Out of the hundreds of photos of our event in NYC on April 9th, this was my favorites. At first, I didn’t understand why, but after talking about it with a photojournalist friend of mine, I figured it out.
Dr. Ablon and I have been working together closely for a few years, and most of this time is spent at professional training workshops to spread his innovative approach to treating children with severe behavioral challenges. We are usually together in conference rooms filled with parents desperate for help and at the end of their ropes, or in the company of mental health professionals and special educators working on the front lines in the most challenging situations. When I reached out to my friend, inquiring as to his opinion on why these photos were so striking to me, he said, “I see what you mean about the light, beauty, dignity; this is like a Renaissance painting, but it depicts a 21st century pioneer.”
Yes,Yes, Yes!!! This was one of the first times that I’d spent time with Dr. Ablon in a festive setting at the Burden Mansion, a historic building on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, where we brought light, hope, and beauty to this cause which has been so overlooked. No wonder I was struck by these photos, celebrating the image of a Doctor bringing the light of his work and dedication into what can, at times, seem to be the darkest of corners.
With Flawless Gratitude,
Janine Francolini
Founder and Board Chair
