Bring Me A Dream

Bring Me A Dream is a photographic exploration of intergenerational memories within a family carrying the Alzheimer's gene. Using lens-based media, I navigate the impact of Alzheimer's on my family, addressing unsettling questions about memory loss.

Bring Me A Dream is a photographic exploration of intergenerational memories within a family carrying the Alzheimer's gene. Using lens-based media, I navigate the profound impact of Alzheimer's on my family, addressing unsettling questions about memory loss and its repercussions on identity, heritage, and the human experience.

In 2021, my paternal grandmother, Virginia, passed away after a decade-long battle with Alzheimer's. That same year, we lost my grandfather, Russell, her lifelong partner and high school sweetheart, who had been her primary caregiver. Their passing brought immense grief to our family, despite having anticipated this loss for years. As their granddaughter, I documented our interactions during my weekly visits in their final years, capturing the intimate moments of caregiving and connection. Today, I photograph what remains—their absence, the emptying and selling of their home of over 50 years, and the next generation of our family. I find myself wondering about the future and whether our genes carry the same fate.

Bring Me A Dream, named after one of their favorite songs, "Mr. Sandman" by The Chordettes, serves as both a keepsake for my family and a call to action for others facing similar challenges. The images document the essential role of caregivers, the weight of routine, and the lasting emotional impact on loved ones. Through this process, I seek to preserve our histories—both from my mind and from my grandmother’s fading one. This journey has also led me to examine broader topics such as whiteness, class, and the meaning of heritage in a family deeply rooted in New England.