Lynsey Addario is remarkable.
The Staples High School graduate is a Pulitzer Prize winner — and a MacArthur “genius grant” Fellowship awardee.
She’s spent her career photographing life in Afghanistan, the plight of Syrian refugees, conflicts in Iraq, Libya, Lebanon, Darfur and Congo, and humanitarian and human rights issues around the world for the New York Times, National Geographic and Time magazine. She’s a book author too.
“06880” can’t cover all of Lynsey’s projects — there are just too many. But her latest effort deserves a special shout-out.
For 3 years, she and New York Times reporter Andrew Keh followed Marieke Vervoort as the Belgian Paralympic gold-medal athlete wrestled with the decision to die by euthanasia.
Marieke Vervoort at home in Belgium. She did not believe in God, but kept a Buddha statue in her back yard. (Photo copyright Lynsey Addario for New York Times)
Lynsey visited her often at home and in hospital stays in Belgium, and traveled with her on trips to the Canary Islands and Japan.
The result is an astonishing story about the human spirit. It ranges from sports, family, friends to the many ways in which people live and die.
The writing is strong and insightful. Lynsey’s photos add one more dimension. Days after Marieke died, they beautifully honor her life.
In her final hours, Marieke Vervoort embraces her parents. (Photo copyright Lynsey Addario for New York Times)
(Click here for the full New York Times story. Tomorrow [Monday, December 9, 8 p.m.] Lynsey Addario appears at Fairfield University’s Quick Center. She will speak on “Eyewitness Through My Camera Lens: World in Conflict,” as part of the Open Visions forum that celebrates outstanding female leaders. Click here for tickets, and more information. Hat tip: Dick Lowenstein.)
absolutely amazing story, thanks for sharing
What a tragically sad story…
Lindsay, that family hug gave me chills…. so very sad and so very beautiful at the same time
The story brought me to tears. Such a courageous woman, and such a sad story.
Thank you Dan
My daughter’s contribution to the world speaks
For itself. How very proud we are of her. I am
Truly blessed with another outstanding Addario
Your life is packed with outstanding Addarios, Camille. Miss you…love you more.
Apparently Ms. Vervoort’s parents felt found at least one of the photos (of their dead daughter in her coffin) was very disturbing.
“The parents asked for prior approval of the photos, but the two NYT reporters explained that was not the paper’s policy.”
https://www.brusselstimes.com/news-contents/sport/82574/new-york-times-publishes-intimate-report-on-last-days-of-marieke-vervoort/
To me that is an example of putting career above compassion.