Caused by too much uric acid in the blood, gout can damage joints and bones and impact vital organs.
To reveal the unseen impact of gout, we used uric acid to create a series of
portraits.
PORTRAITS OF
Featuring the work of three artists, this portrait series features three real people living with uncontrolled gout expressing how they feel about the devastation the disease can create. Meet Sam, Chris, and Sharon. Click on each name to see their portraits and reveal their stories.
Sam still remembers the intense physical pain he felt for more than a decade and the feeling of complete hopelessness before finally being diagnosed with out-of-control gout.
“You’re in despair because you don’t know how long it’s gonna last . . . a few hours or a few days.”
Portrait by Ian Crawley
When Chris was diagnosed with out-of-control gout in 2020, he had been suffering for years searching for a specialist who could help him. His previous doctors didn’t believe someone under 30 years old could be living with gout.
“I was ashamed of my health because at my age you’re supposed to be strong, out in the world and doing things . . . and I’m in my bed unable to move.”
Portrait by Evan Rosato
Sharon was completely overwhelmed by out-of-control gout. Her disease challenged everything: her job, her health, even her inner spark.
“I was scared, I was angry.
I didn’t know myself anymore.”
Portrait by Milenko Stevanović
There is much more to out-of-control gout than meets the eye, and many people don’t understand what it’s like to live with this serious, chronic disease.
Hear from people who do.
