5 Reasons to Share Your Personal Story

Long, long ago, in my previous life before cancer, I was a newspaper journalist. I worked as a reporter then an editor as daily newspapers for approximately 10 years before entering the field of public relations. Part of that time, I was editor of a features section and coached some of our contributing writers. That experience now helps me coach lung cancer patients/survivors share their stories. The purpose of this article is to encourage you—as a reader—to share your own story.

Why should you write your story?

There are many excellent reasons to share your personal story. As a lung cancer advocate, I love to hear personal stories about how lung cancer impacted a person’s life and—more importantly—how they are managing or overcoming the inevitable challenges that come with such a diagnosis.

Some of the stories I have heard over the more than 12 years of my own survival, have been profoundly powerful and incredibly inspirational. I remember a young woman who was a veterinarian oncologist who treated cancer in animals who shared her story with me. She had been pregnant with her first child, when she diagnosed herself with cancer. We became fast friends and she later helped me when my cat was diagnosed with cancer. It broke my heart—and the heart of everyone who knew her—when she passed away a few years later. Nevertheless, knowing her—however briefly—enriched all of our lives!

Likewise, when I learned about a young girl only nine years old diagnosed with lung cancer, I grew to know and love her and her family. That experience deeply enlarged my heart.

There are amazing stories about empowered patients who—after entering one clinical trial after another—defy all odds and thrive many years.

Every story is unique

Everyone has a story. While you may not think your story seems so dramatic, it is unique. So is your experience and your voice.

Sharing your story can have a powerful impact on others. Your story may resonate, encourage or comfort someone you may never even meet. Your story can also educate others about lung cancer.

Even though you may have lung cancer, lung cancer does not need to be the focus of your unique, personal story. There are as many reasons to write as there are words to write. Here are just a few more reasons to share your story:

1. Writing to express your thoughts and feelings may be more comfortable than doing so verbally.
2. It is therapeutic.
3. Writing your story creates an accurate record of your life that may otherwise be lost.
4. Capturing your story helps show others what is important in your life.
5. Once you write your story, you can always add to or edit it, as your perspective or life changes.

Do not think that you have to be a professional writer to share your own story! You don’t even have to be a good speller. Next, Helpful Tips to Write Your Story.

You can share your story with the community here.