Jennifer and I were married in Central Park in 2007. Five months later, Jen was diagnosed with breast cancer. Without warning we were thrown headfirst into the world of cancer: an unknown battlefield fraught with emotional, physical and financial costs. While we struggled to keep our heads above water, we witnessed the inspiring capacity humans have to help others. Our family and friends raised money for us and, as our story became more public, we began to receive donations from people we didn’t even know. The outpouring of love and support was incredible: simple acts of kindness from a loved one or a stranger gave us a boost to get through another day.
Words often failed us as we struggled to make known what we needed, so I turned to the only other form of communication I know: my camera. I believe in my heart that Jen let me make these photographs because she knew they would help me and other people as we faced this challenge. The response to these photographs has been incredible. From women who see themselves in Jen and draw strength, to other young widows and widowers and to people who are reminded of the beauty and fragility of life, these photographs have taken on a special life of their own.
A few days before Jen passed, I asked her if I could start a non-profit in her honor. We had been on the receiving end of considerable kindness and generosity, and I wanted to keep the circle from breaking. Jen smiled and looked deep into my eyes, nodding with her approval. And so began The Love You Share.
I am please to be working with Foothill Galleries and my close friend Michael Weil to present a selection of the images I made between 2007 and 2011. We look forward to seeing you at the exhibition. Even if you cannot attend, we are asking for your support for The Love You Share as I celebrate Jen’s remarkable spirit by providing help to others who are going through a similar fight that Jen and I experienced together.
Thank you for being a part of this with me,
- Angelo Merendino
The Love You Share is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that partners with University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center to provide $50 gift cards to breast cancer patients while they are receiving treatment. Unexpected gestures of kindness and generosity do, in fact, mean so much to people who are fighting for their lives.
We invite you to become a part of our efforts. To donate, click here:
100% of your donations will go to TLYS
100% of proceeds from the sale of photographs from the exhibition will also go to TLYS