Local Nonprofit Complementary Cancer Care will be honoring cancer survivors for National Cancer Survivors Month by hosting a “Write Your Cancer Story” essay contest. Members of the general public are invited to submit one original, not previously published, 1,000 word or less essay inspired by a personal experience with cancer. Essays may be written from the point of view of the patient or caregiver. Three finalists will be announced in June and published on Complementary Cancer Care’s website, CompCancerCare.org, where the community will be invited to vote. Finalists will be invited to read their essay at a reception to celebrate cancer survivors. One winning essay will be printed in an upcoming Complementary Cancer Care newsletter and be published in Viera Voice newspaper.

Complementary Cancer Care partners with community experts and local resources to provide much needed support services to complement medical treatment—such as yoga, tai chi, meditation, art classes, educational speakers, peer support groups, and mental health counseling—at no cost to clients. These programs—designed to focus on movement and relaxation practices, creative expression, information, and support, among other benefits—are designed to help relieve the cancer burden and improve total quality of life. The goal is to connect people going through similar circumstances, to foster emotional support, and to provide tools and resources to educate and empower them on their journey to healing.

Submit entries by May 22, 2020, via email with your name, age, and phone number to: [email protected]. For more information on Complementary Cancer Care or to donate, visit CompCancerCare.org.