Mark Burkholder documented his wife Paige's battle with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare form of liver cancer. He chose to photograph her health decline over three years, aiming to capture the honest and raw realities of the disease. The couple moved to the San Juan Islands before her diagnosis, seeking a fresh start.

Burkholder's photos and videos on TikTok, including the one describing her aging in fast forward, have gained millions of views. He hopes to foster radical honesty about cancer and the experience of caregiving. He emphasizes the physical and mental toll on caregivers, and the need for practical support during such difficult times.

He is encouraging others to focus on the realities of the disease and how to give support. Burkholder's mission is to help others cope with the emotional and practical challenges of cancer, and to improve the support that caregivers receive. His message has resonated with those who have also experienced loss.

Burkholder wants to provide a “field manual” for those who need practical advice, such as how to communicate with doctors effectively. He hopes to help others navigate the complexities of cancer care, and to offer guidance on accepting and utilizing support from others during this difficult time. His goal is to provide practical support.