THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

Why? The WSA has undertaken a global call to action to transform survivorship from a mood to a movement by empowering, educating, and connecting women whose lives have been touched by cancer.

Women cancer survivors around the world are challenged to use their experiences to better themselves, other survivors and society as a whole and invited to send a 500-word or less essay, writing from this theme: "Cancer was the journey; survivorship was the destination. Here's how I'm using what I learned from my experience." The deadline for submission is July 31, 2013. The essay submissions will be displayed in the "Second Act Showcase" at the National Women's Survivors Convention, August 22-24, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, TN. Celebrities, renowned cancer clinicians, authors and motivational speakers will educate, motivate and inspire nearly 1,000 attendees. Attendees have registered from all 50 states, Canada, the U.K., Germany and Australia.

The "Second Act Showcase" will then follow the attendees to the Grand Ole Opry for the Martina McBride performance the last night of the convention (August 24th, 2013). There, all concert-goers will have the opportunity to view the showcase while the Opry is turned purple in honor of survivors.

Individuals may submit more than one entry to the essay contest; however, each entry must be made separately, and each must adhere to the 500-word limit. While not required, entrants are encouraged to attend the National Women's Survivors Convention to support their essay and help create a visual for the global call to action.

For early bird registration for the National Women's Survivors Convention, visit:

www.survivorsconvention.com/register.asp .