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18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Sitting By Her Side

These pictures are of my Grandma Ruth. Her doctors have named Benzene as one of the chemicals which was likely the cause of her blood cancer. Benzene can be found in a multitude of everyday household items. She was exposed to high concentrations of it via cleaning supplies and chemicals meant for refurbishing and remodeling. Despite struggling financially, she was determined to ensure her family’s home was comfortable and beautiful, and exposed herself frequently to these chemicals in order to repair second-hand household decor. For many years of her life, Ruth has been an artist and a skilled homemaker, who takes great pride in all she has made. She has refurnished over two hundred pieces of furniture. She loved the things she created, repaired and refined. There is a chance that the process of making them may be part of what made her sick.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2019
Date Uploaded: 09.2020
Photo Location: Gilbert, Arizona, United States of America
Copyright: © Chloe Koebel