AJAs 2017 Finalists
Attachments
| Slug/Label | The last kiss |
|---|---|
| Date Aired or Published | Jan. 4, 2023 |
| Media outlet where first aired or published: | The Guardian/SaltWire |
| Name of Program: | |
| If co-produced, list partner: | |
| Location: | Charlottetown |
| List awards, grants: | |
| Running time (TV/Radio): | |
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Short explanation of the story and how it developed: Dave Stewart narrates a story of love, loss, and the human condition in "P.E.I. couple shares one final kiss before medically assisted death." This short feature captures the poignant journey of Mary Phalen and her partner Craig Mackie, as they confront the inevitability of death in the face of a terminal illness. Stewart's story opens with a sentence as straightforward as it is profound: "Mary Phalen crawled into bed next to her partner on Nov. 2 and gave him his dying wish – a warm kiss." In these few words, he sets the stage for a narrative that is both intimate and universal. The journalist doesn't shy away from the grim realities of Mackie's condition — sarcoidosis, which led to pulmonary fibrosis. He describes, in unvarnished detail, Mackie’s physical decline and the emotional toll it takes on Phalen. Stewart's description of the couple's final moments together is both heartbreaking and uplifting, showcasing the strength of their love in the face of insurmountable odds. The storytelling is compact yet rich with meaning. Stewart focuses on the essential elements of the story — the couple's love, their facing of death, and the finality of Mackie's choice for a medically assisted death. There is a sense of dignity in the way these moments are portrayed. Stewart also touches upon the broader implications of medically assisted death, handling a delicate subject with grace and respect. He does not indulge in unnecessary sentimentality; instead, he presents the facts in a way that allows the reader to draw their own conclusions. This story is a powerful piece of journalism that deserves recognition. It tells a deeply human story with simplicity, honesty, and compassion. The piece not only sheds light on that deeply personal story but also opens a window into the complexities surrounding medically assisted death, making it an important contribution to the field of journalism as well as the community. |
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Resources of the newsroom (money and time) available to complete the story: This was a story that developed over several months. It took time to build enough of a rapport to get multiple interviews when my subject and her partner were going through the worst time in their lives. I spent a significant amount of time with the interviewee to get everything I needed and ensure she was able to tell her story in a way it deserved. This story involved producing a print version along with several photos and a video. That involved work from our print, web and video editors. |
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