K*tkankerboek
In 2020 my friend Sarah got ovarian cancer.
During her recovery process, she tried to find hope and inspiration in other women’s stories who had been through a similar diagnosis, because she had no idea how she was supposed to handle everything that she was faced with.
As it turns out, there is so much medical information about cancer, but very few resources to help women through the day to day process, both in terms of practical and emotional sources. She knew that if this was already a problem for her, it would be even worst for women of color.
Hence the k*tkanker book project touches upon more than just the medical trajectory. We explore experiences of life with and after cancer. How do you deal with the mental issues that you face after your medical journey? What does the disease do with your sense of feminity and sexuality? This project is here to explore all different types of perspectives to such questions and offer a safe place or recognition for all types of women.
A project with 50 different portraits of women with cancer from all walks of life.
I photographed 50 incredible women who shared their stories to help and inspire other women dealing with cancer. After raising over €75.000 euros we succesfully completed our crowdfund campaign to get the book printed and published. While portraying them, the women opened up to me, sharing their stories and showing themselves with pride and vulnerability in front of my camera. For some it was a transformative experience, for me definitely. Making this book has changed me forever and I hope it will help many other people going forward, whether it’s women dealing with cancer or their families or friends who might find comfort or a piece of understanding through this book.
The book is available through online webshops and in your regular bookshops
All profits of the booksales are donated to support the following cancer research.
AOCR Research by Dr. M.D.J.M. van Gent Website
And after-care research POWER by Dr. J.W.M Aarts Website
