Festival
The Julie Project
Darcy Padilla
Julie with Rachael, 3 months, in the lobby of the Ambassador Hotel where they live in San Francisco. Both Jack and her partner Julie are HIV positive. Julie said, "Rachael has given us a reason to live." For 18 years I have photographed Julie Baird’s story of multiple homes, AIDS, drug abuse, abusive relationships, poverty, loss, reunion, births and deaths. Following Julie from the streets of San Francisco to the woods of Alaska. San Francisco, California 1993
Julie with Rachael in the lobby of the West Hotel where their room was infected with fleas. After Julie and Jack broke up in 1994, she drifted from one residential hotel to the next, taking little with her but Rachael. In one year, she moved 12 times. San Francisco, California 1995
Julie with Tommy at the Hillsdale Hotel - the father wants nothing to do with Julie or the baby. The same year Julie moved into a live-in program. She met a man who worked in the kitchen and moved out. The man ended up physically abusing her one-year-old Tommy while she was having a miscarriage in the hospital. He served nine months in jail. Tommy and Rachael were taken away from Julie. She was never able to regain custody. San Francisco, California 1997
Julie and Jason after being released from jail for stealing their newborn baby from the hospital - the state was keeping the baby because Julie had tested positive for drugs. San Francisco, California 2000
In March 2005, I found a posting on the internet that read: “Julie Baird born 10-10-73. Please contact me I’ve been looking for you. If you were born in Anchorage Alaska 10-10-73 you’re the one...” Julie called and her uncle Randy answered, “We’ve been looking for you for 31 years.” Julie cried. Julie moved to Valdez, Alaska to reunite with her father. She was there one week and ended up in the hospital in critical condition. Anchorage, Alaska 2005
The doctor holds baby Elyssa for Julie to see on April 28th. Months later Julie and Jason reunite with their fifth child, Jason Jr., who was taken at birth in 2002. I received a call from the adoptive mother who found photographs of Julie on my website. Anchorage, Alaska 2008
Julie and Jason at home with baby Elyssa. For the first time she has a home, a crib, clothes for her baby, and family support. Palmer, Alaska 2008
In their latest home in “the bush”, no running water, no electricity and 20 miles from the nearest town. Jason scolds Elyssa for not listening as Julie who is fatigued from AIDS watches. Julie takes 35 pills a day. She can barely hold Elyssa and even standing is a struggle. Alaska 2009
On September 5, 2010 Julie was sent home from the hospital and told, "Prepare for the end of life..." Julie who has been in home hospice care for AIDS lays in bed. Her daughter Elyssa, 2, crawled in to be next to her. Alaska 2010
Jason, exhausted from caring for Julie, holds Elyssa. Earlier Jason Jr. called to say goodbye. "Mom I love you. Thank you for having me." Julie replied, "You're welcome baby. Sorry I didn't have a chance to see you more." Alaska 2010
Julie in hospice care for AIDS reaches for a person who is not there. Alaska 2010
Jason holds Julie for the last time. Julie died on September 27, 2010. She was 36. Alaska 2010
Julie with Rachael, 3 months, in the lobby of the Ambassador Hotel where they live in San Francisco. Both Jack and her partner Julie are HIV positive. Julie said, "Rachael has given us a reason to live." For 18 years I have photographed Julie Baird’s story of multiple homes, AIDS, drug abuse, abusive relationships, poverty, loss, reunion, births and deaths. Following Julie from the streets of San Francisco to the woods of Alaska. San Francisco, California 1993
The story of the life and death of Julie Baird spans 18 years starting with a chance encounter in 1993, and provides an in-depth look at poverty, AIDS, and social issues affecting American Society.
Darcy Padilla was awarded The W. Eugene Smith Grant in 2010.
Links
Contributors