Print Issue: TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE, Aug / Sept 2023, Vol 8, No 4, 100+ pages

When you think of breast cancer stories, chances are you don't think about suitcases, passports, and new cuisines, unless it is in the context of what Hollywood has taught us about bucket list trips (aka you can spend a bunch of money on a once-in-a-lifetime epic trip so long as you are dying). A year ago, the Wildfire community challenged the notion that a person diagnosed with cancer couldn't spend money on things that simply made them feel good with a one-of-a-kind Money & Cancer issue. This summer, we are back to push the idea that compelling cancer stories are compelling life stories. We've put together another one-of-a-kind magazine issue because what better stories are there than people stepping out of their everyday lives to see and experience moments and places that change them from that day forward? That make them feel truly alive? Within the Travel & Adventure issue, you'll be transported along with our writers on their epic adventures. You'll read stories of travel “firsts”: a trip that required a leap of faith or marked a major life milestone (think: first trip after diagnosis, first ever solo trip, first overseas adventure), stories that highlight the kindness of strangers met along the way, a few near misses and travel fiascos (bad for life, good for the story!), and of course, lessons learned along the dusty and/or cobblestoned path. Not all cancer stories take place in a cramped doctor's office or at home in bed - some take place with amazing views, good food, and memories to last a lifetime. 

Contents:

Cover Star: Julie Ann Chase

Ready to Go a poem by Julie Ann Chase | Taking the Plunge by Beth DeLong | Erin go Bragh by Gretchen Stelter | Traveling with Pets by Emma Jarrett | Azorean Dreams by Christy Avila | Just Make it to the Bench by Jennifer Adams | Fernweh by Mardi Kaplan | The Water Spirit by Vikki Pedigo | Mermaid by Tara Coyote | Traveling Alone by Miranda Gonzales | When in Doubt, Take the Road Trip a poem by Sophie Dormal | Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer Through Place by Mary Burman | May My Gratitude Overflow by Alyssa Tsagong | Indiana Jane and the Cancer Cave of Darkness by Silvana Langley | Québec Beckons by Anita Saesing | Living My Dreams by Macee Maddock | AKA Trouble by Patti Duncan | Ode to Jessica by Tina Conrad | Reclaiming My Passion by Lisa Frizzell

PLUS: Editor’s Note and Tell Your Story Writing Prompt by April Johnson Stearns