Reality

• Prize
• Photographer
  Patrick van Dam, Singapore
• Studio
  Patrick van Dam Creative
• Website
  http://www.patvandam.com

Dutch Sarah Smit (25), a former Playboy and fashion model,
suffers from Cystic Fibrosis.
A chronic and incurable disease that comes with a shortened life
expectancy.
It affects all organs, especially the lungs, pancreas, liver and
intestine.
Her body has to work overtime to cope with the increasing
shortness of breath.
She's treated with antibiotics to protect her against infections.
To prevent loss of weight and strength she's provided with extra
nutrition through a tube in her belly.
This put a definite stop to Sarah's modeling career.
A nine-to-five job is impossible as it would simply drain her
energy.
Instead she focusses on other CF patients by setting up an
online community.

I was born in the Netherlands in 1970 and studied Graphic Arts. I spent most of my working years in editorial (re)design and creative direction. Since 2011, my focus is on photography and designing photo books. Currently I'm working on personal and commissioned projects. Most of the time you'll find me in Singapore, the US or The Netherlands.