We’re deeply saddened to report that Tobias McConchie, a NESOP student in the current show, passed away February 18, 2008 at the age of 22, due to complications arising from cystic fibrosis. Toby was able to attend the opening on February 7th and we respectfully share this portrait. The PRC is honored to have Tobias’s work in the exhibition.

Battling CF since childhood, Tobias chose to focus his energy on what he could accomplish in life and dedicated himself to the positive pursuit of his goals. A promising and conscientious student artist, one of his most recent accomplishments was having his work chosen to represent NESOP in the PRC Student Exhibition. For those of you who may be unaware, cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common genetic disease affecting primarily the lungs and digestive system, causing increased disability.

- from the New England School of Photography.

The PRC has made a donation to the family’s selected charity—Child Life Fund/UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center, a part of the UMass Memorial Foundation in Worcester—in Tobias’s name and encourages visitors to consider making a donation as well, using the fundraising widget above or directly to UMass.