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Where Are They Now--A Semi, Irregular Feature
Oct. 29, 2012 12:01 am
As a photographer for a daily newspaper, it's a rare thing to know what becomes of the lives of your subjects after meeting and photographing them. Feeding the "daily beast" takes precedent over dwelling whether the people you have photographed liked the picture you took of them or what kind of impact, if any, the experience has had on them. It makes my day when I get messages from readers who've liked my photos. I also get a kick out of seeing my photos on bulletin boards at schools or up on refrigerators in people's homes.
A while back, I thought it would be interesting to look back in our photo archive and revisit the subjects of some of the memorable photographs.
The first in this semi, irregular series has its genesis in 1999.
Photographers with The Gazette have periodically photographed Jalen Howsare of Solon, Iowa, since shortly after having both of his eyes surgically removed in late 1999. Jalen had a form of cancer known as bilateral retinoblastoma. Tumors were in his left and right eyes. His parents did the only thing they could to try to stop the spread of the tumors. They had both eyes surgically removed.
Now 14 and a freshman at Solon High School, Jalen plays trumpet and marches in the school's marching band.
Tom Howsare kisses his 18-month-old son, Jalen, as he rests on his mother Kristi's lap, in rural Solon, Iowa, Monday, Dec. 6, 1999, after Jalen's eye surgery Friday, Dec. 3. With cancer ravaging Jalen, his parents did the only thing they could to try to stop the spread of the tumors. They let doctors remove his eyes. The family learned Monday that doctors found no other signs of cancer after Friday's operation. Jalen had an illness known as bilateral retinoblastoma. He had about 100 small tumors in his right eye and 50 in the left. (FILE PHOTO/The Gazette, Dan Luedert)
Solon High School junior Taylor Walkner (right) helps freshman Jalen Howsare stay in formation during morning marching band practice at the school Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, in Solon, Iowa. Jalen has marching band practice Monday to Thursday before school. Jalen had his eyes surgically removed at 18 months to stop the spread of cancerous tumors after being diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma. (Jim Slosiarek,/The Gazette-KCRG)
Solon High School freshman Jalen Howsare (right) talks with fellow freshman Caitlyn Frederick as they study for a band test after morning marching band practice at the school Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, in Solon, Iowa. Jalen has marching band practice Monday to Thursday before school. (Jim Slosiarek,/The Gazette-KCRG)
Jalen Howsare (left) jokes with his father Tom as they relax in their home before Jalen's trumpet lesson Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, in Solon, Iowa. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette-KCRG)
The worn tip of one of Solon High School freshman Jalen Howsare's walking canes is seen in the band room before morning practice at the school Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, in Solon, Iowa. (Jim Slosiarek,/The Gazette-KCRG)
Solon High School freshman Jalen Howsare (left) jokes with junior Mikaela Lighty before morning marching band practice at the school Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, in Solon, Iowa. Jalen has marching band practice Monday to Thursday before school. (Jim Slosiarek,/The Gazette-KCRG)
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