Photo credit: © Joe McNally
Accession Number: C.2013.644.6
Dimensions: 109 in X 44 in X 0.08 in
Dimensions (Metric): 276.86 cm X 111.76 cm X 0.2032 cm
Credit Line: Gift of Joe McNally in thanks for ADORAMA's ongoing generous support of the Faces of Ground Zero Collection and of the "Faces of Ground Zero - 10 Years Later" Exhibit, 2011. Courtesy, Ellen Price, Inc. © Joe McNally.
Rebecca Canalija, Emergency Room Nurse, NYU Downtown Hospital
Description
Life-sized Polaroid photograph taken by Joe McNally depicting Rebecca Canalija, a nurse at NYU Downtown Hospital. Canalija is wearing her white nurse's uniform with her credentials and stethoscope around her neck.
Historical Notes
Rebecca Canalija was an emergency department nurse at NYU Downtown Hospital on 9/11. Located at 170 William Street, the hospital was well-rehearsed in responding to large-scale emergencies in lower Manhattan, including the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Throughout the day on 9/11, the hospital treated more than 1,000 people and maintained delivery of critical services despite its proximity to the disaster. When Canalija visited McNally’s studio in October, she reflected on that exceptional day: “We didn’t bother calling in extra staff. Everyone came in. Some had to show their IDs at police barricades to get back into Manhattan. It still makes me very sad, but I’m glad our little hospital was able to help so many.”
In 2002, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg proclaimed March 11 "Downtown Hospital Day" in recognition of the hospital’s extraordinary response to the attacks on New York City.