Facing the Unfiltered Truth of Terminal Cancer

A Widower's Journey Through Grief and Photography

Mark Burkholder's life changed forever when his wife, Paige, was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, in 2022. The couple had relocated to the San Juan Islands just months prior, seeking a fresh start and a chance to reconnect. But their plans were abruptly halted by the devastating news.

As Paige's health declined over the next three years, Burkholder began to document their journey, capturing the raw and honest reality of terminal cancer through his lens. His photographs and videos reveal a stark contrast to the typical "heroic struggle" narrative often associated with cancer.

The Reality of Terminal Cancer

"It's sort of portrayed as this heroic struggle — but I think it's really more like a trench warfare in World War One," Burkholder tells PEOPLE. "You're in a trench for months and you can never sleep because there's bombs going off. There's gunfire all the time."

This unfiltered perspective is what Burkholder hopes to share with the world. By shedding light on the harsh realities of cancer, he aims to create a more authentic conversation around the disease.

A Call for Authenticity

Burkholder's work challenges the curated narratives often presented on social media, where people share only the highlights of their cancer journey. He encourages others to share their true stories, without sugarcoating the difficulties and fears that come with a terminal diagnosis.

• We need to talk about the tough stuff: the pain, the fear, and the uncertainty.
• We need to support those who are living with cancer, not just the survivors.
• We need to acknowledge the caregivers, like Burkholder, who are fighting alongside their loved ones.

By sharing Paige's story, Burkholder hopes to inspire a more genuine and supportive community for those affected by cancer.

Resources

If you or someone you know is affected by cancer, there are resources available:

• American Cancer Society: Providing support and resources for cancer patients and families.
• CancerCare: Offering free support services for people affected by cancer.

Let's work together to create a more authentic and supportive conversation around cancer.

Share your story. Support a loved one. Be part of the change.

Image Credit: people.com