“I came to capture (through my camera) a joyful day for the children of Rachel House. I never imagined that a nine-year-old boy would leave me with a memory I would carry in my heart for a long time to come.”
– Wilda | Communications & Fundraising Officer, Rachel House.
Working in the Communications & Fundraising team at Rachel House, I have had the privilege of capturing and sharing stories about the children under our care, who are living with serious illnesses, and often from some of the most marginalised communities in Jakarta. Through the lens of my camera, I have witnessed the seemingly insurmountable challenges these children and their families face, the unwavering love that surrounds them and the little moments of joy that brighten their days.
But on this Saturday morning in October, I experienced something totally unexpected.
That day, fifteen children under our care were gathered at the formal ballroom of the offices of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia to attend Tiny Chef Workshop. For these children and their families, it was to be a welcome opportunity to take a break from their usual hospital routines and doctors’ visits, to decorate chocolate cakes, and share laughter and gleeful joy together.
Among them was Heri*, a nine-year-old boy born with an immune-compromised illness. More vulnerable to infections, he is not able to play freely like other children his age. Even everyday activities can require extra precautions.
I was there to document the celebration. Little did I know that Heri would give me a story of my own.
A Little Boy and a Camera
As I was setting up my equipment before the event began, I noticed from the corner of my eye someone crawling stealthily towards me. As I turned around, I saw Heri sitting on the carpeted floor with a shy but curious expression on his face. Catching my attention now, he edged closer, almost like a little kitten exploring something unfamiliar.
Pointing at my camera, he asked, “What are you doing? What’s this?”
I smiled and replied, “It’s a camera. Would you like to give it a try, Heri?”
And just like that, our little adventure began.
I showed him how to hold the camera, look through the viewfinder and press the shutter button. Soon, we were taking pictures of the people around us, including Dadan, one of Rachel House nurses, who was there to keep a watchful eye over our patients at the event.
There was no planned interview or perfect photograph to capture. Just a curious little boy discovering something new, and me, unexpectedly becoming part of his adventure.
When the Storyteller Becomes Part of the Story
Sitting beside Heri, sharing laughter and discovering the world through his eyes (rather than a camera) felt different from the stories I usually tell.
For once, I wasn’t simply observing to tell a story – I was sharing a small part of this boy’s childhood; and felt totally privileged for this precious moment.
Watching his curiosity unfold reminded me that beyond every diagnosis and medical challenge is a child with interests, with infinite imagination and the desire to explore the world around them.
At Rachel House, our nurses provide free home-based palliative care for children like Heri, who are living with serious illnesses, helping relieve their pain and other distressing symptoms while supporting their families. But care is also about giving children the comfort and opportunity to enjoy what makes childhood special, from trying something new to spending time with those they love.
That is why occasions like this matter.
I am deeply grateful to the Social Service Committee of the Ministry of Finance, Republic of Indonesia for bringing this wonderful day to life. Through the simple pleasure of decorating chocolate cakes, children like Heri and their families had a chance to step away from their challenges to enjoy each other’s company and make memories to treasure.
I arrived that day hoping to capture the children’s smiles through my camera. Instead, Heri reminded me of something I will never forget, that behind the diagnosis is a child whose curiosity and wonder are waiting to be engaged; that no hospital and doctor visits could ever and should ever stifle.
Sometimes, the most beautiful stories are not the ones we set out to tell, but the ones we are fortunate enough to become part of.
My hope is that more children like Heri will have the chance to explore, laugh and experience the wonders of childhood, despite all the challenges.
With your support, Rachel House can continue to bring compassionate palliative care to children living with serious illnesses, helping them find comfort and giving them more opportunities to enjoy the childhood they deserve.
Be part of their journey. Help us bring care, comfort and brighter days to more children and families.
To support our work, contact us at [email protected] or call +62 851-8318-9659.
*Name changed for privacy.