Endurance

Amidst the arid expanses of the American Southwest, a lone saguaro cactus reaches skyward, enduring the unforgiving sun. Dr. Mark Sorrentino, drawn to this scene near Tucson, Arizona, saw a reflection of his own battles and those of his young patients in the ICU—each facing daunting challenges yet standing strong. The monochromatic tones strip away distraction, focusing on the cactus’s textured resilience, a metaphor for withstanding the storm. For Dr. Sorrentino, who faced his own cancer diagnosis in 2021, the cactus represents the human spirit’s ability to endure even when the outcome is uncertain. He captured this image at dawn, a time when he found solace during his treatments, feeling the promise of a new day breaking through the darkness. The stark beauty of this desert landscape offered him a reminder that strength often grows in the harshest conditions, just like the hope that rises in the hearts of those fighting unseen battles.

L1000482
Captured with Leica M11 Monochrom & Lensbaby Velvet 56mm 1.2
Tucson, AZ
February 2024