Anna Rathkopf

Photographer and videographer with focus on health, identity and community

CNN: These photos show a dramatic role reversal millions of people have experienced

#Media
Published on CNN



We know that caregiving can be a difficult and emotional journey, especially when you're part of the "Sandwich Generation," caring for aging parents and children. 

 

Our photo essay highlights not only the sacrifices and challenges of caregiving, but also the unique perspective of switching roles. We share the journey that my mother, Helena, and I took as we cared for each other during difficult times. My mom supported me during my breast cancer treatments in 2017, and I helped her recover from a stroke and cancer last year.
 
Through this relatable and intimate photo essay, we hope to provide a sense of community for those navigating the difficult caregiving journey, and bring awareness and support to those in similar situations. We want others to feel that they aren't alone in this experience either.
 
We invite you to take a look at our work, which reflects the collective experiences of caregiving and a means of processing and understanding its complexities.
 
A heartfelt thank you to the amazing team at CNN and others along the way, including Visura, who believed in our work and helped bring this story to a larger audience.
 
CNN: These photos show a dramatic role reversal millions of people have experienced - Jesse, Helena and Violent playing in bed. May 2, 2022 Brooklyn
Jesse, Helena and Violent playing in bed. May 2, 2022 Brooklyn
CNN: These photos show a dramatic role reversal millions of people have experienced - Anna rests in bed with her son Jesse while going through chemotherapy treatments. May 13, 2017...
Anna rests in bed with her son Jesse while going through chemotherapy treatments. May 13, 2017 Brooklyn
CNN: These photos show a dramatic role reversal millions of people have experienced - Anna looking at Jordan after a moment of reflection on her cancer journey. May 26, 2017...
Anna looking at Jordan after a moment of reflection on her cancer journey. May 26, 2017 Brooklyn
CNN: These photos show a dramatic role reversal millions of people have experienced - Anna in the hospital with her mother and mother-in-law, waiting for her lumpectomy to remove her...
Anna in the hospital with her mother and mother-in-law, waiting for her lumpectomy to remove her tumor. January 11, 2017
CNN: These photos show a dramatic role reversal millions of people have experienced - Anna, Jesse and Helena prepare a meal in the kitchen. August 31, 2021
Anna, Jesse and Helena prepare a meal in the kitchen. August 31, 2021
CNN: These photos show a dramatic role reversal millions of people have experienced - Helena rests her hand on Anna’s forehead during Anna’s chemotherapy treatment. February 18, 2017...
Helena rests her hand on Anna’s forehead during Anna’s chemotherapy treatment. February 18, 2017 Brooklyn
CNN: These photos show a dramatic role reversal millions of people have experienced - Helena enjoying a summer night in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. August 3, 2018
Helena enjoying a summer night in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. August 3, 2018
CNN: These photos show a dramatic role reversal millions of people have experienced - Anna holds Helena’s hand in the hospital. July 31, 2021
Anna holds Helena’s hand in the hospital. July 31, 2021
CNN: These photos show a dramatic role reversal millions of people have experienced - Helena sleeping in a car ride upstate. August 17, 2021
Helena sleeping in a car ride upstate. August 17, 2021
CNN: These photos show a dramatic role reversal millions of people have experienced - Helena and Jesse resting on a trip upstate NY. August 18, 2021
Helena and Jesse resting on a trip upstate NY. August 18, 2021
CNN: These photos show a dramatic role reversal millions of people have experienced
Jesse, Helena and Violent playing in bed. May 2, 2022 Brooklyn
CNN: These photos show a dramatic role reversal millions of people have experienced
Anna rests in bed with her son Jesse while going through chemotherapy treatments. May 13, 2017 Brooklyn
CNN: These photos show a dramatic role reversal millions of people have experienced
Anna looking at Jordan after a moment of reflection on her cancer journey. May 26, 2017 Brooklyn
CNN: These photos show a dramatic role reversal millions of people have experienced
Anna in the hospital with her mother and mother-in-law, waiting for her lumpectomy to remove her tumor. January 11, 2017
CNN: These photos show a dramatic role reversal millions of people have experienced
Anna, Jesse and Helena prepare a meal in the kitchen. August 31, 2021
CNN: These photos show a dramatic role reversal millions of people have experienced
Helena rests her hand on Anna’s forehead during Anna’s chemotherapy treatment. February 18, 2017 Brooklyn
CNN: These photos show a dramatic role reversal millions of people have experienced
Helena enjoying a summer night in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. August 3, 2018
CNN: These photos show a dramatic role reversal millions of people have experienced
Anna holds Helena’s hand in the hospital. July 31, 2021
CNN: These photos show a dramatic role reversal millions of people have experienced
Helena sleeping in a car ride upstate. August 17, 2021
CNN: These photos show a dramatic role reversal millions of people have experienced
Helena and Jesse resting on a trip upstate NY. August 18, 2021
CNN: These photos show a dramatic role reversal millions of people have experienced
Copyright Anna Rathkopf 2025
Updated Feb 2023
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