We are proud to announce a second grant in August. 2025. Congratulations!

The Healing Pen & Mic: A Journaling & Podcast Project for the Cancer Community supports cancer patients and survivors in the St. Paul area through a unique journaling workshop series and companion podcast. Our project offers a vital, no-cost space for individuals to process their cancer journeys, find emotional solace, and cultivate resilience through expressive writing.

This four-hour workshop session, designed for 15-20 participants, provides participants with a beautiful journal, quality writing tools, and guided prompts to help them explore their experiences, fears, hopes, and newfound strengths. We'll foster a supportive environment where attendees can connect with peers and learn practical self-care techniques. Refreshments and a light lunch, featuring easily digestible and nutritious options, will be provided, ensuring comfort and care.

Crucially, "The Healing Pen & Mic" extends its impact beyond the workshop walls. With voluntary and consensual participation, attendees can choose to share their experiences with journaling (not their private entries) in a podcast component. These recorded conversations will amplify diverse voices from the cancer community, fostering empathy, reducing isolation, and offering inspiration and validation to a wider audience. The podcast will be distributed through various podcast platforms, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more, reaching listeners within the St. Paul community and beyond.