Social Documentary and Portrait Photographer Marella Oppenheim is the Edge of Humanity Magazine contributor of this documentary photography. From her personal project ‘Carlo’s Journey‘. To see Marella’s portfolio and archive click on any photograph.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime
Early detection saves lives
After my friend Carlo’s diagnosis, and in search of an anchor in the storm, I decided to document his journey in order to demystify the process offered to cure aggressive prostate cancer, and to reach out to others travelling along the same road by sharing the emotional and physical states Carlo would go through: A sense of weakness, of inevitability, of loss of self, of anxiety; and his fear that our relationship might crack under the pressure.
It felt like driving a child to school. A new school he was still unsure about; and I couldn’t go into the classroom with him.
Only he could travel down that road.
Me: ‘That’s nice. Outside, it’s raining.’
– I am right here.
– Do you think my hands are getting thinner?
– No. They have always been thin and gentle.
– What about my wrists?
– It’s all fine, I am here.
Carlo’s first results are better than expected.
After one year of treatment, Carlo’s results are promising. It feels wonderful to watch him swim and play in the sea. There is hope….
This is a very personal project, insomuch as Marella lost her father to the disease when it spread to his bones.
For detail information about Carlo and his treatment
See also:
Living with Prostate Cancer – An Intimate Portrait
By Marella Oppenheim
