Widower Shares Raw Cancer Journey Through Photos

Mark Burkholder is offering a starkly honest look at his wife Paige's three-year decline following her diagnosis with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare liver cancer. The couple relocated to Washington State's San Juan Islands in 2021, seeking a fresh start, but Paige soon experienced worsening pain that led to her diagnosis in September 2022.

Faced with a terminal diagnosis, Paige initially presented a hopeful front, but Burkholder focused on documenting the unvarnished truth of their journey. He began photographing and filming their experience, aiming to capture the isolation and suffering often hidden behind the "warrior" narrative of cancer. His work highlights the immense physical and emotional burden of being a 24-hour caregiver.

Following Paige's passing in December 2025, Burkholder shared their story on TikTok, where his raw depictions of her health decline and his role as a caregiver resonated deeply, with videos garnering millions of views. He now encourages "radical honesty" about the disease, believing that sharing the difficult realities allows others to offer genuine support and understanding.

Burkholder's mission extends beyond documenting the illness; he aims to provide practical advice for caregivers, such as effectively communicating with doctors and organizing support from friends and family. He advocates for a "field manual" approach to caregiving, emphasizing the importance of facilitating help when it is offered, a crucial step often missed in navigating such challenging times.