Tubes, Tape and Teddy Bears: Childhood Alongside Complex Medical Care
Photographer: Courtney Rigby
Exhibit Title: Tubes, Tape and Teddy Bears: Childhood Alongside Complex Medical Care
Location: Australia
Every day, thousands of Australian children rely on life-saving medical interventions such as tracheostomies and nasogastric tubes, but the routines of their daily lives beyond the hospital walls, are rarely seen.
Tubes, Tape and Teddy Bears offers an intimate look into the life of one such child who requires daily, complex medical care at home. In this space, routine procedures unfold alongside moments of play, learning, and family connection, revealing the tenderness, and quiet joys of everyday life.
The series celebrates a childhood that persists amidst complexity, embraced by a family whose steadfast presence allows care, love, and ordinary life to coexist. It challenges the notion that children with disabilities are defined by their diagnosis, instead revealing their quiet strength, the resilience of their families, and the enduring bonds that sustain them each day.
As an occupational therapist, I've worked with children with disabilities and complex medical needs, along with their families, and have witnessed their strength and resilience firsthand.
I’m passionate about using photography to highlight underrepresented voices and value inclusion, awareness and advocacy.
I believe visual storytelling can drive social change, challenge stigma and foster connection, making this story a deeply meaningful and natural fit for both my professional and creative interests.
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