Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, is a debilitating condition that robs sufferers of things big and small, every day. The ability to hold a job. A night out with friends. Basking in a nice, hot shower. Clarity of thought. But it does not steal the strength it takes to define themselves. Faces of POTS carries a powerful message: We are much more than our diagnosis.
Collaborating with Dysautonomia International, award-wining photographer Adam Jacobs, himself a POTS sufferer, captured 28 faces – resilient, fierce, curious people –
to help raise awareness about POTS. Here are their faces and their stories.
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, is a debilitating condition that robs sufferers of things big and small, every day. The ability to hold a job. A night out with friends. Basking in a nice, hot shower. Clarity of thought. But it does not steal the strength it takes to define themselves. Faces of POTS carries a powerful message: We are much more than our diagnosis.
Collaborating with Dysautonomia International, award-wining photographer Adam Jacobs, himself a POTS sufferer, captured 28 faces – resilient, fierce, curious people –
to help raise awareness about POTS. Here are their faces and their stories.
Faces of POTS was conceived as a way to show that people suffering with POTS are more – much more - than their diagnosis, and to raise awareness and inspire others to support the fight against this debilitating syndrome that affects over 1 million Americans and millions more around the world.
In partnership with Dysautonomia International, acclaimed photographer Adam Jacobs, who lives with POTS, photographed 27 people attending the organization’s 7th Annual Conference.
Adam's photos capture and humanize the daily lives, struggles and triumphs of POTS patients. The portraits - which include a word each participant felt captured an important element of who he or she is beyond their diagnosis - tell their stories. They represent not only themselves, but POTS patients the world over who are trying each day to live the best life possible. To be themselves, not their illness.
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Adam's photography work has been featured around the world and he has photographed notable individuals including Nobel Peace Prize winner and anti-apartheid crusader Nelson Mandela, former President Bill Clinton and rock n’ roll legend Mick Jagger. You can view his work at www.adamjacobsphotography.com.
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The participant interviews were conducted by Andrew Gully, a POTS parent, who also edited the text.
Adam, whose own portrait is included in the project, choose the word “Invisible.” In his explanation, he eloquently summarizes the essence of this project.
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"Having an invisible illness presents many challenges. Debilitating daily symptoms are so often hidden behind a brave face, an act put on to maintain one's sense of self worth and dignity. Just because symptoms are invisible it doesn’t mean they don’t exist; it's important to recognize they are very much real. However, importantly, they don’t have to define us. In fact, with acceptance, determination, courage and strength it is possible to thrive in our everyday lives in spite of them."