The White Shirt Project
Donation protected
Hello, Everyone my name is Connie Pacheco, and I am asking you to look into your hearts as you read this story of my friend Jose Ramon. (AKA Joey. )
Joey is the creator and founder of the White Shirt Project. His hope was to bring awareness to the stigmas of Mental Health through a creative and artistic platform.
As a Bronx Native photographer, he was always concerned about aesthetics and how others interpret what he did. A catalyst was needed to evoke and transmit a range of emotions and thoughts that are not constricted or limited to specific notions, interpretations, or mindsets. Henceforth, The White Shirt Project was born.
Joey struggle with PTSD and Depression and even after his diagnosis, it was much easier for him to smile, snap a picture, and walk away without too much involvement or commitment. The thought of engaging in any type of dialogue without his camera was not an option since photography had become his only means of visceral, creative expression.
Putting on a white shirt immediately became the identifier that not only was he clear but also present. The white shirt gave him a new, positive demeanor. Wearing a white shirt empowered him. It reminded him of death and rebirth however polar that may seem.
Joey decided to photograph models, in black and white, using only a white collar shirt covering the torsos against a black backdrop, and a single overhead light source set up. He also wanted to challenge the models to do more than just pose for him. A connection had to be made between the white shirt and a feeling, emotion, or thought in the models' minds as an outcome or trigger.
Sharing his story with the models was crucial. It established the trust and the safety of a creative environment for the photoshoot. It also allowed for a deeper connection between the models and the white shirt, which served as a catalyst for a myriad of interpretations derived from symbolisms attached to wearing white.
Joey selected his Models and began a series of photo shoots. He asked a series of questions to find out what wearing a white shirt evoked in a model's mind and body. He created a platform for individuals from all walks of life to come together and share a common unspoken truth of Mental Illness. ( Visit www.thewhiteshirtproject.com )
On January 2020 Joey was diagnosed with ALS, His dreams and aspirations came to a halt.
ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ) which is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. There is no cure for ALS.
Joey married his sweetheart Albert Rodriquez on March 14, 2020 and today his disease has progressed to the point where he cannot speak, walk or care for himself.
His only hope is for the White Shirt Project to become a movement and inspiration to those individuals that do not have a voice. Help me to make his transition a smooth one. Help me keep the White Shirt Project alive. It's what he wants.
Im asking you to look into your hearts when you make a donation. The proceeds will go to the White Shirt Project Foundation. Which will also sponsor all the final arrangements for our dear friends last departure. (compassionate care )
As well as compassionatecareALS.org foundation a non profit organization who are extremely instrumental in ensuring Joeys last journey is one of integrity and comfort.
Joey is the most giving selfless person I have ever known. This is our opportunity to give back and to let his legacy live on forever.
We need to let people know what ALS is and the impact of this devastating illness. The white shirt project is Joeys pride and joy.
We have to keep the project alive in memory of our dear friend Jose Ramon.
Please help me keep his dream alive.
On March 14, 2021 a year after being diagnosed on the same day of his wedding anniversary, Joey Passed on. He was a strong man with a vision to dispel the stigmas of Mental Health, with the use of his talents he was able to create a platform and join a community of people with a common thread. Please see it in your hearts to help keep his legacy alive and help others like Joey.
Joey is the creator and founder of the White Shirt Project. His hope was to bring awareness to the stigmas of Mental Health through a creative and artistic platform.
As a Bronx Native photographer, he was always concerned about aesthetics and how others interpret what he did. A catalyst was needed to evoke and transmit a range of emotions and thoughts that are not constricted or limited to specific notions, interpretations, or mindsets. Henceforth, The White Shirt Project was born.
Joey struggle with PTSD and Depression and even after his diagnosis, it was much easier for him to smile, snap a picture, and walk away without too much involvement or commitment. The thought of engaging in any type of dialogue without his camera was not an option since photography had become his only means of visceral, creative expression.
Putting on a white shirt immediately became the identifier that not only was he clear but also present. The white shirt gave him a new, positive demeanor. Wearing a white shirt empowered him. It reminded him of death and rebirth however polar that may seem.
Joey decided to photograph models, in black and white, using only a white collar shirt covering the torsos against a black backdrop, and a single overhead light source set up. He also wanted to challenge the models to do more than just pose for him. A connection had to be made between the white shirt and a feeling, emotion, or thought in the models' minds as an outcome or trigger.
Sharing his story with the models was crucial. It established the trust and the safety of a creative environment for the photoshoot. It also allowed for a deeper connection between the models and the white shirt, which served as a catalyst for a myriad of interpretations derived from symbolisms attached to wearing white.
Joey selected his Models and began a series of photo shoots. He asked a series of questions to find out what wearing a white shirt evoked in a model's mind and body. He created a platform for individuals from all walks of life to come together and share a common unspoken truth of Mental Illness. ( Visit www.thewhiteshirtproject.com )
On January 2020 Joey was diagnosed with ALS, His dreams and aspirations came to a halt.
ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ) which is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. There is no cure for ALS.
Joey married his sweetheart Albert Rodriquez on March 14, 2020 and today his disease has progressed to the point where he cannot speak, walk or care for himself.
His only hope is for the White Shirt Project to become a movement and inspiration to those individuals that do not have a voice. Help me to make his transition a smooth one. Help me keep the White Shirt Project alive. It's what he wants.
Im asking you to look into your hearts when you make a donation. The proceeds will go to the White Shirt Project Foundation. Which will also sponsor all the final arrangements for our dear friends last departure. (compassionate care )
As well as compassionatecareALS.org foundation a non profit organization who are extremely instrumental in ensuring Joeys last journey is one of integrity and comfort.
Joey is the most giving selfless person I have ever known. This is our opportunity to give back and to let his legacy live on forever.
We need to let people know what ALS is and the impact of this devastating illness. The white shirt project is Joeys pride and joy.
We have to keep the project alive in memory of our dear friend Jose Ramon.
Please help me keep his dream alive.
On March 14, 2021 a year after being diagnosed on the same day of his wedding anniversary, Joey Passed on. He was a strong man with a vision to dispel the stigmas of Mental Health, with the use of his talents he was able to create a platform and join a community of people with a common thread. Please see it in your hearts to help keep his legacy alive and help others like Joey.
Organizer
Recoveries R US
Organizer
Fort Lee, NJ
