EpiPens, Benadryl tablets, and inhalers are prominent markers of asthma and allergies, invisible conditions which affect millions each year. Asthma and allergies are of particular importance to me, as both my brother and I live with these conditions. Through my Benenson project “Beyond the EpiPen,” I wanted to share the stories of asthma and allergy patients. Photography seemed like the natural choice to depict these experiences, especially since it would be an accessible medium during the COVID-19 pandemic and capture visual narratives.
This collaborative documentary photography project focuses on the multifaceted experiences of students with asthma and allergies. The project is accessible through the Dallas-Fort Worth Youth Chapter of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) website to raise awareness within the local community. Inspired by the Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique, where participants take photos related to a certain topic, students captured photographs with cameras or cell phones that depicted their daily experiences. All participants were asked a simple question: What comes to mind when you think of your experiences with asthma and/or allergies?
My Benenson project has inspired me to continue health-related creative projects in order to shed light on medical issues and improve patient experiences. As an aspiring physician, I believe that the arts can intersect with medicine and health care in meaningful ways.
Lastly, I’d like to add that this project is ongoing – if you are a student with asthma and/or allergies interested in participating, please email me at Sujal.manohar@duke.edu or use the contact form on the project website!