A Community Survey!

Lacuna Loft logo

We are reaching out to ask your opinion about a potential change we’re considering for Lacuna Loft. For those who may not know, “Lacuna” is defined as a blank space, an interval, or a gap…what we interpret as a hiatus of sorts. And “Loft” just seemed like a cool place to hang out. Our founder, Mallory, wanted Lacuna Loft to be a safe place where one could come and recover while learning to thrive. Where someone would want to stay a bit, hang out, and learn to live vibrantly during their hiatus.

While we love what this stands for, there have been challenges with the name. People often confuse “Lacuna” with the city name “Laguna” and believe that the organization is a physical place or retreat (“loft”). There is also some confusion when people search for “Lacuna Loft” online as there is a real estate company in Chicago named “Lacuna Lofts.” Issues like this add a level of complication by creating the need to correct, adjust, and explain the name, rather than focus on the support Lacuna Loft provides.

That said, we are considering a name change – a rebrand – that will reinforce our purpose and strengthen our ability to grow and support the community. We would not exist today if it was not for you and your involvement with us. Before we do anything, we want to know what you think!

Please take a few minutes to complete this survey to help us learn more about your experience with Lacuna Loft and your opinions and how we can evolve in a way that will continue to provide meaningful support to you.

Your responses are voluntary and will be confidential. Responses will not be identified by individual. All responses will be compiled together and analyzed as a group. If you would like to take the survey, please do so by August 15th.

 

 

Welcome Jennifer + Vlad!

jennifer sherman

Lacuna Loft is excited to continue introducing more young adult voices! These great folks represent a variety of perspectives on the myriad of topics covered here at Lacuna Loft. Before everyone starts really getting into the nitty-gritty of all they have to say, we wanted to introduce them a bit. Without further ado, here is Jennifer (and Vlad)!

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My name is Jennifer, and my cancer’s name is Vlad. I was minding my own business on a sunny November day when cancer decided to introduce itself to me. At 31, I discovered I had chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. January 3, 2019 marked my farewell to my left kidney and Vlad.

Cancer has been a whirlwind that blew through my life in just a few months before leaving a confused heap of debris behind. I’m still trying to understand the meaning of everything that’s happened and learn how to utilize that new perspective going forward. Still, that typhoon exposed a sturdy, underappreciated foundation that I am rebuilding on. My goals after reaching NED status include transforming my overall health and raising awareness about young adult cancers.

Through growing up in northeast Ohio, to teaching English in Japan, to starting my journey over in the Buckeye State, I’ve had animals by my side. I like to spend time with my pets when not working online as a writer and editor. As a lifelong fan of fantasy fiction, I often daydream about magical creatures and record a few of their antics on paper.

Share Your Young Adult Cancer Voice

pen

Anyone who has written with Lacuna Loft during a session of our Unspoken Ink: Young Adult Cancer Creative Writing Workshop has heard me say how powerful I believe the voices of young survivors and caregivers to be.  These voices, these stories, have the power to tear down the isolation someone feels when they’ve never met another survivor their age, when they live too far away to seek survivorship support, and every situation in between.

Interested in sharing your story?  Lacuna Loft shares stories ranging from all sorts of topics: fertility, cooking, parenting, DIY, self-advocacy, survivorship, caregiving, and more…all with young adult cancer in mind.  Fill out the form below and we’ll get in touch with you!

Looking For More Young Adult Voices!

writing with Lacuna Loft

Over the past few weeks, Lacuna Loft has welcomed two new people to our Young Adult Voices program!  This program offers new articles or videos, 5 days a week, to young adult cancer or chronic illness patients, survivors, and caregivers.  We hope to end isolation by showing each and every young adult facing these dramatic health concerns they are not alone…there are other people out there, just like them, who get it.

Lacuna Loft is expanding our horizons and looking for even more contributors to add to our Young Adult Voices program!  Each young adult who writes on Lacuna Loft adds a special perspective to the young adult cancer and chronic illness spectrum.  Your stories have the ability to help another young adult going through what you are.  These young adults understand what it is like to walk in your shoes and are willing to share pieces of their lives and experiences.

If you are a young adult cancer or chronic illness patient, survivor, or caregiver, consider joining us here and writing with Lacuna Loft.  You can share your voice.  You can share your story.  You can make a difference.  We are #StrongerTogether.

Email info@lacunaloft.org if you are interested.