaginations. He soon realized that he wanted to tell stories that could inspire and help other people.
Once he came to that realization, he got in contact with children battling cancer with the intent of making their lifelong dreams come to life through photography.
Diaz wants to show hope and optimism to both his subjects and his viewers.
"I want [the audience] to see these kids as heroic, brave, and full of hope," Diaz said.
!["I want [the audience] to see these kids as heroic, brave, and full of hope," Diaz said.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-51032342,width-700,height-525,imgsize-725928/i-want-the-audience-to-see-these-kids-as-heroic-brave-and-full-of-hope-diaz-said-.jpg)
Diaz works with patients battling all kinds of cancer. Bri, pictured below, suffered from osteosarcoma but has since won her battle with cancer.
Each image is a composite made up of multiple photos. Diaz's approach to each shoot varies depending on the strength of the child. Some of the photo shoots are done in the child's home because he or she is too sick to leave the house.
To help get the children inspired and muster the energy for a shoot, Diaz sometimes brings surprises on set, like a costumed Batman or a beautiful white horse.
Diaz uses about 10 different images for the final composite. Using so many different images allows him to create depth and make the final product look and feel more realistic.
Despite the odds of survival, the children that Diaz works with still think about their dreams and their futures.
Even if the child has multiple dreams at once — like being Batman and a doctor simultaneously.
Many of the children Diaz works with have been fighting cancer their entire lives. Cami, pictured below, was fighting cancer since 2010. In 2014, just a few months before this image was taken, Cami was told she was cancer-free.
"The happiest part has just been the opportunity to see the kid's faces when they see themselves in their images," Diaz said.
For many of the children he has worked with, this photo shoot was one of the last activities they participated in before they became too sick or passed away.
Some of the children are so sick, it's extremely difficult for them to hold themselves up. Jordan, pictured below, was in so much pain that she couldn't stand on her own, but that didn't stop her from posing for the image. Three assistants helped to hold her up so they could capture this moment. Jordan insisted on standing for this image.
Jordan died about two weeks later. For Diaz, that's the toughest part of doing a series like this, but he says he remains inspired by the children's optimism.
"[Throughout this project] I have learned that there is hope to hold onto no matter what circumstances we face," Diaz said.
!["[Throughout this project] I have learned that there is hope to hold onto no matter what circumstances we face," Diaz said.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-51032355,width-700,height-525,imgsize-572066/throughout-this-project-i-have-learned-that-there-is-hope-to-hold-onto-no-matter-what-circumstances-we-face-diaz-said-.jpg)
Diaz wants his project to not only inspire pediatric cancer patients, but everyone who sees it.
I want to inspire my viewers to fight for their dreams," he said. "[I want my viewers] to find hope — if these kids can face such harrowing circumstances, then they can as well.
![I want to inspire my viewers to fight for their dreams," he said. "[I want my viewers] to find hope — if these kids can face such harrowing circumstances, then they can as well.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-51032358,width-700,height-525,imgsize-250075/i-want-to-inspire-my-viewers-to-fight-for-their-dreams-he-said-i-want-my-viewers-to-find-hope-if-these-kids-can-face-such-harrowing-circumstances-then-they-can-as-well-.jpg)
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