Discover the particular beauty of women victims of cystic fibrosis

Photographer and art director Ian Pettigrew was working on a series of photos he called “Just Breathe: Cystic Fibrosis” when he realized that most of his models were young — and very pretty. .

“’Salty Girls’ grew out of my first book Just Breath, focused only on adults with ‘CF’,” the 45-year-old photographer, originally from Ontario, Canada, who also has cystic fibrosis, told The Huffington Post via email. “As the project progressed, it became clear that there were a disproportionate amount of women, and it was noted that ‘this project boils down to a bunch of beautiful women with cystic fibrosis.’”

Thus began the “Salty Girls” project: a series of photos depicting women with cystic fibrosis, an inherited disease that can be fatal and affects the cells that produce sweat, mucus and digestive juices, and can damage the lungs and digestive system. It primarily affects white people of Northern European descent, according to the Mayo Clinic, but can also be present among Hispanics, African Americans, and Native Americans. There is no cure, but the condition can be alleviated with medication or medical instruments that help loosen mucus and make breathing easier.

Cystic fibrosis is at risk of being overlooked and misunderstood, and those dealing with it face significant challenges. Pettigrew’s models posed in a top, bikini or without clothes, in an attempt to challenge misconceptions.

“Unfortunately body shaming is still very real and prevalent,” said the photographer. “The CF community is not immune to this. Children can be cruel, but so can adults. Part of the purpose of this project was for women to reclaim their power, to own it. Nobody has the right to criticize or ridicule anyone, especially when you don’t know the facts — like someone suffering from CF side effects. They can be horrible. We hope this can teach others to truly stand up and be proud. I consider these women my ambassadors for a future generation, and they are all proud to carry that torch.”

“Salty Girls” will be released as a book. Check out some of the stunning portraits below.

Article published in Brasilpost.com,br