Not Alone

Image by Kayle Kaupanger on Unsplash

Last week I attended an online writing workshop through the Wildfire community. They offer free monthly workshops on various subjects related to breast cancer. Past topics have included: love & intimacy, parenting with cancer, and staying grounded during the holidays.

I have been part of these events in the past, yet every time I am amazed at the gift that they are to the participants. April and her staff provide a welcoming place for working through the many layers of emotions that come with diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. No one is required to share what they have written, but the opportunity is presented. What’s shared in the workshop stays in the workshop.

What I can tell you is that there was an amazing sense of community among the participants - women from all walks of life, from across the globe, all drawn together. Some shared thoughts they had never dared express out loud before, or maybe didn’t even realize they were thinking until it came out on the page. I saw such love and encouragement in this group that had only minutes before been strangers to each other.

I encourage you to check out the Wildfire community. No one should have to face breast cancer alone. Don’t hesitate if you do not fall in the category of “the ones ‘too young’ for breast cancer.” On their website, they clearly state: “Although our contributors were all diagnosed under 50, we are proud to have readers of all ages finding hope and solidarity within our pages.” Dear reader, that means you.

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