Hello, I am Jacqueline Meehan. This past year, June 2004, at age 36, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. In August 2004, I had a radical hysterectomy. Overwhelmed by the drastic change in my life, I began to write poetry. I wrote my first “Cancer” poem on July 25, 2004. Never a poet before, I wrote to express feelings that I wasn’t able to talk about. To get through cancer treatment, I assumed the role of being a strong and optimistic woman, a “female warrior” in a sense. But inside, I had feelings of anger, sadness and fear which were not being addressed. Through poetic expression, I was able to express these feelings safely. Soon it became fun to write, and then a therapeutic need developed.

I looked for poetry books by young adults with cancer and could find none to buy. I wanted to read others' poems during my recovery.   I knew if writing poetry has helped me, it surely must have helped others. So why not create a book honoring the feelings of young adults living with cancer? Thus, my project began. Young adults with cancer are unique. We are trying to define ourselves as others our age are doing but we are also juggling a chronic illness at the same time. At times, it is difficult and overwhelming to explain ourselves and our feelings. But as young adults with cancer, we have a common connection. We can support each other.

I am collecting poems for a book entitled "Poetic Voices of Cancer." I am truly honored to receive your poetry for this project and excited to make this book a reality.

A portion of the proceeds from this book will go to Sunstone Cancer Support Foundation in Tucson Arizona and Planet Cancer which have truly helped me.

Submission Guidelines:

1. I am looking for poetry from young adults (18-45), both men and women, who have personally experienced cancer. While friends and family have important voices and feelings, I am not accepting poems from them at this time.

2. Although the poetry does not have to mention Cancer, it must be an outgrowth of your cancer experience.

3. Multiple submissions are accepted.

4. Poems can be submitted in other languages with an English translation.

5. Please submit along with your poetry, your name, age, address, phone number and email address.

6. Poetic works may be mailed or emailed to:

    

   Jacqueline Meehan 310 E. Lester Street. Tucson, AZ 85705

   EMAIL: poeticvoices@cox.net

    

7. Currently there is no deadline for submissions. All work will be copyrighted.