08/24/2026
Back in early July, I had the privilege of photographing Coalition on the Cape 2026, a gathering hosted by The Kennedy Forum that brought supporters together around its work to improve mental health programming in schools and communities.
The day started at the JFK Hyannis Museum and ended with a tour of the historic Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port. Even though Cape Cod decided to give us one of those raw, windy, gray summer days, it didn't take away from the experience.
It was fascinating to hear Patrick Kennedy speak about his family's legacy, but what stood out even more to me was how genuine he was. He took time to talk with people, pose for photos with anyone who asked, and you could tell just how passionate he is about improving mental health care.
Mental health has been something I've dealt with since I was young. Anxiety, ADD, and the challenges that come with them have shaped parts of my life in ways many people never see. Because of that, this assignment meant more to me than just taking pictures.
As photographers, we get invited into moments that most people never experience. This was one of those moments for me. Seeing people come together, not for recognition, but because they genuinely want to make a difference for students, families, and educators, was something I really appreciated.
Out of respect for everyone's privacy, I'm sharing just a small glimpse of the day. Thank you to The Kennedy Forum for trusting me to document such an important event, and thank you to everyone working to make conversations around mental health more open, more accepted, and more accessible.
Mental health affects all of us in one way or another. The more we talk about it, the better chance we have of helping someone who may be struggling in silence.