I had a crazy tumor growing on/in my left eye when I was a teenager. My cancer-free anniversary is coming up next month.. I live every day with a prosthetic. In 2015 as part of a disabled art exhibit, I participated with these images. I had never before shared what I looked like without wearing my prosthetic. Not even to those closest to me in my life. Stepping outside my house without my eye in was a very empowering moment for me. Today, I feel comfortable not wearing make-up, I often take my eye out at home and I even dare to run errands with my eye patch on.
Image Copyright: Ellen Young, 2015
Image Description: A black and white portrait of Ellen wearing a black dress and their glasses.
Image Copyright: Ellen Young, 2015
Image Description: Ellen is standing in the doorway of their home. They are wearing a black dress and has purple hair. They are wearing their glasses.
Image Copyright: Ellen Young, 2015
Image Description: Ellen has purple hair and a black dress and is leaning against the doorframe of their home. They are not wearing their prosthetic eye.
Capturing Chronic Illness 