Over a week, I had the honour of getting to know Luis, an 18-year-old (2022) living with cerebral palsy. Luis cannot walk, speak, or move without assistance, and he relies on a wheelchair and a feeding tube. Though he communicates with sounds and gazes, it is clear that his presence is felt deeply by those around him. His life is not defined by what he cannot do but by the connections he creates and the love he shares.
At home, Luis is like any other teenager—he enjoys playing games, spending time with his siblings, and finding joy in simple moments. Painting is another hobby he cherishes, a way for him to express his emotions and his creativity at school. Through these quiet activities, Luis shows us that life, even with its challenges, is full of the same hopes, dreams, and joys we all share.
This project is a reflection of the respect and tenderness that define Luis’s life. His mother, Sandra, cares for him with boundless love, and his siblings walk alongside him, offering their form of support and devotion. The bond they share is not just one of caregiving but of mutual respect, a reminder that we all deserve the chance to love and be loved in return.
“Luis” is not a story of pity but of understanding. It is a celebration of what it means to share a life, to give and receive love, and to connect despite the barriers we may face. Through these images, I hope to remind us all that every person deserves to be seen and valued for the fullness of who they are, no matter their condition.
