Faces of Hope

The Salzburg based photographer Helge Kirchberger portrayed people with spinal cord injuries around the world and asked them about their biggest dreams. “What I miss most is dancing. If there was a cure, I would dance around the whole house,” says Julia Macchietto. She is paraplegic after a car accident - and like millions of people around the world, is dependent on her wheelchair. Or Patrik Fritzer, who needs help every day after a fall on his motorcycle. “I miss snowboarding. Skateboarding. Or walking hand in hand with my girlfriend...”

As a state-recognized foundation for spinal cord research, Wings for Life promotes cutting-edge research worldwide so that people like Julia or Patrik can regain their independence. In addition to those affected, Kirchberger also portrayed luminaries of the researchers, such as the scientific director of the foundation, Jan Schwab. He says: “There is no such thing as failure. There is only giving up too soon.”

Faces of Hope unites those affected with researchers. The biggest dreams with realistic assessments. Photographic art with facts. Accompany us through touching encounters - towards a common hope. The cure for spinal cord injury.