Elephants and Tea - June 2021 - 1

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Conversation
The Return of...
the Dear Cancer Issue
W
hat would you say if you could write a letter to cancer?
In December 2019, we ran our first Dear Cancer issue and
had no idea what to expect. We were completely blown away,
not only by the volume of submissions. but the raw emotions
behind each letter.
We had emails, social media posts, text messages and phone calls from readers
moved to tears. The letters triggered unanticipated emotional responses from survivors
and caregivers. In addition, we learned that social workers and other members
of the oncology medical team used these letters to start tough conversations.
The Dear Cancer issue was powerful. It was raw. It was real. And, it was necessary.
Then, 2020 happened. For a variety of reasons, we decided not to run a second
Dear Cancer issue. Our Herd let us know that the issue was missed. We listened.
Thus, back by popular demand, we present the second Dear Cancer issue.
In this issue, you will read letters expressing a variety of emotions. Some letters
may surprise you while others may seem like a long-lost friend. Our writers have
no problem expressing their deepest and sometimes darkest emotions, while others
express joy, gratitude, and humor.
These letters have a way of provoking deep emotional responses. They may remind
of what you or a loved one experienced. There may be experiences shared
that you may never thought possible. That is the beauty of the Dear Cancer issue.
There is a story for everyone.
I hope you enjoy this issue and find a way to reflect (and perhaps express) on
emotions old and new, or those never imagined. Let it out. Tell someone how
you feel. Dealing with cancer is not easy and you should not face the beast alone.
Our community is support.
Our community is storytelling.
NICK GIALLOURAKIS, EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR, STEVEN G. CANCER
FOUNDATION
#OURCOMMUNITYISSUPPORT
#OURCOMMUNITYISSTORYTELLING
JOIN THE
CONVERSATION
IF YOU WOULD YOU LIKE TO SUBMIT A STORY TO BE PUBLISHED IN
ELEPHANTS AND TEA, PLEASE CONTACT NICK@ELEPHANTSANDTEA.COM
ELEPHANTSANDTEA.COM
JUNE 2021
1
http://www.ELEPHANTSANDTEA.COM
Elephants and Tea - June 2021

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