so the big question always thought over by photojournalists is, can a photograph change the world? how would it be possible that one single moment in time, that is captured on film can make such a huge impact. for many people this idea seems to be foolish, but for some its a matter of life and death.
Back in December of 1999 Julie Armas found out at 20 weeks pregnant, that her unborn baby had a congenital disorder called spina bifida. this is when the baby's spinal cord protrudes through the vertebral column that is not yet fused together, causing the spinal cord to be pushed out from where it is supposed to be.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spina_bifida)
Afraid and not sure what to do Julie went to Dr. Joseph Bruner for answers. after going through many options including terminating the pregnancy, they decided together that the best option was to undergo a life threatening surgery, of operating on the unborn baby wile still in the uterus.
Photo By: Michael Clancy
Photo title: "The Hand of Hope"
Image Source: http://michaelclancy.com/
After the picture of Julie Armas's surgery went around it gave moms all over the world a seance of hope. it gave them a reassurance that their child who also has this condition can and will survive.
As a nursing student i wanted to take a medical view of how a photo can change the world. today this surgery has a 90% success rate. saving the lives of about 1500 children in the United States alone every year. in my opinion if you are going to change the world, you might as well save lives on the way.
15 years later Samuel Armas after the world changing surgery
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