Navigating a cancer diagnosis is a profound, intertwined journey for both the person with the illness and their closest supporters. Yet, traditional visual representations often fall short, focusing predominantly on early treatment phases, the battle to overcome, or the inevitable loss. These portrayals frequently overlook the complex, ongoing struggles families face as they adjust to a new and altered reality.
Surviving and navigating a cancer diagnosis is a shared experience between the person with the illness, and those nearest who are supporting and who are also changed. Yet so much of what is visually represented is a compartmentalized, incorrect, one-dimensional view, tidied up for cultural consumption. It often focuses on the early stages, or beating cancer, or losing the fight. But what about everything in-between and the ongoing challenges this community faces trying to return to a normal that no longer exists?
When Anna Rathkopf was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer at 37, she and her husband, Jordan, discovered that conventional imagery failed to capture the authentic experiences of a young family dealing with cancer. They turned the lens on themselves, creating a seven-year visual dialogue that transcends typical portrayals. HER2 emerges as a compelling exploration of illness through their dual perspectives, revealing the profound bond between Anna and Jordan while also exposing their individual traumas amidst grief and resilience.
HER2 features raw, intimate photographs taken at home, in hospital settings, and during family moments, alongside deeply personal journal entries from both Anna and Jordan. This combination offers an unfiltered portrayal of how cancer impacts every facet of life—relationships, parenting, marriage, and work. Through their visual and written narratives, Anna and Jordan confront and articulate the emotional burdens of concealment from diagnosis through survivorship. The project not only provides a nuanced view of their journey but also challenges conventional representations, aiming to normalize the complex realities of illness.
In her essay, Anna reflects, "There's pressure to embody strength and beauty, even when ill. Yet, I don't feel like a warrior or beautiful. I'm just doing what I must to survive. I've learned that gratitude can coexist with pain. And I can feel happiness and anger simultaneously. I can be loved even when I don't love myself." Her self-portraits and family images, combined with her journal entries, offer a transformative perspective on the breast cancer experience from the patient’s viewpoint.
Jordan’s reflections reveal how Anna’s photographs and journal entries impacted him: "What struck me was what I saw in her eyes—how she saw me and our son. While I focused on documenting from my perspective, I didn't realize I was also being seen... She saw past the struggles I tried to hide and loved me through it all. Seeing my photos helped her see herself differently, realizing how loved she was despite feeling alone." Jordan also shares his experiences as a male caregiver, drawing parallels to his childhood memories of his mother’s illness.
HER2 seeks to spark essential conversations about improving support for those affected by cancer. By normalizing the nuanced experiences of illness and advocating for systemic changes, the project aims to foster a deeper understanding of survivorship and resilience. The title HER2 reflects their dual roles as both the diagnosed and the caregiver, while specifically referencing the cancer subtype Anna faced.
HER2 has been recognized by the International Photographic Council at the United Nations for 2024 Photographic Achievement, marking a historic first for the Council. The Rathkopfs continue their dedication to health equity and authentic illness representation through their nonprofit, the Patient Caregiver Artist Coalition, which Jordan founded to promote truthful portrayals of illness and advance systemic support.
Anna and Jordan Rathkopf
Anna and Jordan Rathkopf, are an award-winning multicultural photography and video duo known for their focus on themes such as empathy, health, community, and identity. Their lenses often focus on the world of health, capturing the perspectives of both the diagnosed and caregivers, inspired by their own lived experiences. Their mission is to ignite real connections, inviting viewers to delve into universal themes portrayed with deep intimacy and unwavering authenticity. The Rathkopfs have been recognized for their work as cancer advocates, including recognition from the International Photographic Council at The United Nations for 2024 Photographic Achievement.
