After 14 years of using Poligrip denture cream to keep his teeth in place, Johnny Howell became disabled due to nerve damage from high zinc levels that may have been caused by the cream. His nerve damage is so severe that Mr. Howell had to quit his job as a mechanic and must now use a cane or walker to get around his house, which he rarely leaves, and only with assistance.
Spent the day with Johnny Howell, making photographs, talking about cars and watching NASCAR. Even under the hard circumstances that Mr. Howell finds himself in, his wife had a stroke a few years ago and he is unable to take care of her due to his disability, he remains an avid fan of all things automotive and sharp, he sells knives and swords. We watched TV personalities try to make crazy cars out of scrap and talked about the future for he and his wife. It is such a rare thing to spend time with a stranger and talk about all things so personal, one of he great privileges of this job. We are so lucky to be able to do this and have people welcome us into their homes to share their stories with the world.
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