The Elephant in the Room is Cancer. Tea is the Relief Conversation Provides.

Submitting Your Story

We appreciate your interest in sharing your story with the Elephants and Tea AYA (adolescent and young adult) cancer community!

Please read the guidelines below before submitting using the form at the bottom of this page.

Our Director of Content will reach out to you once your submission has been reviewed. Because of the influx of submissions we receive, this will take a minimum of two weeks.

Most articles submitted will be shared only on our website, as we post three articles a week: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Articles are typically scheduled at least two months in advance.

Current Digital Submission Theme:
Rituals and Hobbies for Coping – Due 8/4/23 
*theme description below

We have four quarterly print magazines that come out in March, June, September, and December. While we would love to include every submission in one of our magazines, we unfortunately are unable to do so.

Current Magazine Submission Theme:
Words Matter – Due 6/23/23
*theme description below

Digital and Magazine Theme Descriptions:

Digital Call for Submissions:

Rituals and Hobbies for Coping
*Submissions Due: Friday, August 4th

Cancer and survivorship is overwhelming. What are some things that help you cope with life as an AYA cancer patient or survivor? Are there hobbies that distract you or help you process your experience? Maybe you have rituals that help your life feel more grounded? Or is there something you haven’t tried that you’d like to?

2023 Magazine Themes:

March Issue – The Unseen Challenges of Survivorship
*Submissions Closed

June Issue – Dear Cancer
*Submissions Closed

September Issue – Words Matter
*Submissions Due: Friday, June 23rd

The words we use have power. You get to choose the language you use surrounding your cancer experience. What are your thoughts on the language surrounding survivorship, your cancer “journey,” cancer as a battle, or being called brave? What is something someone has said to you about cancer that was insensitive or hurtful? What about something that was exactly what you needed in that moment?

December Issue – Rediscovering Yourself After Cancer
*Submissions Due: Friday, September 15th

Cancer changes your life drastically, especially as an AYA. How has your life changed since cancer? Have you experienced positive or negative changes? What does your life look like now compared to before cancer? Is there a new job or hobby in your life? How has your outlook on life changed? What do you value more after cancer? What do you want less of in your life now?

Submission Requirements:

"There is no right or wrong way to share your story. Your writing might take you in a direction you didn't expect and that's okay. Write from the heart and share what you are comfortable with. I'm excited to read your submission!"
-Rachel Mihalko
Director of Content
  • Please write between 500 – 1000 words for website submissions
  • Please write between 1200 – 1500 words for magazine submissions
  • Please write between 1000 – 1200 words for Perkatory submissions
  • Poetry submissions of any word count are encouraged

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Name*
Theme of article*

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