2021 Emerging Vision Photojournalist of the Year

Taylor Bustos had dreams of raising a child with her husband, Mark, in California. But those plans were put on hold when the now 23-year-old mother learned she had cancer. In 2018, shortly after giving birth to her son, Solomon, Taylor was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. After almost a full year of treatment she was declared cancer free. Six months later she learned that the cancer had returned. Over the course of the next nine months Taylor underwent a journey that took her across Minnesota for treatment in the midst of the global pandemic.

Taylor Bustos had dreams of raising a child with her husband, Mark, in California. But those plans were put on hold when the now 22-year-old mother found out she had cancer. In 2018, shortly after giving birth to her son, Solomon, Taylor found out she had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She underwent chemo and radiation and after almost a full year of treatment was declared cancer free. Six months later she received a new scan revealing that the cancer had returned and a new, more aggressive approach would be needed. Over the course of the next nine months Taylor underwent an extremely unique journey that took her across the state from Duluth to Rochester and back for treatment in the midst of the global pandemic. The treatment has been extremely effective thus far and Taylor is hopeful for a positive future and a long life. "I hope that Mark and I can continue to grow our family like we always dreamed," she said, "I hope that going through cancer isn't just something we were forced to survive but that it is something that shaped and changed our perspective for the rest of our lives."

Taylor Bustos had dreams of raising a child with her husband, Mark, in California. But those plans were put on hold when the now 23-year-old mother learned she had cancer. In 2018, shortly after giving birth to her son, Solomon, Taylor was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. After almost a full year of treatment she was declared cancer free. Six months later she learned that the cancer had returned. Over the course of the next nine months Taylor underwent a journey that took her across Minnesota for treatment in the midst of the global pandemic.

Taylor Bustos sits and laughs amongst her huge family on Thanksgiving as she has every year since she was a little girl. "Holidays give everyone a chance to feel a little bit normal," Taylor said. Taylor had just spent the better part of a year battling cancer and was trying to enjoy any sense or normalcy she could.

Taylor lays in a CT scanner as she prepares to get her first follow up scan since being declared cancer free six months earlier. She feels hopeful but also very anxious as she fights back a nagging feeling that the Hodgkin's Lymphoma has returned.

Taylor holds tightly onto her husband, Mark, and two-year-old son, Solomon, as her doctor breaks the news that her cancer has returned. In the moment Taylor has no desire or intention to undergo chemo therapy again, recalling the physical and emotional trauma it caused her last time. “It was physically and mentally unlike any other suffering I’ve ever gone through in my life … and I didn’t want to willingly say yes to going back there,” she said.

Taylor and Mark watch with joy as Solomon gets his first ever haircut on December 18, 2019. After being re-diagnosed with cancer, Taylor takes special comfort in life's simple pleasures like this moment with her family.

Taylor sleeps through most of her chemotherapy treatments as the potent drugs work to rid her body of cancer. Taylor's parents volunteer to watch Solomon as much as they can so Mark can accompany Taylor during treatment. Chemotherapy is unlike any other experience that a person can go through. "It's kind of surreal; you just have poison being pumped into your bloodstream," she said.

Mark and Taylor both get ready for bed in their temporary home in Rochester, MN after getting settled in on March 2, 2020. This is where their family will live for the next three months while Taylor undergoes her most toxic round of chemo therapy and a stem cell transplant at Mayo Clinic. Less than a week after moving in the COVID-19 pandemic began shutting down life around the U.S. "We knew I'd have a weakened immune system and we'd have to quarantine; but suddenly the whole world had to quarantine too," Taylor said. This actually allowed her family to stay better connected with friends, family and church from Duluth because everything was now done virtually.

Mark shaves Taylor's head in the basement of their Rochester home while her father, Jerry, plays with Solomon. A few weeks after moving in, Taylor's hair had began falling out one clump at a time. To her surprise, she wouldn't be doing this alone either. The whole family shaved their heads in solidarity with Taylor which made her feel even stronger and supported. After the haircut was over, she rubbed her head and one thought rang through her head: "this better freaking be the last time".

After undergoing intensive chemotherapy for the second time in her life, Taylor continues to wrestle with the trauma and emotional toll that other people don't get to see. "It can look like it's going well from the outside but when you literally want to die, the emotional side of things needs to be handled," she said. She has started seeing a therapist and taking anti-depressants that have helped her mood immensely as she continues to process this experience.

Taylor sits with Solomon and encourages him to use the toilet as part of his potty training. Throughout both her battles with cancer, Taylor has watched Solomon grow up and has tried to have as much of a hand in raising him as possible. "You're not a bad mom because you have cancer," she said.

Before moving to Rochester, the plan had always been for her family to be able to visit Taylor during her treatment. But because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Taylor is forced to remain in her hospital room alone for an entire week while undergoing the most toxic treatment of her life. After not seeing any loved ones for that week, Taylor is ecstatic to get back to her family. Taylor's dad and Solomon had been hard at work all morning drawing a welcome home sign for her and not even the rain could wash it away. "To be able to be hugged was a very welcome relief from despair," she said.

After being away from home for months, being able to crash in her own bed was the one thing Taylor was looking forward to the most. While laying down, Solomon decides to crawl onto the bed and join her, even if it's just for a few minutes. "Home for me has become Mark and Solomon and so whether we're in Rochester, whether we're in Duluth or whether we're in Timbuktu; I'm home when I'm with them," she said.

Taylor Bustos had dreams of raising a child with her husband, Mark, in California. But those plans were put on hold when the now 23-year-old mother found out she had cancer. In 2018, shortly after giving birth to her son, Solomon, Taylor found out she had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She underwent chemo and radiation and after almost a full year of treatment was declared cancer free. Six months later she received a new scan revealing that the cancer had returned and a new, more aggressive approach would be needed. Over the course of the next nine months Taylor underwent an extremely unique journey that took her across the state from Duluth to Rochester and back for treatment in the midst of the global pandemic.

(Left) Maya and Zephyr, Ashley Thaemert's lead dogs, guide her sled dog team during a course training session in Embarrass, MN. on January 13, 2020. Having never run a full sled dog marathon before, Thaemert wanted to perform a full simulated dry run before race day. She brought all her equipment and raced for four hour intervals while sleeping in her popup tent in between legs of mushing.

Ashley Thaemert embraces Sailuk with a hug by his doghouse outside her mobile home in Tower, MN on January 23, 2020. Sailuk will not be racing on her Beargrease team but she tries to give every one of her dogs individual attention every day. Sailuk is especially big on hugs and cuddling up to people.

Ashley Thaemert loads gallons of water on a sled to transport through a Walmart in Hermantown, MN during a supply run the night before the race. Her sister arrived shortly with an actual shopping cart for them to use. Besides water, the next most important thing on her shopping list was a box of Valentine's Day chocolate to snack on in between race legs.

(Left) Missy barks with excitement while Maya waits calmly for the second leg of course training in Embarrass, MN on January 13, 2020. The dogs can tell when they are going to get to run and often get very excited. Some jump high in the air, while others bark and moan.

(From Left) Cam Halverson, Ashley Thaemert and Mike Tam walks through the crowd outside Billy's Bar in Duluth to scope out the path they will be leading the dogs to the starting line on January 26, 2020.

Eli jumps in the air with excitement as Ashley Thaemert's sled dog team prepares to begin the Beargrease 120 on January 26, 2020. Thaembert is full of anxiety herself but remains stoic and calm in front of her team. "You don't wanna hype them up more than they already are," she said.

A musher and their sled dog team rounds a corner in the John Beargrease sled dog marathon on January 27, 2020. Race teams must take a combined 8 hours or rest for the 120 mile mid-distance race or 24 hours of rest for the full 300 mile marathon. Mushers can spread out the breaks however they like among the different check points. Many mushers plan their rest so they can race at night when it's cooler and quieter.

Zephyr is examined by veterinarians at the Finland, MN checkpoint late on January 27, 2020. After the second leg of the race, Thaemert puls into the Finland, MN checkpoint with one less dog at the helm. Zephyr, one of her lead dogs, is in the sled with an injury. Thaemert suspected Zephyr had stepped in a soft patch of snow or a hole and broke his leg. Zephyr is deemed to have a serious fracture and can not continue the race. Mushers have to finish with at least six out of their original eight dogs so Thaemert is eligible to continue but she has her doubts. "I just kinda want to be done and not risk anybody else getting injured," Thaemert said. "I feel like I failed him," she says later. "I'm responsible for him."

Thaemert approaches the mid-distance finish line at the Trestle Inn, a restaurant and bar deep in the woods near Schroeder, MN, just seconds before 8AM on January 27, 2020. After a long discussion with her team and many tears, she had decided to run the third and final leg of the race so Zephyr didn't get hurt for nothing. She did not finish in the top ten, but that was never her goal. Thaemert simply wanted to finish the race and she accomplished that, albeit with one less dog than she had hoped for.

Ashley Thaemert is embraced by her mother, Mary Kaye Schleper, after finishing the race. It is a bittersweet moment as Zephyr and his injury weighed heavily on her mind. "The dogs did good," she told her team. Thaemert and her family grabbed a quick breakfast at the Trestle Inn and then went to a nearby cabin for a well deserved nap.

Ashley Thaemert pet Zephyr outside her home in Tower, MN on March 11, 2020. He had to get his leg amputated after breaking his humerus during the second leg of the Beargrease 120 on January 26, 2020. The choice was hard for Thaemert to make but the other option was an extremely expensive surgery that would have likely left him with life long chronic pain. While he is now retired from racing, Zephyr continues to live a very happy and carefree life on Thaemert's land.

Taylor Bustos had dreams of raising a child with her husband, Mark, in California. But those plans were put on hold when the now 23-year-old mother found out she had cancer. In 2018, shortly after giving birth to her son, Solomon, Taylor found out she had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She underwent chemo and radiation and after almost a full year of treatment was declared cancer free. Six months later she received a new scan revealing that the cancer had returned and a new, more aggressive approach would be needed. Over the course of the next nine months Taylor underwent an extremely unique journey that took her across the state from Duluth to Rochester and back for treatment in the midst of the global pandemic.

President Trump walks back to Air Force One after giving a short speech to a large crowd in Duluth, MN on Wednesday September 30, 2020 as one of multiple campaign stops in Minnesota that day. The President spoke at Duluth International Airport starting around 8PM. Just over a day later, the president announced that he tested positive for the coronavirus.

Matthew Thompson joins over a thousand protestors as they raised their fists in 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence in front of Duluth City Hall to honor George Floyd on Friday, June 19, 2020. This crowd had marched through the streets of Duluth to celebrate Juneteenth, the day when the last slaves in the Confederacy were emancipated. Two groups marched from Bayfront Festival Park and the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial and converged at City Hall where people shared personal stories and sang songs full of emotion, pain and love.

Amanda Nagel hugged her son, Justin, 5, in front of Piedmont Elementary School in Duluth, MN before his first day of Kindergarten on Monday September 21, 2020. The Duluth school district has adopted a hybrid model that reduces class sizes and has students come in two days a week, with the other three days online.

Father Timothy Sas spreads incense throughout the Twelve Holy Apostles Orthodox Church in Duluth, MN during the vespers of the unnailing during Good Friday service on Friday, April 17, 2020. Vespers of the Unnailing and Lamentations are the two services held in the afternoon and evening. They normally would involve processions of acolytes, members of the congregation and children carrying holy icons and relics. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Father Timothy Sas and other orthodox churches around the country have been forced to adapt. Instead of a procession of people carrying the tomb of Christ and other relics around the outside of the church, Father Sas and an acolyte alone carried only the burial shroud around empty pews. Good Friday normally draws hundreds of people into the small church so having no one present is difficult for the priest.

Aitkin County Sheriff Dan Guida leans over to politely ask Joshua Roy to move over to the side for a few moments while the Line 3 workers flattened a chunk of land nearby. Protestors have been gathering for multiple days at a Line 3 work site near the Mississippi River in Aitkin County, MN. A pair have even set up camps in the tops of trees on the work site. Indigenous activists claim that the pipeline construction violates Ojibwe treaties and threaten the river and surrounding environment.

(Left) Election Judge Kelly Bruels hands out ballots and gives instructions to voters on how to properly fill them out at First United Methodist Church in Duluth, MN in the early morning of Election Day on November 3, 2020.

Beth Thomsen, MLS, administers a nasal swab to two-month old Eden Smith to test her for COVID-19 on May 6, 2020 at the Min No Aya Win clinic on the Fond Du Lac reservation in Cloquet, MN. The clinic has seen a small amount of patients on a daily basis as they prepare for a wave of COVID-19 cases to hit their area. Dr. Vainio MD, a member of the Mille Lacs Band of the Ojibwe tribe has worked at the clinic for decades and has never seen anything like this pandemic. The week of May 4th, he worked the respiratory cases at the clinic. Only one doctor a week takes all the respiratory cases to minimize the amount of people potentially exposed to the virus.

Alecya Forrest, a kindergartner at Stowe Elementary School, points to her classmate as they wait to begin their Halloween parade in Duluth, MN on Friday, October 30, 2020. The school held it's Halloween parade outdoors this year, splitting the kids into two groups because of COVID-19. The students who attend in-person class on Monday and Tuesday had their parade on Tuesday while students who come into class on Thursday and Friday had their parade on Friday. The children marched down 101st Ave W. as parents lined up their cars to wave, cheer and take photos of their little ones.

Natasha Lancour, known by her stage name, Royalty, places a crown on her head before performing in front of a crowd of over one thousand people at Duluth City Hall on June 19, 2020 (Juneteenth), the day when the last slaves in the Confederacy were emancipated. This year, the holiday took on new meaning in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. Marchers took this chance to celebrate emancipation while also honoring Floyd and protesting police brutality. Over a thousand people marched through the streets from Bayfront Festival Park and the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial. The two groups converged at City Hall where people shared personal stories and sang songs full of emotion, pain and love.

Andover forward and. captain Luke Kron (7) jumped into the boards by the high school's student section to celebrate their Class 7AA Sectional boys hockey championship on February 27, 2020 in Amsoil Arena in Duluth, MN.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) took a shotgun snap in the second quarter of their game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday, November 29, 2020.

Austin Adams posed for a portrait in George Floyd Memorial Square in Minneapolis and wrote "Hope" on his Polaroid. "I'd tell every American to held their head up and there's always hope, wherever there's light there's hope and that if you just have courage then everything is gonna be okay. And I feel like that we can accomplish that if we just compromise, come together and we help each other out instead of harming each other," Adams said.

A woman runs down the road with a pumpkin on her head while shouting "the big orange man is gone," in Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington D.C. to celebrate Joe Biden being declared winner of the 2020 U.S. Presidential election by the Associated Press on November 7, 2020. Over ten thousand people took to the streets around the White House to celebrate Biden's historic victory.

Activist Lexi Qaiyyim addresses her fellow protesters out side the Bexar County Courthouse during a protest in downtown San Antonio, Texas, on June 4, 2020. This is the sixth day of protests in San Antonio following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis by police officers on May 25. Officer responded to a call of Floyd using a counterfeit bill to make a purchase and Floyd died in custody after an officer knelt on his neck for a reported eight minutes and 46 seconds.

Protesters' silhouettes are projected onto a truck across the street from their protest for Dijon Kizzee held outside of the South Los Angeles County Sheriff's office on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA. The demonstration was held to hold the L.A. County Sheriff's Department accountable for the death of 29-year-old Dijon Kizzee whole was fatally by deputies after being stopped for an alleged vehicle code violation while biking on Aug. 30.

Antonio Lee comforts Trevor Taylor during an emotional moment during a demonstration at Travis Park in downtown San Antonio, Texas, on June 3, 2020. This is the fourth day of protests in San Antonio in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd one week ago in Minneapolis.

Isaiah Pina, 6, kisses his younger brother Jr. Mendoza, 1, while their sister Leah Pina, 4, waves her mask outside the car as they wait in line for the April 17, 2020 San Antonio Food Bank distribution at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. About 2,200 families were pre-registered to receive food at the distribution

Laurel Forney, 5, peers through the peephole her father made for her to talk to her friend and neighbor Dian Coppin, 74, in San Antonio, Texas on May 20, 2020. Laurel has climbed a tree and stood on a stump to peek over the fence to talk to her neighbor Dian Coppin, 74, in the past year. Worried she could get hurt, her father installed a square peephole that Laurel uses to visit with her friend, Ms. Dian.

Kassidy Munoz, center, grins as she tosses her cap into the air following the Harlandale High School graduation ceremony held at the Harlandale Memorial Stadium in San Antonio, Texas, on June 2, 2020. Harlandale ISD was one of the first to plan an outdoor graduation on its football field, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, to celebrate its largest graduating class of about 400 students.

Whitney Weddel, a health and RN teacher in East Central ISD, teaches her CNA course to high school students remotely from her home San Antonio, Texas, on March 24, 2020. Weddel has turned her dining room into a mini hospital for teaching her students how to clean and take care of patients.

GoodBody salon owner Brittany Johnson poses at GoodBody on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020 in Oakland, Calif. GoodBody is a high-end hair salon for women with textured hair- a demographic that is often overlooked in the beauty space- opened last week and seeks to celebrating natural hair and help end hair discrimination at a time of racial reckoning across the country.

Hector Bribiescas poses in his home in San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 6, 2020. Bribiescas' daughter London Bribiescas, was a fifth grader at Leon Springs Elementary School, was found shot to death with her mother Nichol Olsen and sister Alexa Montez, 16, a year ago on Jan. 10, 2019 at a luxury home in the gated Anaqua Springs Ranch community in North Bexar County. Bribiescas and the other families have been waiting for answers from the Bexar County Sheriff's Office for over a year. "I'm not losing it (faith in the sheriff's office), I've already lost it," says Bribiescas. "It's excruciating... it's painful" Bribiescas says of the waiting for answers. "The hardest part is just not having her (London) here."

Description: If you were to take a stroll through the Baker’s Los Angeles neighborhood, you may find sisters Brinkley, Brooklyn, and Bixby hanging upside down or walking on their hands as they train for their dream: being professional circus performers. 15-year-old twins Brinkley and Brooklyn and 11-year-old Bixby are an adventurous trio who are navigating the unprecedented world of 2020 together. With a pandemic canceling seemingly everything but the girls’ tenacious spirit; they don their matching masks and are ready to take on the new challenges with the grace and determination of true circus artists.

Caption: Bixby Baker, 11, stands on her hands to create a handstand line with her older sisters Brooklyn, 15, and Brinkley, also 15, as they push their shipping cart to the car from Whole Foods in Playa Vista on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA. When one sister does a trick, the rest will follow suit, often grabbing the attention of those around them.

Brooklyn, 15, Bixby, 11, and Brinkley Baker, 15, get excited over something they see on the side of the road while riding in the car on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA. “We kind of just do everything together,” says Bixby. “We never really argue.” Brooklyn added. “But if we do, it’s pointless bickering.” Bixby was quick to clarify. "I think most kids are not as close to their siblings as we are," says Brinkley.

Brooklyn Baker, 15, swings on the front porch trapeze hung outside her home in Playa Vista while her sister Bixby, 11, does a hand stand on top of their dog mr. Bumbles and Brinkley, 15, talks with their dad Billy Baker as they relax at home on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA. The girls are always climbing and perfecting tricks when and wherever they can. Neighbors will often pass by and compliment the practicing. “One of the main reasons I like performing is because it makes other people happy but also me happy- so I love it." says Brooklyn Baker.

Bixby Baker, 11, leads a line of fellow circus artists in a pre-filming conga line at Le PeTiTe CiRqUe's Inglewood Studio on Sept. 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA. After losing months worth of bookings, LPC is struggling to keep their studio space. They are now renting out space in the studio and creating virtual performances for clients to help keep the doors open. “The studio is just a place, but the kids and the people there are really LPC," says Brinkley Baker. Bixby, was quick to add, “the body of it "LPC) is the studio. But you can move the soul (the substance of LPC) to another body but you.. can’t murder the soul."

While waiting for her first class of the day to start, Bixby Baker, 11, stretches showing off recent blisters from circus practice on Friday, Sept. 4, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA. As the youngest, Bixby feels a lot of pressure to measure up to her older sisters, Brooklyn and Brinkley, in school and in circus. “It’s always like a full years difference, but I need to be the same” says Bixby of her desire to be improve in her skills and performances.

Close friend and fellow circus artists Bella Gnatt, 14, enthralls Brinley Baker, 15, Bixby Baker, 11, and Brooklyn Baker, 15, with a story while climbing a tree at Kenneth Hahn Park on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA. Bella and Bixby have an act together and they hang out whenever possible. The friends the sisters have from circus have a similar weirdness and sense of wonder and adventure as the girls. "Most people try to be like everyone else and we purposefully avoid being like everyone else. because I don’t want to be the same," says Brooklyn. "I just want to be myself and myself is different from other people.”

Brinkley Baker, 15, walks Mr. Bumbles down her street while on a walk with her family on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA. Brinkley and her sisters are very talented and driven circus artists and she says “I hate when I can’t do something, so I keep working my best at whatever I’m working on.. I still try to be my best at it."

Bixby Baker, 11, rushes into the ocean and her older sister Brinkley, 15, leaps in at El Porto Beach on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA. The sisters spend three to four days at circus training and Sundays are spent as a family doing relaxing things.

Brinkley Baker, 15, climbs into her dad's Jeep through the window after a day at the beach with her family on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA. The Baker sisters don't like to sit in the front seat of cars and will routinely climb into the backseat of the Jeep.

From left, Bixby baker, 11, watches as her dad Billy Baker catapults a potato into Brooklyn Baker's, 15, mouth across the dining room and Brigitte Baker and Brinkley Baker, 15, watch after family dinner on September 25, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA. The family is very close and they've enjoyed being able to spend more time together since Billy works in television and has been off work for much of the pandemic, but being indoors and zooming all day is hard on the girls says Brigitte. “It's not their thing- we’d like to get back to life,” Brigitte explained.

Brinkley, 15, Brooklyn, also 15, and Bixby Baker brush their teeth together before bed at home on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA. The sisters are very close and love to match clothing and there are roughly a dozen days of the year Bixby reportedly does not match her older sisters. The sisters say they don't know how they decided to all match but Brooklyn says "it makes me feel very special." Bixby quipped that the matching makes it so that "no one has to ask the stupid question of 'are you sisters?'"

Bixby Baker, 11, reads a book while bracing herself in the doorway of the downstairs bathroom at home on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA.

Description: Living alone came at a pivotal point in my life. I am used to making a home many miles away from where I call “home.” Living alone carried a new weight during a global pandemic that heightened the shadows of loneliness and fear living by myself. It also sparked my independence and my apartment simultaneously became a sanctuary and a place of confinement as the outside world was shuttered. These photos with excerpts from my journals serve as documentation of this uncertain period of my life as I felt a strange vibration in the air around me.

Caption: Arriving home to 814 Magnolia Avenue.

"This year, how much has changed that I never anticipated and there doesn't seems to be much time to adjust before the next wave breaks."

"It's like my secret. No one knows (or needs to know) what I'm doing at home alone. It's invigorating. It's also lonely."

"I am craving a human body next to me. Their shape beside me, not even holding me, just there."

"Life seems bleak and no wonder I had so many issues with answering the question of if I had 'hope for the future' in therapy."

"I feel powerless and I don't know how to reclaim that power. I mean maybe I do but it's gonna take hard work and I feel so weary to do that right now."

"My inner voice has not been kind lately."

"It's easier to be alone in the day than to be alone at night."

"My chest has been feeling tight. I'm afraid it's anxiety- again."

"I know it could be my time to shine but I'm not feeling up to it. I don't know how to fix me."

"This moment is peaceful but my mind keeps wanting to race away into the future."

"Nothing is safe. Nothing is stable at all."

In the autumn and winter of 2019 and into 2020, many cities in Iraq were torn apart by the violence surrounding massive demonstrations. Thousands of young demonstrators became embroiled in frequent violent clashes with authorities. The demonstrations evolved into a months-long standoff, often erupting into bloodshed that cost many hundreds of lives.

Here, demonstrators cary their nation’s flag, covered in the blood and viscera of a companion who had just been shot whilst wearing it. Baghdad, Iraq. Thursday, January 23rd, 2020.

Supporters of the Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr protest against the American presence in Iraq, following the assassinations of Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Mohandas by a US drone strike near Baghdad airport. Baghdad, Iraq. Thursday, January 23rd, 2020.

Iraqi demonstrators evacuate a wounded comrade as another protester attempts to establish a barrier during a confrontation with authorities. Baghdad, Iraq. Sunday, January 19th, 2020

A demonstrator in a skull maskSunday, January 19th, 2020

Demonstrators carry an injured companion to a makeshift medical facility run by volunteers Baghdad, Iraq. Sunday, January 19th, 2020.

Police forces fired tear gas at demonstrators while their own commander was negotiating with them; he calls for them to cease fire. He was given goggles and a rag by demonstrators to protect him from the gas. Baghdad, Iraq Sunday, January 19th.

An injured demonstrator is treated by medical volunteers in a makeshift facility. Baghdad, Iraq Sunday, January 19th.

A woman and child walk through a burning barrier erected by demonstrators outside of a government building. Baghdad, Iraq. Saturday, January 18th, 2020.

Exhausted demonstrators rest during a lull in the action. Baghdad, Iraq Sunday, January 19th.

Two demonstrators, one holding a dog, pose for a photo on the highway where their fellows had established a roadblock of burning debris. Saturday, January 18th, 2020.

2020 saw an increase in civil unrest in the United States, in large part owing to the outrage over several police-involved shootings of black men. Maybe cities saw large-scale demonstrations that sometimes featured arson and looting.


In this photo, demonstrators use umbrellas to shield against crowd control munitions, outside of a newly-erected perimeter fence around Portland’s Multnomah County Courthouse, where federal agents had been stationed. Portland, OR, Thursday, July 23rd 2020

An individual who had been taking part in demonstrations in Kenosha, WI, reacts to being shot by a 17-year-old civilian named Kyle Rittenhouse. He was also armed at the time he was shot. He survived. Kenosha, WI, Tuesday August 25th 2020

A Department of Corrections building in Kenosha, WI, burns after being set alight by demonstrators. A law enforcement officer is present on the scene. Kenosha, WI, Monday August 24th 2020

Members of the Department of Homeland Security’s Border Tactical Group remove an individual from the vicinity of Portland’s main courthouse, amidst a haze of tear gas launched by DHS personnel. Portland, OR, Friday, July 24th 2020

A member of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Protective Services looks out upon demonstrators from behind a perimeter fence in Portland, Oregon. Portland, OR, Saturday, July 25th 2020

Police officers respond to an escalation of hostilities with demonstrators in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Minneapolis, MI, Friday May 29th 2020.

An individual emerges from a looted store, surrounded by police officers, during unrest in Philadelphia. They were allowed to leave the area. Philadelphia, PA, Tuesday October 27th 2020.

A woman steals merchandise from a gas station during a surge of looting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Minneapolis, MI, Friday May 29th 2020.

A lone demonstrator breaches the perimeter fence erected around Portland’s Multnomah County Courthouse. Portland, OR, Wednesday, July 22nd 2020

A local citizen sweeps up empty canisters of crowd control munitions and other debris, following confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement in Kenosha, WI. Kenosha, WI, Monday August 24th 2020.

Members of the Department of Homeland Security’s Border Tactical Group stand beside a toppled peace sign and other thrown debris amidst a haze of tear gas outside of Portland’s main courthouse. Portland, OR, Saturday, July 25th 2020

A demonstrator sits opposite a line of police officers in riot gear during unrest in Kenosha, WI. Kenosha, WI, Tuesday August 25th 2020

Members of the Proud boy group pass a beer at a rally led by the organization. Portland, OR, Saturday, September 26th 2020

Members of the Proud Boys group kneel in Prayer on the National Mall. Washington, DC Saturday December 12th 2020

A woman holds a photo of US President Donald Trump from her car window, as supporters congregated outside of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center whilst the president was treated for COVID-19. Bethesda, MD, Tuesday October 4th 2020

Men smoke shisha at a teahouse in the holy city of Najaf. An image of Mohammad al-Sadr and Moqtada al-Sadr adorns the wall. Najaf, Iraq, Thursday January 30th 2020

Young friends at a pizzeria, late at night in one of Washington DC’s favorite nightlife areas. Washington, DC, Thursday, March 5th 2020

A tuktuk drives through a flaming barricade established by demonstrators in Baghdad. Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday January 18th 2020

A lone individual walks through the almost deserted Oculus transport hub during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. New York, NY, April 10th 2020

Mama Bushra, a spiritual leader in the Afro-Iraqi community, poses for portrait in her living room. Basra, Iraq, Wednesday December 23rd 2020

A supporter of Donald Trump holds aloft a Bible in front of the Washington Monument. Washington DC, Saturday December 12th 2020

CPOY- Former Sanford resident Thomas Perrin makes his way through fallen debris Oct. 5 at his home in Sanford, MI. When floodwaters filled the Perrin home in May, they spent three nights in a hotel before moving into Haley's parent's garage.
"We lost part of our present and our immediate future in the water," Thomas said.
The couple will live in the makeshift space through the winter as they care for their newborn daughter.

CPOY - Mount Pleasant High School senior Willem Mirange stands though his sun roof to view his picture on the hill outside the football stadium after receiving his cap and gown May 21 at Mount Pleasant High School.

CPOY - Shepherd resident Morgan Painter takes a break from mask making to push her son Hudzyn, 7, on a tire swing as she holds her daughter Creedynce, 5, April 9 at her home in Shepherd, MI.

CPOY - (From left to right) Ginger Vanderkelen, Noland Pierce, Kim Wagester, Steve Wagester, Trevor Franklin, Lori Vanderkelen and Sydney Chu (not pictured) gather for lunch Sept. 13 inside the Wagester home. Vanderkelen, Kim's mother, moved in with the Wagesters three years ago.

CPOY - A group of young protestors climb out of the back of a pickup truck before a rally being held in support of social reform June 7 at the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Reservation in Mount Pleasant, MI.

CPOY - Central Michigan guard Molly Davis starts to walk on to the floor from the tunnel after her name is announced in the starting lineup Jan. 11 at McGuirk Arena in Mount Pleasant, MI.

CPOY - Central Michigan wide receivers and roommates JaCorey Sullivan, left, and Kalil Pimpleton compete against each other in a footwork drill during a workout May 15 at Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, MI. On Aug. 8, the Mid American Conference became the first to cancel its season amid the coronavirus pandemic. Still, members of the CMU football team trained and even held flag football games to stay ready for the season.

CPOY - Central Michigan forward Rob Montgomery jumps from outside the painted area and attempts a layup in a 85-78 win against Western Michigan Feb. 1 at Read Fieldhouse in Kalamazoo, MI.

CPOY - Like many athletes across the state of Michigan, Mount Pleasant High School football players waiting patiently for the season to begin. Once it began, the season wasn't without growing pains. The team had no positive COVID-19 tests. Coach Jason Mcintyre said it was an experience that taught his players accountability and made them stronger individuals.

CPOY - Mount Pleasant High School senior tight end Josh Schell leads the team huddle befor a game against Powers Catholic Oct. 9 at Community Memorial Stadium in Mount Pleasant, MI.

CPOY - Mount Pleasant High School junior quarterback Ryan Mcintyre returns to the field after breaking his nose following a sack in a playoff game against Marquette Nov. 17 at Community Memorial Stadium in Mount Pleasant, MI.

CPOY - The Mount Pleasant High School Football Team lines up for the national anthem ahead of a playoff game against Marquette, which the team lost 14-21, Nov. 17 at Community Memorial Stadium in Mount Pleasant, MI.

CPOY - Mount Pleasant High School sophomore wide receiver Max Humphrey dives for catch against Midland in a 42-21 loss Oct. 2 at MIdland Community Stadium in Midland, MI.

CPOY- Mount Pleasant senior lineman Chase Preston, front left, and Brody Hovey embrace while senior lineman James Hoyt hoists a chair above his head after pitching a shutout against Midland Dow 21-0 Oct. 17 at Community Memorial Stadium in Mount Pleasant, MI.

CPOY - Mount Pleasant High School Football Team head coach Jason McIntyre gives a play to the scout offense during practice Sept. 29 at Community Memorial Stadium in Mount Pleasant, MI.

CPOY - Mount Pleasant junior wide receiver Mason Rondy gazes into the mirror before taking the field to check teams before a game against Powers Catholic Oct. 9 at Community Memorial Stadium in Mount Pleasant, MI.

CPOY - Mount Pleasant junior linebacker Kory Davis is congradulated by teammates after forcing and recovering a fumble in a 35-18 win over Saginaw Heritage Oct. 23 at at Saginaw Heritage High School in Saginaw, MI.

CPOY - Mount Pleasant High School senior lineman James Hoyt gets his shoulder wrapped following an injury in a win against Bay City Western September 18 at Community Memorial Stadium in Mount Pleasant, MI.

CPOY - Mount Pleasant junior quarterback Ryan Mcintyre is consoled after a tense conversation with his father, coach Jason Mcintyre, after failing to score on a promising drive early in a 35-18 win over Saginaw Heritage Oct. 23 at at Saginaw Heritage High School in Saginaw, MI.

CPOY - (From left to right) Mount Pleasant junior quarterback Ryan Mcintyre holds his head in his hands as senior linemen Brody Hovey and Owen Foust try to keep their composure following the first loss of the season, a 42-21 loss to Midland, Oct. 2 at Midland Community Stadium in Midland, MI.

CPOY - Hartshorne was born with CHARGE syndrome and is given 24/7 assistance from a team of caregivers.

CHARGE is an abbreviation for several of the features common in the disorder: coloboma, heart defects, atresia choanae, growth retardation, genital abnormalities and ear abnormalities.

CPOY - Jacob Hartshorne, 33, of Mount Pleasant stimulates his senses with a flashing disco light Oct. 27 at his home in Mount Pleasant, MI. Hartshorne has impaired hearing and vision, so he enjoys bright lights and textured items.

CPOY - Jacob Hartshorne, 33, of Mount Pleasant gets help from his father walking down a staircase Aug. 27 in his parent’s home in Mount Pleasant, MI.

Hartshorne's father Tim Hartshorne started studying CHARGE in 1989 after his child was identified as having it. Now, the Central Michigan University professor is considered an expert on CHARGE.

"We have always tried our best to give Jacob a life just like everyone else," Tim said. "Now, he has 24/7 homecare and a bunch of beautiful women looking after him."

CPOY - acob Hartshorne, 33, lays in a window seat cuddling a glove while caregiver Kaity Zdybel tries to get him up to go outside Aug. 12 at the front of his home in Mount Pleasant, MI.

CPOY - Jacob Hartshorne, 33, of Mount Pleasant reaches out for caregiver Melanie Haste to help him get back to his feet after laying on the carpetAug. 27 in his parents bedroom in Mount Pleasant, MI. Because of his Kyphosis, it is good for Hartshorne to lay on his back. He receives physical therapy at least twice a day from caregivers during their shifts.

CPOY - Jacob Hartshorne, 33, of Mount Pleasant is toweled dry after sitting in his hot tub for almost 45 minutes Aug. 27 in the enclosed back porch at his home in Mount Pleasant, MI.

CPOY - Jacob Hartshorne, 33, of Mount Pleasant reaches for bottle before helping caregiver Melanie Haste make a smoothie Oct. 29 in the kitchen of his home in Mount Pleasant, MI. Hartshorne has difficulty swallowing things that are either too thick or too runny. It is important that his caregivers get the right consistency when blending his food or heavy caughing might follow.

CPOY - Lead caregiver Jacob Shuler helps Jacob Hartshorne steer his bicycle June 30 on the sidewalk outside his home in Mount Pleasant, MI.
Shuler said Jacob is always teaching the staff important lessons.

"The biggest thing that I've learned from Jake is patience," Schuler said. "With the nature of his cognitive disability, you sometimes have to take a step away and give him some time to process the situation."

CPOY - Jacob Hartshorne, 33, of Mount Pleasant brushes his fingers across the top of his birthday cake May 14 while laying in the lawn outside his home in Mount Pleasant, MI. A socially distanced party was held to celebrate Hartshorne's birthday.

CPOY - Nancy Hartshorne hugs her son, Jacob Hartshorne, Aug. 27 during a visit to their home which neighbors his own.

CPOY - Jacob Hartshorne retreats to his bedroom after getting visibly upset with a caregiver because they wouldn’t help him to a third serving of chocolate pudding -- one of his favorite foods -- March 6 at his home in Mount Pleasant, MI.