You are a Survivor. Tell Us Your Story.
The André Sobel River of Life Foundation is seeking submissions for the ninth annual André Sobel Award, an essay contest for survivors of pediatric cancer or other serious illnesses.
A $5,000 cash award will be presented to the first place winner, with additional prizes going to second and third place winners. Participants must be between the ages of 12 and 21. This year, participants are asked to respond to the topic:
“Things I’ve needed to tell you: My experience facing illness and how it has changed me.”
Writers also have the option to submit an essay in conjunction with a companion essay, written by a close friend or relative.
The André Sobel award was established to honor young survivors or a catastrophic illness and to enable them to fulfill a cherished desire as they proceed with their lives in a way that was not possible for André. The award is in celebration of André’s life that ended prematurely, one year after being diagnosed with a brain tumor at 17 years old. Shortly after his death, the family established the André Sobel River of Life Foundation to honor him through the work of the foundation. His mother, Valerie, serves as the Foundation’s president. About the essay contest, Ms. Sobel says, “This award celebrates survivors and the courage of those who speak openly about their journey.”
Submissions will be accepted until April 1 and winners will be notified by July, 1 2010. Information and guidelines are available online at http://andreriveroflife.org/participate/award/. Last year’s winning essays were chosen by a panel that included Dr. Deepak Chopra, adolescent/teenage psychiatrist Dr. Esteban Fuertes, author Lisa See, filmmaker Tatiana von Furstenberg, and artist Patience Brewster. The 2010 award is sponsored by Varian Medical Systems.
