Seeking Teens to Creatively Share Their Stories About Cancer

There is a call for entries for teen writers and artists to share their stories through writing, art, and video about how cancer has impacted their life. The "Teen Cancer Story" contest, sponsored by Gilda's Club Westchester, a free cancer support community for anyone impacted by cancer (men, women, teens and children, along with their friends and family), is looking for "original, honest, detailed, and heartfelt creative entries in the form of essays, poetry, artwork, or video submissions." This contest has been made possible by the generosity of The Westchester Bank.

This contest is open to teens ages 13 through 17 who live in Westchester, Rockland, and Fairfield counties, who have either been diagnosed with cancer, have a loved one who was diagnosed, or have experienced the loss of a loved one to cancer. Teens may only submit in one category of the contest and Teen Cancer Story submissions are not open to previous contest winners.
"A cancer diagnosis can unleash a storm of emotions, questions, and unexpected discoveries, not just for the person with cancer, but for the whole family, and even their friends." says Jen Scully, Director of Gilda's Club Westchester. "Sharing your experience can be both good for you and helpful to someone else who may be in a similar situation."

The 1st place winners of each category will receive cash prizes of $250. The runner-up in each category will also be recognized. The deadline for submissions is June 18, 2021 at 5pm. All entries must be submitted electronically. Artwork can be mailed or delivered in person to Gilda's Club Westchester, 80 Maple Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601. If submitting artwork in-person, email Jamie Aker at jaker@gildasclubwestchester.org to schedule a drop off by June 17, 2021.
Once submitted, any creative materials become property of Gilda's Club Westchester and may be displayed in publications and on gildasclubwestchester.org.

For more information about the Teen Cancer Story contest and the requirements for each category, visit https://gildasclubwestchester.org/teen-cancer-story.

About Gilda's Club Westchester

Gilda's Club Westchester, located in White Plains, NY, offers an essential complement to medical care, providing welcoming communities of free support for everyone living with cancer – men, women, teens, children, and families. The mission of Gilda's Club Westchester is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community through individual counseling, support groups, workshops, education, and social activities. Gilda's Club Westchester is an affiliate of the Cancer Support Community, the largest professionally led nonprofit network of cancer support worldwide.