PPD is a pharmaceutical research corporation and one of Wilmington’s largest businesses. They’ve hired me in the past to photograph an internationally recognized Ironman triathlon (see 3 posts from November 2010 in the Archives section). This new assignment was to shoot one of their “heroes,” Emily Shaller, who benefitted from medical advancements assisted by PPD and who participated in this year’s Ironman. Emily was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as an infant. Although most patients like her only live to be teenagers, Emily is now 30 and competes in sports regularly. Emily’s favorite leg of the race is cycling. So we spent a great day with her both on location and inside the gym at PPD headquarters. Her spirit and zest for life is truly inspiring.