Diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer at age 25, Tanner Martin and his wife, Shay, raced to build a family despite a terminal prognosis. This intimate story documents the final months of Tanner’s life, culminating in the birth of his daughter, AmyLou, just 41 days before his death at age 30. His experience puts a human face on a staggering global trend: people born in 1990 now face a 200 to 300% increased risk of some early-onset cancers compared to previous generations.
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2026 Photo Contest - North and Central America - Stories
Tanner's Song
Photographer
Jahi Chikwendiu
The Washington Post
Camera
Sony ILCE-9M3
Jury comment
This intimate human story, exploring the rise of cancer among younger populations, was told beautifully, with sensitivity and respect. The traditional black-and-white documentary style balances tenderness with the gravity of the subject and draws the viewer in, enabling a respectful observation of the family's experience. Each frame holds power, demonstrating photography’s important role in documenting critical health issues and fostering reflection and dialogue.