2019 Bob and Diane Fund Grantee
Sofie Mathiassen
“Sofie's project is a sentimental and intimate glance from a caretaker and person living with Alzheimer's. She shares to the world her story of a lovely an inter-generational connection.”
- Christina Piaia, Founder, Chris Hondros Fund
This year, the Bob and Diane Fund received 58 entries from 22 countries, all relating to Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Our two judges deliberated for nearly four hours and selected “But Greatest Is Love,” a photographic project by Danish photographer Sofie Mathiassen. Mathiassen’s project was taken over the last four years of her grandfather’s Poul’s life - showing the progress of Poul’s Dementia and Parkinson’s, and how her grandmother Else dealt with slowly losing her partner.
Juror Chip Somodevilla, Senior Photographer, Getty Images News, praised Mathiassen’s project. “Sofie's story makes you feel what it's like being in Poul and Else's world - you can identify with this,” he said. “Photographing your family takes a certain risk and vulnerability. And Sofie has shared her world with us in an intimate and beautiful way. Denmark may have sophisticated welfare/health system - but Alzheimer's still has the same impact.”
The grant will contribute to the creation of a book for Mathiassen’s project.
“The project is about my grandparents, whose story is only one example, of how dementia can impact a relationship. The book intends to show a family portrait through sickness and health, to remind us how we must take care of each other, and be less afraid of life’s difficulties, as it is an inevitable part of life, just like love is.”
But Greatest is Love
Sofie Mathiassen
