Lisa Hambsch found purpose in photography by volunteering with the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund, capturing the final wishes of terminally ill individuals. Inspired by a serendipitous moment during a traffic jam, she creates lasting memories for families, emphasizing the beauty and joy in these experiences. Through her work, she has learned the value of gratitude and cherishing relationships, realizing that even modest last wishes hold profound significance for those involved.
Finding Purpose Through Photography
Lisa Hambsch embarked on a journey to find a volunteer role that would allow her to utilize her passion for photography. An unexpected moment on the highway three years ago sparked this brilliant idea. “It may sound cliché,” the 32-year-old shares in a video interview, “but while stuck in traffic with my husband, we discussed my search for volunteer opportunities when a wish car pulled up beside us.” Her husband was already aware of the donation-based initiative by the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB), and he suggested, “This could be the answer to your quest.”
With 23 wish cars operating nationwide, volunteers help transport severely ill individuals to their desired destinations, fulfilling their final wishes in specially converted ambulances that are medically equipped and staffed by professionals. Lisa pondered, wouldn’t it be wonderful for these individuals and their families to have high-quality photographs capturing this significant day? That very evening, she reached out to the ASB, and since then, the Berlin native has been accompanying individuals on their last journeys, as long as they desire.
The Value of Memories
Lisa knows firsthand how precious a loved one’s photographs can become after they pass away. At her wedding in 2017, images were taken of a beloved family member who unexpectedly passed shortly after. This experience ignited Lisa’s wish to provide others with such invaluable memories.
As a wedding and family photographer, Lisa usually captures moments filled with joy and hope. However, with the wish car project, she finds herself accompanying those who are nearing the end of their lives. “Many friends ask me, ‘How do you cope with it? It must be so sad!'” Lisa explains. “On the contrary: many people radiate happiness all day long, and it’s truly beautiful to witness.” For these individuals, fulfilling their last wish often becomes their final joyful day, especially since many are venturing out for the first time in a long while. “Some are incredibly weak yet summon extraordinary strength to maximize their day,” she notes.
Take Gerd, 67, for instance, who was confined to a wheelchair due to lung cancer. Together, they ventured to the Harz Mountains to visit the Okertalsperre, a place he hadn’t visited since childhood, where his father had once told him about the thrill of draining water. Gerd had longed to experience it but kept postponing until illness made it impossible. “When we reached the dam, he was overwhelmed with emotion and tears of joy,” she recalls. “When the dam master activated the water just for him, Gerd found the strength to stand up from his wheelchair and walk to the edge to gaze down. It left a profound impression on me.”
While many may assume that last wishes need to be extravagant, like a trip to the Maldives or a helicopter ride, Lisa reveals that most wishes are more modest. “Last year, we visited cemeteries frequently as people wanted to say goodbye to loved ones,” she recounts. “Others wished to visit the Baltic Sea, attend their child’s graduation, or experience a final game at the stadium.”
Every moment and conversation with those she accompanies is precious, according to Lisa. Bonds quickly form. On one occasion, she traveled with Monika, who was battling cancer, and her sister to the Mecklenburg Lake District, where they reminisced about their childhood holidays. Thanks to Lisa’s efforts, there is now a cherished photo of the two sisters embracing warmly. She takes pride in providing these beautiful keepsakes, ensuring that they don’t have to rely on selfies during such significant moments.
Understanding the impact of these photographs, Lisa sends developed images to the individuals as swiftly as possible. She has received heartfelt responses, with some patients sharing photos of themselves in their care beds adorned with the photographs Lisa took, allowing them to find joy during their challenging journey.
What has Lisa learned from her experiences with the wish car? “We live in a fast-paced world that often demands more,” she reflects. “However, through my time with terminally ill individuals, I’ve come to realize that gratitude and contentment with what we have are what truly matter. In the rush of everyday life, we often neglect our relationships, yet everything can change in an instant.”