The Power of a Story by Alyssa

The Power of a Story by Alyssa - June 2014 Scholarship Essay

If I were to write another book, I would want to help others share their stories of overcoming obstacles. In 2013, I published a memoir about my experience living with a rare disease called Gardner syndrome. Diagnosed in 2005, I am the fourth generation of my family to inherit this genetic disorder that predisposes patients to developing colorectal cancer if left untreated.

I started writing to help me cope with living with my condition. Writing enabled me to be able to make meaning from my experiences and it helped me see everything that I could be grateful for.

Helping others share their stories is something that I am passionate about. I believe that stories are much more valuable than statistics. Stories are what inspire people to take action, helping others. Stories bring people who are facing similar obstacles together, to help support each other.

Sharing my own story has helped me make meaning from my experiences and to appreciate my journey. I see writing as an art that can help people express themselves when spoken word cannot. In the future I hope to collect stories from people who share my disorder and publish them in a book that benefits a non-profit organization that supports patients with Gardner syndrome.