Award of Excellence: Failure to Thrive
A narrative picture story that reflects the everyday human experience, celebrates life, or chronicles a cultural trend. Respect for the dignity of the person is important.
Failure to Thrive
A decade ago, carrying the guilt and grief of her mother’s death, Tiffany Moore returned to Sedalia, Missouri – her birthplace – to set down roots and reconnect with family. Moore, now a 33-year-old single mother, recently gave birth to premature twins. She relies on her father, Noble Moore Sr., and her friends to get her through each day, especially as she cares for one of her twins who has medical complications that require 90-minute treks to Kansas City for treatment.
Through good times and bad, her community’s unwavering support gives her the strength and hope she needs to build a better life for her children. “I would never say this is easy, but I manage. I have no choice [but] to do it,” Moore said. “I can’t force their dad to be around. I don’t have the ability to. They may not have the Buckingham Palace, but they have everything they need. And they are happy. The only way I would feel wrong is if they weren’t happy.“
