Survivor Stories | Do you have a story to share?

Every person who faces a urologic condition has a unique story to tell. Whether you are a patient, caregiver or family member – you are a survivor and sharing your story can make a difference in your own life as well as to others going through the same thing.

While talking about your story is vital for shared decision making with your doctor, there can be more to share than just facts and figures alone as they can be difficult to relate to, absorb and remember.  Personal stories create human connection through which people can learn more and with a deeper understanding. Knowing what someone else went through can help others see likeness in their own lives more quickly, recall their own facts easier and feel a part of something bigger than themselves.

Yes, telling your survivor story may seem scary, but it may also be very freeing. Sharing your story can help give meaning to the urologic issue. Even sharing your feelings of pain, loss or being confused may help others feel less alone. Knowing your story can provide a lifeline to someone who feels as if they are the only person going through something, can provide comfort and a sense of purpose to both the storyteller and the listener.

The Urology Care Foundation feels survivor stories can bring people together and raise awareness around urologic conditions. By reading, listening or watching these survivor stories, our hope is that others may find comfort in knowing they are not alone. These stories provide support and a feeling of connection among people across the world, while allowing them to learn about these urologic conditions in more detail.

Survivor Stories are a part of healthy living. We share them in the following ways:

• Care Blogs around various topics include survivor stories, awareness months and patient education, just to name a few. Check out one of our most recent Care Blogs about a mother's fierce fight for the life of her son.
• Podcasts allow you to listen to better understand conditions as well as gain a sense of connection with other survivors. Listen to one of the latest podcasts featuring Matt Ode, who shares his story as a testicular cancer survivor and his advice on finding hope.
• Videos of survivors, patients and caregivers who discuss their journeys may be explored by visiting the Survivor Story Playlist on YouTube.

Have a story to share? We invite you to tell your story today. Your story may help you while also helping others. You may do so with or without sharing your identity with the public.

Share your story here.