Reading the 1,000 Cancer Stories

When the campaign first launched in the summer, my aunt had wanted to talk to me. She voiced concern for my well being as the stories would start to come in. I didn't fully understand why the concern was there- I knew reading the stories would be hard, but I didn't anticipate how difficult they could be at times..

When I check the PO Box, I often get a chunk of letters waiting for me, some envelopes stuffed with several stories. I always go home before I read them & I always have to brace myself before I open up each envelope.

Reading the stories is one of my favorite things to do, but it's also so overwhelming. Probably because I feel so connected to the cause & have my own deeply personal stories, I truly feel a connection though to each picture & to each story. They all stir up a lot of emotions- whether they are stories of survivors or of the ones we have loved and lost. I think I cry by the time I'm done reading a chunk of stories. Between reading such beautiful accounts of personal fights & looking at the pictures- you are completely reaffirmed that cancer takes far too much from our lives.

It was after the first group of stories started coming in that I understood why my aunt was worried about me a little. Because now, I will forever carry these stories with me. They will be a part of my journey in the fight against cancer & they will be with me whenever I talk about how important the cause is. It's not a burden to hold these memories of others, but they can weigh heavy at times. I will forever be changed by each story, each face and each emotion that comes with it. And that's not a bad thing, it's just something that takes time getting used to.

But I have to say, I am so thankful for these stories & for every emotion they bring to the surface. I feel honored to get the opportunity to read each and every story that comes in. I truly feel that these stories are so important to the world, that they'll bring people together. They have the power to create inspiration & further the movement in the fight against cancer.

Many of you know that I started this campaign with so many intentions in mind but I didn't realize how much more this campaign would accomplish. It's been such a beautiful journey so far and with still a few weeks of story collection, I am really looking forward to reading what stories continue to come in.

So from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank everybody who has sent in their stories & have trusted me with them. I know how hard it is to share your story- any story- and for so many people to take time out of their day to join this campaign is remarkable. The campaign cannot be successful without the dedication of everybody!

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In the last few weeks of the 1,000 Stories Campaign for the fall, we are sharing with you the drop off spots where you can bring your stories if you keep forgetting to mail them in!
For all the details on the campaign & for inspiration to help you get started, please visit: 1,000 Stories Website or

Now through October 25, the Mildred E. Strang Middle School will have a 1,000 Stories drop off box in the lobby! This is a great opportunity for families to talk & reflect about cancer experiences and write stories. Kids can also write stories about what a world without cancer might look like!
On October 23 from 3-9 we will be at the Jefferson Valley Mall with a live 1,000 Stories table! You can drop off any stories you have! We'll also be set up with a printer so you can print pictures on the spot & write your stories right then and there!
Remember to get your stories into us by October 31! You an email any questions or any stories/pictures to us as well at RFLofYorktownEvents@gmail.com all month! Please remember this campaign is open to anybody with a cancer story to share- no matter where you're from or how old you are! There is no maximum amount of stories you can submit & stories can be written in any length of detail. For all the details & to get any questions you have answered you can email us or visit: 1,000 Stories Website

Don't forget to share! We need all the help we can get to reach the 1,000 Stories goal!