In 2013 Nancy Borowick’s mum and dad both underwent treatment for cancer at the same time. She decided to document her parents journey. These powerful photographs reveal that journey through the good times and the bad, from the important parts to the daily banter and conversations they had.
The photographer set out to capture the bravery that both her parents shared in the face of mortality and record the pain and challenges they both experienced.
Both the bad times and the good times were captured, “from the daily banter they shared as husband and wife to their shifting dynamic as patient and caregiver”.
Her mothers battle with breast cancer has been going on for the past 20 years.
Her fathers battle however with Pancreatic cancer only lasted for one year.
By photographing my parents, I have been able to document their story and capture their essence, remembering the good moments and the bad, as well as the silly moments and the sad. The project has become our shared history.
Borowick says that cancer has given her family a harsh yet valuable reminder: an awareness of time.
This story strengthened my belief in the notion that to tell a powerful and honest story, one must seek true intimacy and humility with the subject. Photographing my family and my life has been one of the most challenging experiences I’ve ever had. … I constantly struggle with my ever-changing roles as photographer, daughter, and caretaker.
Sadly her father lost his battle with Pancreatic cancer, and now Borowick continues to capture her mothers day to day life as she continues with her battle against breast cancer.
“A cancer diagnosis affects the whole family, even those who are not sick, and while our situation may be unique, our story is a universal one.”
“Now a widow at 59 years old, my mother grieves the loss of my father while simultaneously coming to terms with her own life and illness.”
These photographs offer an in-depth and powerful look into the lives of those effected by cancer. Not only do they tell the moving story of Borowicks family, but they are also representative of every family who is effected by cancer.
source: www.nancyborowick.com
via BuzzFeed
