Paul Reitano’s photographic series “Thrive: The Overcome Project” is an evocative and deeply personal body of work that stands as a symbol of resilience – and his not only surviving – but thriving in the aftermath of his 2012 cancer diagnosis. These photographs show the faces of the family, friends, community members, medical professionals, and all who contributed towards a unified goal of saving a life.

Biography
“I have been shooting professionally for 7 years, and recreationally for many more. I am primarily self taught, but lean upon a heavy musical background for influence, inspiration, and artistic direction. Current clients include; Temple Health, Fox Chase Cancer Center, the Lymphoma Research Foundation, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, Main Line Animal Rescue, Lulu’s Rescue, S.W. Bajus Properties, Suburban Life and Main Line Life magazines, Anu Fitness, High Hill Studios, the Eagle Theatre, Energy Management Systems, and others. Recent features include ABC’s “The View” and NBC’s “Best In Shelter With Jill Rappaport” featuring Betty White, Bernadette Peters, Bryant Gumbel, Lindsey Vonn, and Emmylou Harris. My Urbanscape work was featured in a two man show at Church Street Gallery in West Chester, Pa. in March, 2015.

I live in Northampton, Massachusetts with my wife Amy and our daughter Amelia. Rusty the dog, and cats Mouse and Steve round out the family. I am a cancer survivor and a former member of the Board of Associates at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I am indebted to the doctors and staff at Fox Chase for saving my life and giving me the opportunity to welcome Amelia into the world. I am particularly indebted  to my friend Dr. Miriam Lango, the best oncological head and neck surgeon in the game. I am also fortunate to have been in the employ of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Center (D.V.R.P.C) while building my career as a photographer. They were generous and kind to me while I went through treatment, and were a wonderful organization to work for.

I am extraordinarily lucky to have a loving family and lifelong friends. I was smart to pick such a wonderful mother and father, and smarter still in convincing my wife to marry me. I am indebted to the universe for my existence. I am grateful to the atoms that form me.”