Cancer Unwrapped Teen Writing Contest
Learning about a cancer diagnosis – your own or that of a loved one – can cause a storm of emotions, and everyone experiences it differently. We want to know what this experience was like for you.
Did you feel angry, sad, lonely, or maybe something you didn’t expect? What happened in your life, and did it change you or your perspectives?
We invite you to submit a short essay about your experience with cancer for the opportunity to win cash prizes. Since the contest began in 2006, we have received more than 5,000 submissions and handed out over $175,000 in prize money to teens.
Over the years we have received stories of triumph and stories of great loss, stories written in times of turbulence, and stories written in times of quiet reflection. Each one has been honest, heartfelt, and unique.
Submit Your Essay
Ready to share your story with us? Follow the link below to access the submission form.
Extended Deadline:
March 14th, 2021
Contest Eligibility & Guidelines
- Open to students in the United States in grades 9-12
- Essay length must range between 500-1,000 words
- The contest deadline is March 14th, 2021, midnight PST
- Cash prizes of $1,000 will be awarded to the winners.
Judges Panel
Tips for Writing
Winning Essays
Contact Information
Lisa Hubert
lisa@cancerpathways.org