Paul-Louis Godier published in The Guardian and L’Echo

Mads Greve2 hours ago on news

Paul-Louis Godier‘s story Nihal, Child of the Moon has been published in The Guardian, England and in L’Echo, Belgium.

Nihal is 26 years old and now lives in Saint-Étienne, France. Originally from Algeria, she had to leave the country with her family shortly after her diagnosis. At the time, doctors had given her a very short life expectancy: Algeria’s extreme climate would have made her survival beyond the age of five almost impossible. Photo: Paul-Louis Godier from the story Nihal, Child of the Moon

Nihal, Child of the Moon is the story of Nihal who is diagnosed with a rare and incurable condition. She is estimated to be 4,000 times more likely to develop skin cancer than unaffected people. Despite this, she remains determined to live an active, fulfilling life. 

Paul-Louis Godier started the story as his final Diploma Project at DMJX in the fall 2022. He has continued to follow Nihal since then.

Since June 2014, Nihal and the other children with XP have been wearing a new helmet, fully developed and funded by the association “Enfants de la Lune”. Photo: Paul-Louis Godier from the story Nihal, Child of the Moon
Because Nihal’s skin is extremely fragile, medical check-ups are part of her routine. She must be regularly examined to ensure that no melanoma is developing. Photo: Paul-Louis Godier from the story Nihal, Child of the Moon
Archive – 2003 – Since her diagnosis at the age of two and a half, protection from the sun has been part of Nihal’s daily life. Before the helmet, she had to wear a balaclava and ski goggles.
Nihal has just completed her studies in fashion and communication. She is now starting her career as a freelancer. Photo: Paul-Louis Godier from the story Nihal, Child of the Moon
Nihal practices judo and boxing. She prefers indoor sports, which are better suited to her needs. Photo: Paul-Louis Godier from the story Nihal, Child of the Moon
It is only a matter of minutes before Nihal can remove her helmet and gloves. As soon as night falls, UV levels drop to zero and there is no longer any danger for the children of the moon. Photo: Paul-Louis Godier from the story Nihal, Child of the Moon
There are just over a hundred children of the moon in France. Each year, the association organizes a gathering dedicated to the children affected: a time to talk about their daily lives and the challenges they face, but also to try to forget their hardships for a weekend. Photo: Paul-Louis Godier from the story Nihal, Child of the Moon