# Chronic Disease Photography Salty Girls Chronicles Women Living with Cystic Fibrosis By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2015-05-01 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salty-girls References: [refinery29](http://www.refinery29.com/2015/04/86535/salty-girls-cystic-fibrosis-photos?source_utm=feed&utm_medium=rss) & [ianpettigrew](http://www.ianpettigrew.com/) Salty Girls is a [photography series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1) that focuses on women living with cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening disease that causes mucus build-up in the organs. Many of those suffering with CF never make it past adolescence, a reason why it's commonly referred to as a childhood disease. However, earlier diagnosis and better care have lead to many living well into adulthood. Diagnosed with the disease at age 38, photographer Ian Pettigrew eventually decided to use his work as a platform. He explains, "I hope the general public becomes more aware of CF and what it is. We don't get all the glossy press, like the ALS Ice-Bucket [Challenge] or [cancer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pick-up-your-poop) — hopefully this changes today. Awareness is key to finding a cure." Aside from awareness, the project aims to encourage [acceptance, confidence and sexual agency](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scar-stories1) for the subjects and viewers living with the disease, which speaks to the healing and transformative power of art. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.8/10 - Popularity: 100% | Activity: 97% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Chronic Disease Awareness:** The Salty Girls photography series raises awareness about cystic fibrosis, highlighting the need for greater understanding and support for those living with chronic diseases. - **Empowerment Through Art:** The project shows how art can empower individuals living with cystic fibrosis, offering a platform for self-expression, confidence, and agency. - **Improved Disease Management:** The photography series highlights the advances in diagnosis and care for cystic fibrosis, bringing attention to the possibility of living with the disease well into adulthood. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Photography:** Photographers can explore the power of visual storytelling to shed light on chronic diseases and raise awareness, advocating for social change. - **Healthcare:** The healthcare industry can leverage the Salty Girls project to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, improved care, and continuous support for those living with chronic illnesses. - **Art Therapy:** Art therapy professionals can use the project as inspiration to develop creative approaches for empowering individuals with chronic diseases to express themselves and enhance their well-being. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Generated Cancer Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gallery-of-hope.md) - [Uplifting Breast Cancer Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uncovered-project.md) - [Transformative Survivor Tattoos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mark-of-life.md) - [Chronic Desease Advocacy Groups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/end-chronic-disease.md) - [Post-Surgery Friendly Swimwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prettylittlething-and-girlvscancer.md) - [Stigma-Addressing Diabetes Shorts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/above-the-bias.md) - [Creative Cancer Awareness Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pick-up-your-poop.md) - [Rare Disorder Awareness Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rare-neuroimmune-association.md) - [Medicine-Inspired Artful Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/something-for-the-pain.md)